Article Translation:
400 Undefeated Fights! A Special Interview with legendary martial artist Rickson Gracie."Winning is not the most important thing, rather, it is important to NEVER BE DEFEATED."
Part 1-B: The Age of the Samurai is long over...
Q: So, you're saying that Japanese people feel they are always guarded by something right?
Rickson: Yes, but let's not get critical here.
Rather than just listening to their voice of reason, I would like them to be inclined to listen to what their heart is saying, even act upon those feelings they have inside them. The age of the Samurai, a time when people bowed to their enemies out of reverence, is long over.
 |
| "I feel (Samurai, pirate like Vikings) both lifestyles are incorrect." Photo by Takahiro Kohara |
Q: How should Japanese people think and act from now on?
Rickson: The important thing is to recognize and admit that you may be living a boring or inactive life. Therefore, you need to figure out how to elevate your potential emotionally, psychologically, spiritually, and physically. Without knowing what you need it would be very difficult to start acting in a new way.
It's important to think how you feel about things in addition to how you will provide for your family or your work place duties.
What are some ways for you to take better care of yourself? Here are some examples; Bulk up a little bit, tone your muscles, get healthier, get a girlfriend.... It's all good as long as you are able to enjoy and stimulate your self to bring about an abundance of radiance and happiness from within you.
Q: What do you think about the idea of Bushido (Way of the Warrior)?
Rickson: My thoughts on Bushido and Miyamoto Musashi have never changed. I have always had a deep sense of reverence and admiration for the Samurai's contribution to Bushido and Japanese culture. However, I don't agree with the Samurai's mentality of sacrificing yourself for the sake of serving your master. As a result, when it is all said and done, I feel there is nothing left but the prestige of being a Samurai.
Pirates, much like the vikings, are the exact opposite. Invading other countries, raping the women, and stealing the treasures. Fighting purely for the sake of joy while only thinking about themselves. On one hand the Samurai may have taken righteous actions as humans, yet on the other hand they sacrificed their spirits by not pursuing their personal goals or their joys in life.
I feel both ways of thinking are wrong.
Coming Next: I don't just blindly revere Bushido...
Article Source:
http://diamond.jp/articles/-/9482?page=2
Translation by:
Eliot Kelly
Eliot Kelly
www.edhbjj.com
"Read, Share, Train, Adapt."
No comments:
Post a Comment