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June 2004
"Basic to human nature is perversion."
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June 5, 2004
On Saturdays I go to Karate class in Brooklyn, and usually my instructor Grandmaster Willet can pick me up and drive me there. This particular morning, he picked me up around 9:00 instead of 8:30, mostly due to the lagging nature of the other students he drives. Today I didnt have a problem with them being late, because I appreciate the ride and this was the first time. It was no big deal. Upon entering the car, i discovered that the two students (Joy, the mother and Daniel, her son) were both sick, and were coughing. There was this phlegm business going on and it was comical to me because of the comments that Grandmaster was making.
In any case we arrived at the school, and there was a Black Belt there, Wayne, and the last time i saw him was 4 or so years ago at another school location. In any case, we have this workout where we are constantly moving our feet back and forth to the tempo of this song, i believe the title is "Buildin Jerusalem" but I may be wrong.
Fun workout, song is about 6 or 7 mins long. Hence, we did this about 3 times in a row. Now, 4 years ago when I was a yellow belt, i could do one "Jerusalem" and push myself for a second. Now, I can do 3 and I still had energy for another 3. In any case, at the end of the workout, I was talking to Wayne, and he is reading Sun Tzu's "The Art of War", which is a book mostly tailored for warfare and the mentallity one needs. Unforutnately, I think that Musashi's "Book of Five Rings" is a superior book, mostly due to its nature - It is designed to make oneself embetter themselves, and "The Art of War" is for Generals, Leaders and those sorts of positions. Both are good, but persoanlly, I'll keep the Five Rings on myself at all times.
Not to say that "The Art of War" is a bad book, in no way am I saying that. I'm merely saying that for practical purposes, Miyamoto Musashi's book is better. But let me get back to this Saturday's events. On the ride home, It was outwardly evident to Grandmaster that I was maturing and seeing things beyond what they tangibly were. One such occasion was whilest Joy was talking to him. He noticed that she wasnt hacking and coughing like she was this morning. He stated that the "Jerusalem's" must help. Then Joy tried to get slick and asked why Daniel wasnt feeling better, and I said "They only work if you do them right". Just one example. he also noted that my demeanor and my intensity has changed. That pleased me, because I have been changing. I have gotten in less petty arguments, I am now following the Way and I fully believe in myself through the power of God.
Just my 10 cents on the matter.
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