| Why practice the classical warrior skills and adhere to a philosophy that appears antiquated to many? The sword has defined the warrior for thousands of years. It has defined the power, ethics, duty, and self defense of a class of people that have shaped the face of civilization on this planet. The skill, exercise, mental development, and sheer pleasure of owning a sword is unique. Hand to hand combat with edged weapons is the most demanding of human physical combat. It not only demands the most skill, both physical and mental, it develops in the adept, abilities that separates him from others and elevates intuition, reflexes, and technique, to the highest degree. For the warrior the sword represents his honor and responsibility. The emotional tie is stronger than with other weapons and the training for it's use strengthens his spirit. Any society that loses these warrior virtues is a poorer one and will soon be a society who's freedoms are lost. A warrior has an obligation to protect and defend. Every warrior is responsible for defending those who can not defend themselves. When warriors are gone, and no one fills this role because no one left has the courage or feels the moral responsibility, then that society will no longer be a society where honor and virtue are esteemed. Laws and government cannot replace this personal caring and commitment. In the absence of the warrior protector, the only way that a government can protect a society is to remove the freedom of the people. And the sons and daughters of lions become sheep. |
