Simple Lessons:
Short, concise lessons and concepts helpful to students
and teachers
The Wisdom Of Youth
By Scott Kelley
I recently went to go see The Forbidden Kingdom with my 6 year old son
and my 8 year old nephew. They are both very into anything involving Karate,
Kung Fu, Aikido ,Weapons, or with fight scenes.
First I want to say that it was a thoroughly fun film. Anything with
Jackie Chan is fun to watch. This was well done, superbly choreographed
and for the most part kid friendly (except the violence).
During the film, my nephew looked up at me and asked, "Uncle Scott,
do you know what the goal of fighting is?" I was not completely ready
for this particular question but I mustered up everything I have ever
learned about martial arts, fighting, training and the philosophy of Budo.
I figured many books have been written about this subject, so how was
I to sum it up to an 8 year old? My answer to him was, "Well, the
goal of fighting is protect yourself and your family from anyone who would
try to hurt you." I was proud of the answer. It summed up a good
philosophy for his young mind while at the same time being fairly truthful.
After about a minute, my nephew looked up and me and said, "Uncle
Scott, the ultimate goal of fighting is to not have to fight." After
I picked my chin up off the floor, I told him "You know, I think
I like your answer better." No matter how much we learn, there are
still those that can teach us, even at 8 years old.
About the Author:
Scott Kelley Sensei, is a teacher of Wadokai Aikido
in Marietta, Ga. (under the founder of the system Roy Suenaka
Sensei). He has been in the art since 1991. He is also a Rokudan
in studied Kung Soo Do Karate. He lives in the Atlanta area with
his wife and son.
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