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Path of Excellence
This is a favourite story of mine which I believe I originally heard from one of my teachers, Penny Tomkins, who is an excellent storyteller. The story has changed it a little in the re-telling so I hope she won’t mind:
“Jotaro was a young man from the Samurai class, learning to be a warrior in feudal Japan.
He was a keen martial artist like most boys his age from the warrior class, familiar with Kyudo: the practice of archery; Judo: techniques in unarmed combat; and Kendo, the art of swordsmanship.
He worked long and hard at refining his skills involving many hours of practice, especially with the sword which was his favourite.
One day in the training hall his master was demonstrating a new sword routine. As Jotaro watched, awe struck by the speed and fluency of his master’s movements, his master said
“Once you have decided to start this routine, you must complete it. Even if the ground should open up beneath your feet, you must complete the move before you hit the bottom.”
The words resonated deep in Jotaro’s mind.
Some time later, on a warm summer’s morning, Jotaro was practising sword technique alone in a field by the river close to his home. As he began the routine his master had taught him, he noticed a huge dog bounding towards him, barking madly.
Jotaro felt the grip of fear rise in his stomach for, ever since he was attacked by a dog as a little boy, he had been terrified of them.
As the dog got closer, so his fear grew and so did his desire to run.
Jotaro felt deeply ashamed. Colour rose to his face as he thought to himself
“I am a coward. I am frightened by a mere dog which I could despatch with one blow from my sword”. In that moment the words of his master rang clear in his mind.
“You must complete this routine. Even if the ground should open up beneath
your feet, you must complete the move before you hit the bottom.”
The dog stopped in front of him, fangs bared and growling menacingly.
Jotaro continued the routine without pausing, focusing all his attention on perfectly executing each and every movement of the routine and finished with his arms at his side, perfectly straight.
The dog launched itself at Jotaro. Its hug paws landed on his shoulders, and its long wet tongue began licking his face. Jotaro’s fear melted away to reveal a deep sense of calm and self-assurance.
By dealing with his fear and continuing to pursue excellence he had come to understand the true meaning of his master’s words.”
© Jeff Turner
