Page 24 - Martial Science 3_Neat

Gratitude for
Bruce Lee

By: Soke James Neiman
www.ShugyoAikidoDojo.com
Illustrations by: Henry Binerfa

What does a lifetime of training for a serious

martial artist entail? Let’s start by examining some
of the major phases that span cradle to grave deve-
lopment for a student of an existing art:

(1) Basics (usually confirmed
when the black belt is awarded)

(2) Serious training expanding
knowledge and depth

(3) Mastery and Creativity

(4) Leadership and Inspiration
of the Next Generation

(5) Contribution and Refinement
of the Art itself.

Some people turn pro while still in stage 2 or, at
the latest, stage 3, either competing professionally
(if applicable) or opening schools within an exis-
ting larger organization. However, they are merely
operating under someone else’s business paradigm,
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