July 4th, 2016

This week's thought is from Sensei Larry Link
Ueshiro Shorin Ryu Karate USA
Under the direction of Hanshi Robert Scaglione

Never Stop Learning

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young." – Henry Ford

As founder of the Ford Motor Company and inventor of the Model T, Henry obviously knew a thing or two about learning. As karateka, it is our responsibility to learn, both as students and teachers of the art. Since collecting knowledge to share with others requires a deeper introspection and synthesis of our knowledge, it is when we are teaching others that we learn the most. Or more simply: "teach to learn", as Hanshi and the Kyoshi have reminded us many times.

With Ueshiro Shorin Ryu Karate, all of us have been given an incredible gift: the potential for a lifetime of learning. Nagamine Sensei referred to this as a "lifetime marathon," effectively learning forever and never arriving at the final destination of "knowing".

At times we may be frustrated with our slow pace of learning. After all, it is impossible for us to learn every move perfectly, to move with the speed of a bullet, or to understand the secrets of every kata. But, don't despair - this is a beautiful thing! In fact, knowing might be our greatest enemy. Once we "know" something, our mind begins to close. And like a plant that stops taking in water, death begins in that very moment. Better to keep your thirst and passion for knowledge. Better to keep your eyes, ears and mind open always.

“Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Never stop learning.

Arigato Gozaimasu Hanshi!

Sensei Larry Link