Welcome back. I am glad you are here. You are a tremendous blessing to me. I am so glad you are part of my world. In my last post I encouraged my readers to explore. When I first started training at the martial arts school my Sensei used an illustration that has stuck with me. He stated that I would be given different ingredients to bake a cake, but it was my job to actually bake the cake. Initially I had no idea what ingredients he had in mind. My interest was to learn and grow as a martial artist, so I suited up and showed up. With time, I discovered that we were being taught the style and principles of Jeet Kune Do, a hybrid martial arts system and life philosophy founded by martial artist Bruce Lee in 1967. One of the principles that Bruce Lee shared with his students exemplifies an important concept that helped me in my process.
I have not invented a “new style,” composite, modified or otherwise that is set within distinct form as apart from “this” method or “that” method. On the contrary, I hope to free my followers from clinging to styles, patterns, or molds. Remember that Jeet Kune Do is merely a name used, a mirror in which to see “ourselves”
At the martial arts dojo or studio, we learn many different styles to enhance the nature of our abilities. Through learning and practicing those skills, our individual paths take shape. Although we all are required to know specific skills in order to progress, our journeys are not etched in stone. The goal is to provide each student with various tools. The tools are to be used to build a foundation. As the foundation settles, the student is encouraged to explore.
Our experiences in life provide the opportunities that in turn create our journey. Our willingness to explore on that journey will determine how our destiny unfolds. The journey of becoming a black belt involves, struggle, determination, perseverance, courage, and tenacity in the face of disappointment. Patience provides the road to that goal.
Life may not have provided you with the most pleasant of circumstances. You may have been abused, neglected, abandoned or worse. You may have a disability that has shattered your dreams and aspirations. My journey has provided many of those disappointments (please read My Journey thus Far). I am in no way minimizing your set of circumstances, nor am I heralding my life to you. The point is that although life may not seem fair to you or to me at times, we do not have to stay stuck in hopelessness. Do what needs to be done to make your life work for you. Be open to explore and the answers will come to you. Use what has been given to you and more will be revealed. And most of all, do not give up on yourself.
Here is my Contact page. Send comments and questions and I will respond to you.
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sensei says
Craig, I like this post. I enjoyed reading your understanding of the concepts Bruce Lee was working towards. Keep it up. – Sensei