Books and Quotations about Martial Arts part 3

The Art of Peace begins with you. Work on yourself and your appointed task in the Art of Peace. Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that can be trained in some manner, a suitable path to follow. You are here for no other purpose than to realize your inner divinity and manifest your inner enlightenment. Foster peace in your own life and then apply the Art to all that you encounter.

One does not need buildings, money, power, or status to practice the Art of Peace. Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place to train.

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In the art of peace, a single cut of the sword summons up the wondrous powers of the universe. That one sword links the past, present, and future; it absorbs the universe. Time and space disappear. All of creation, from the distant past to the present moment, lives in the sword. All human existence flourishes right here in the sword you hold in your hands. You are now prepared for anything that may arise.

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Never fear another challenger, no matter how large; Never despise another challenger, no matter how small.

Large does not always defeat little. Little can become large by constant building; large can become little by falling apart.

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The penetrating brilliance of swords

Wielded by followers of the Way

Strikes at the evil enemy

Lurking deep within

Their own souls and bodies.

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Do not fail

to learn from

The pure voice of an

Ever-flowing mountain stream

Splashing over the rocks.

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One does not need buildings, money, power, or status to practice the Art of Peace. Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place to train.

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The purpose of training is to tighten up the slack, toughen the body, and polish the spirit.

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To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace.

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When you bow deeply to the universe, it bows back; when you call out the name of God, it echoes inside you.

― Morihei Ueshiba, The Art of Peace

In an argument, you may silence your opponent by pressing an advantage of strength or of wealth, or of education. But you do not really convince him. Though he is no longer saying anything, in his heart he still keeps to his opinion, the only way to make him change that opinion is to speak quietly and reasonably. When he understands that you are not trying to defeat him, but only to find the truth, he will listen to you and perhaps accept what you tell him.

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Judo should be free as art and science from any external influences, political, national, racial, and financial or any other organized interest. And all things connected with it should be directed to its ultimate object, the benefit of Humanity.

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Before and after practicing Judo or engaging in a match, opponents bow to each other. Bowing is an expression of gratitude and respect. In effect, you are thanking your opponent for giving you the opportunity to improve your technique.

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Walk a single path, becoming neither cocky with victory nor broken with defeat, without forgetting caution when all is quiet or becoming frightened when danger threatens.

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Nothing under the sun is greater than education. By educating one person and sending him into the society of his generation, we make a contribution extending a hundred generations to come.

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Judo is a study of techniques with which you may kill if you wish to kill, injure if you wish to injure, subdue if you wish to subdue, and, when attacked, defend yourself

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Carefully observe oneself and one's situation, carefully observe others, and carefully observe one's environment. Consider fully, act decisively.

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The pine fought the storm and broke. The willow yielded to the wind and snow and did not break. Practice Jiu-Jitsu in just this way.

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Face your fear, empty yourself, trust your own voice, let go of control, have faith in outcomes, connect with a larger purpose, derive meaning from the struggle.

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To ask may be but a moment's shame, not to ask and remain ignorant is a lifelong shame.

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The purpose of the study of judo is to perfect yourself and to contribute to society.

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It is not important to be better than someone else, but to be better than yesterday.

― Kano Jigoro

Humans have yet to dwell upon the consequences of their

actions. People have yet to admit the bad that they do to

nature, for example. Actually, most people spend their time

finding fault in the action of others, rather than their own.

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Looking for the meaning of life, one man can discover the order of the universe. To discover the truth, to achieve. a higher spiritual state, that is the true meaning of ninja.

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Don't think that any one technique is the end. there is no end.

There is no perfect technique. Just when you think you've got

them, you're dead because you didn't.

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Breathe life into the weapon, don't take life away from it.

Keep walking, because walking is life.

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If you do something and it saves your life, it was good

taijutsu. In a real fight, you aren't worried about what's pretty.

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You've got to learn to utilize the space (between you and

your opponent). Distancing is very important.

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Forget your sadness, anger, grudges and hatred. Let them pass like smoke caught in a breeze. Do not indulge yourself in such feelings.

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When weak or injured always continue training as you should always be able to adapt in any condition.

― Masaaki Hatsumi