"DO" - Mind, Body, Spirit
This section attempts to describe the ever so important aspects of mind and spirit.
This section is one that is very hard to "tell" to learn but hopefully we can point you
in the right direction to teach yourself.
The Kendoka who wants to do well in his/her art, needs to practice hard to master the
different aspectsof the art : the technical aspects contolled by the Body, the will to
do well controlled by the Spirit, and the attitude and knowledge to be a useful person
controlled by the Mind.
It is the desire to be a better person (usually) which brings people to pursue a martial
art in the first place, so it is interesting that there appears to be little instruction
given in this area. The student starts to learn the techniques of the art and drills in
them repetively. In this repetition and quest for perfection in the technique, in the success
and failures, it is assumed/hoped the "Do" aspects will be learned. Perhaps, this is
because none of the teachers are trained psycologists or people knowledgeable in the ways
of the mind, perhaps it is simply that historically, that's the way it's always been
done, or perhaps it is the assumption that elements of the way must be experienced first-
hand to be appreciated/understood. Or perhaps it is a combination of these reasons! (Maybe I'll
find out for myself as my own journey continues). Whatever
the reason(s), we hope the information on these pages will help you on your voyage of discovery.
The authors advice - Read and consult widely, consider everything carefully, make your own
decisions but be prepared to a) stand by them fully, and b) re-visit them often as you learn more.
