I don't believe that climate change is not happening now or has not happened in the past. However, I do think the theory of human action to be the primary engine of climate change has yet to be conclusively proven (the theory of evolution was only accepted after a 100 years of debate and study).
In that vein, I am thankful for Ted Turner's insanity because he serves as a useful warning for those who rush headlong into theories du jour. Not sure what I'm talking about? Take a look:
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/news/stories/2008/04/03/turner_0404.html
Now, getting back to the subject at hand. Ted is crazy and has demonstrated that effectively over the years. He is happy to embrace any theory that hints at conspiracy or disaster. The more, the merrier. His embrace of climate change and a world "full of cannibals" only serves as a useful warning that this issue merits further study.
Meanwhile, let's continue to enjoy Ted's craziness. He is the business world's best reality show and I hope that he makes it to VH1...!
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
What is Kendo?
What is Kendo?
This is a question that people in our community are discussing on a regular business. Whether in the dojo, online, or, around a table of pizza and beer (wow – what other sport has that as a part of its training regimen?), it is an issue that creates plenty of conversation.
The history of kendo (of which I am not an expert but, rather, a devotee) indicates that kendo has morphed from its kenjutsu origins into a martial. This makes sense in that actual combat applications of sword use are not a required part of modern combat.
Also, gaining mastery of lethal sword techniques takes too much time and requires a level of dedication to an instructor that few are willing or economically able to sustain. Those few who do survive that process find that there are few outlets for the application of their specialized knowledge.
I think the martial arts community in Japan after the Meiji restoration understood that for the culture and art of swordsmanship to survive, it would have to be adapted to modern requirements and realities.
In hindsight they did a very good job by porting the basic concepts of individual combat (distance, timing, the strategic use of psychology, and the importance of individual improvement and honing of skills through constant training) as well as some of the sword kata which retained kendo’s connection to the tradition of Japanese swordsmanship.
What was left behind was the application of mikkyo or “esoteric Buddhism” (see Dave Lowry’s excellent book Persimmon Wind for more info) and the pure combat techniques (including tactics for assaulting fortifications, grappling techniques, the art of rope binding, etc.).
This resulted as what we know today as kendo but that may not be its’ final iteration. Increasingly, kendo as a martial art is being challenged by the rise of its application as a sport. Especially in Korea, where it is known as kumdo, but in many places as well.
The question remains, though, is kendo a sport or a martial art? It is an important one because the answer will define its evolution. I very much would like to see it remain as a martial art (with the emphasis on correct technique and behavior) rather than a sport (with an emphasis on winning at any cost). The proliferation of “strip-mall” dojo’s and “masters” with dubious credentials has turned karate and taekwondo into glorified daycare for children and adults, churning out students whose actual skills will not survive long in an actual confrontation.
Thankfully, kendo makes no claim to be preparing a student for actual sword combat. Still, if kendo becomes a sport it will not be long before we see its eventual decline.
This is a question that people in our community are discussing on a regular business. Whether in the dojo, online, or, around a table of pizza and beer (wow – what other sport has that as a part of its training regimen?), it is an issue that creates plenty of conversation.
The history of kendo (of which I am not an expert but, rather, a devotee) indicates that kendo has morphed from its kenjutsu origins into a martial. This makes sense in that actual combat applications of sword use are not a required part of modern combat.
Also, gaining mastery of lethal sword techniques takes too much time and requires a level of dedication to an instructor that few are willing or economically able to sustain. Those few who do survive that process find that there are few outlets for the application of their specialized knowledge.
I think the martial arts community in Japan after the Meiji restoration understood that for the culture and art of swordsmanship to survive, it would have to be adapted to modern requirements and realities.
In hindsight they did a very good job by porting the basic concepts of individual combat (distance, timing, the strategic use of psychology, and the importance of individual improvement and honing of skills through constant training) as well as some of the sword kata which retained kendo’s connection to the tradition of Japanese swordsmanship.
What was left behind was the application of mikkyo or “esoteric Buddhism” (see Dave Lowry’s excellent book Persimmon Wind for more info) and the pure combat techniques (including tactics for assaulting fortifications, grappling techniques, the art of rope binding, etc.).
This resulted as what we know today as kendo but that may not be its’ final iteration. Increasingly, kendo as a martial art is being challenged by the rise of its application as a sport. Especially in Korea, where it is known as kumdo, but in many places as well.
The question remains, though, is kendo a sport or a martial art? It is an important one because the answer will define its evolution. I very much would like to see it remain as a martial art (with the emphasis on correct technique and behavior) rather than a sport (with an emphasis on winning at any cost). The proliferation of “strip-mall” dojo’s and “masters” with dubious credentials has turned karate and taekwondo into glorified daycare for children and adults, churning out students whose actual skills will not survive long in an actual confrontation.
Thankfully, kendo makes no claim to be preparing a student for actual sword combat. Still, if kendo becomes a sport it will not be long before we see its eventual decline.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
First Blog
I have been doing kendo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kendo) for just over two years now and find it to be an extremely challenging and interesting pursuit. I do not classify it as a hobby for the simple reason that doing so would remove its important, non-sport, attributes.
These are: the focus on correct bearing, etiquette, and other behavioral standards that are as important as the physical contest itself. This blog will be an opportunity for me to post my views and to discuss my experience in kendo as with other things. Like most blogs, it will be a "me-fest" disguised as good writing! :)
Wish me luck.
These are: the focus on correct bearing, etiquette, and other behavioral standards that are as important as the physical contest itself. This blog will be an opportunity for me to post my views and to discuss my experience in kendo as with other things. Like most blogs, it will be a "me-fest" disguised as good writing! :)
Wish me luck.
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