4 reasons Bushin Ryu Aiki Bujutsu is the key to self-development

Guest post by Jim Lehrer

I believe that we are in desperate need in the modern world for tools to help make better people. The modern era has by and large forgotten that strength and resilience of body, mind, and spirit used to be the yardstick by which people were measured. These were the dimensions of the warrior, those who sought to better themselves to serve others. One only has to look at the rate of obesity, disease and mental illness to see that these traits are seldom cultivated today.

The study of the Bushin Ryu Aiki Bujutsu martial system can be an antidote to these ills. Developed by Kaiso Dedeuc D’Antonoli and rooted in the martial traditions of ancient Japan, Bushin Ryu is a martial system that develops body, mind and spirit in students, making better lives and better people. Here are the four main reasons for this:

1. Control the “Fighting Mind”

Too often today we view our activities, our marital arts, and even our lives in the context of an “us versus them” myopic perspective. The incredible popularity of sports of all manner is a symptom of this way of thinking. Now, I have nothing against sports. But cultivating the mind that resists the point of conflict, that always looks for the battle, is a poor way to live. All the more, in actual physical conflict, the “fighting mind” pursues an agenda, has to be the strongest, attempts resolution only by resisting or overpowering. Bushin Ryu teaches that the better path is to drop this contentious perspective and be open to whatever presents itself in the moment. The developed individual is open to possibilities, is fluid and adaptable, and is a better person for it.

2. Enter without Fear into Connection with Others

I believe the highly developed person uses this openness to connect fearlessly with others. We express our lives in relationship with others, but so many people hold back due to shyness, fear, or any number of socially debilitating issues. In Bushin Ryu, students work almost exclusively with partners in a non-confrontational, collaborative process of learning. We say, as they do in the military, that “a warrior is only as strong as the warriors sitting on either side of him/her.”

3. Physical Fluidity = Mental Fluidity

Bushin Ryu is one of the few martial arts that demands complete fluidity of motion. No defending territory here. This fluidity in the physical sense is essential if students are going to work around the point of conflict rather than meet power with power. As I get older, I am increasingly aware of the fact that no matter how well I treat my body, it is gets a little less strong with every passing year. I am deeply grateful that Bushin Ryu has taught me that my physical strength and speed have little to do with my ability to execute technique. In the same way, when I am fluid mentally, not simply pushing my agenda or perspective, I can be open to all manner of solutions that I might not otherwise see. The developed Bushin Ryu warrior reflects their mental fluidity in the beautiful, flowing grace of their martial technique.

4. Develop Calmness in Action

It seems to me that we live in a state of near-constant agitation. Our culture promotes being “fired up” as an important virtue of living an engaged life. I submit that it is preferable to be “energetically calm” rather than agitated. Bushin Ryu teaches that the cultivation of calmness in the face of whatever circumstances arise is the highest form of preparedness, and also allows us to remain open to the possibilities of happiness and compassion. It is easy, perhaps, to be calm when things are going well. The warrior trains to cultivate calm awareness in all situations, even when presented with grave physical danger. In this way, Bushin Ryu aims to instill a stable, flexible outlook on life.

If working on ourselves to better connect with and serve others is the highest and best use of our limited time here, study of the Bushin Ryu Aiki Bujutsu martial system is an ideal vehicle for that purpose.

About the Author: Renshi Jim Lehrer is a martial artist, business executive, Zen practitioner, and general Japanophile. He has studied numerous martial arts over the years, but found his true love in Bushin Ryu Aiki Bujutsu and holds the rank of 2nd Degree Black Belt. When not in the dojo he can be found (actually, would prefer not to be found) in silent retreat or at home with his wife and their three dogs. You can find more of his writings at martialartsmesa.com.