A Way Of Life - A Students Thoughts:
This was written by one of my students and given to me in the early 1970s. I have kept the original writing all these years because I believe this is how most true Martial Artists feel.
I hope you like this as much as I do.
David Roberts
A WAY OF LIFE
I come to you with empty hands. I greet each day with a purpose, enthusiasm and with humble thanks. I treat each living being with respect, for having learned respect for myself; there is no conflict within me. Because I am in total harmony with myself, I am in harmony with the world around me.
Many hundreds of years ago my teachers met. They sought the meaning of life and studied the lessons it had to offer. The things they learned were shared with a chosen few, at first limited to priests within Oriental temples. Each lesson was passed on to the others, and ultimately to me.
These lessons have been proven through constant testing over many centuries. Only those principles which have stood the test of time have been passed on, thus what I have been privileged to learn has been based not on theory, but on constant application.
My body is under my control. Countless hours of practice in basic skills have given it strength and vitality. Hours of discipline have developed graceful movement, effortless speed and devastating power.
As my body developed my mind developed also. There is unity between the two. They are blended as a single unit. Whether my fundamental skills were developed through training in Kenpo, Tae Kwan Do, Karate or other forms of Martial Arts my purpose is the same… understanding myself and understanding life. I will achieve the maximum possible with the skills I have been given, for my mind too is under my control.
Though I am capable of defending myself when the need arises, I avoid conflict whenever possible. Conflict is contrary to the principles of harmony, thus I must end it as quickly as possible and with the least possible damage to the adversary. My ultimate goal is refinement of my own character and personal growth.
Though I have been privileged to share the lessons taught by the greatest teachers in the world, greater lessons still will be taught by life itself. Through life the meaning of each lesson will be made clear. Each day is an opportunity for greater understanding. Thus, of the principles I have learned the most important is that there is yet much more to learn – and I am the student of life because I am the student of the Martial Arts.
-- John F. Bartsch (Jack)
International Ching Sai Do Federation
P.O. Box 822, Cibolo Texas 78108