Apo Cunnings receiving his 6th Dan Black Belt in the Ba Men Chaun Fa System.
Sensei Vincent receiving a 1st Dan in Shiho Karano Ju Jitsu.Saturday, October 13, 2007
Monday, September 24, 2007
Soke Reidner Seminar
First off, I would like to thank everyone who contributed financially to have Soke Reidner here. I think this was his best seminar yet and I am looking forward to next year already.
Several noteworthy things happened in the past week. First, Apo Cunnings was recognized as a 6th Dan Black Belt in the Ba Men Chuan Fa Kung Fu and Tai Chi systems by Soke Reidner. I was promoted to 1st Dan Black Belt in Shiho Karano Ju Jitsu. These events aside though, anytime you get to be taught by someone with the understanding and lifetime of study Soke Reidner does though it is well worth the time investment.
This is only a quick post ... pictures will follow.
~sensei vincent
Several noteworthy things happened in the past week. First, Apo Cunnings was recognized as a 6th Dan Black Belt in the Ba Men Chuan Fa Kung Fu and Tai Chi systems by Soke Reidner. I was promoted to 1st Dan Black Belt in Shiho Karano Ju Jitsu. These events aside though, anytime you get to be taught by someone with the understanding and lifetime of study Soke Reidner does though it is well worth the time investment.
This is only a quick post ... pictures will follow.
~sensei vincent
The Way of the Warrior - Courage
Courage was once a common trait. Sadly it is no longer so. Courage is often imitated by young men and boys in bravado. This grunting, tough guy syndrome, Rambo wanna-be. That is about as nice as I can be on the subject. Today's men have largely grown up in an environment where being a MAN was looked upon with disdain, even contempt. Men have been, and sadly somewhat rightly so, protrayed as abusive, selfish overgrown boys by the popular media. Our role models are gone.
I am barely old enough to remember Tom Landry, once head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. I remember watching T.V. and seeing Mr. Landry, amid countless empty cups, rags and other trash strewn all about the ground put something he was going to discard into his pocket rather than throw it on the ground with the rest of the trash. He was all class, all the way. How refreshing it is in today's crop of crowing peacocks that we call sports stars to see an athelete be genuinely humble and gracious. It happens, but not everyday. That kind of commitment to doing what is right, reguardless of whatever is going on around you takes courage.
Courage takes many forms. I've already mentioned the kind of courage that refuses to surrender to "everybody else is doing it". The quiet, everyday sort of courage that all of us *can* do, and so few of us ever consistantly exhibit. Doing what is right, because it is the right thing. Even when it makes us look old-fashioned. Being courageous will separate you from everyone else, because they aren't. They will especially resent you because they know in their hearts that they could.
Something that I've told my sons so many times is, being couragous doesn't mean not feeling fear. It means doing what you must anyway. Sometimes that means slaying a dragon. Most of the time it means telling the truth when it seems easier to tell a lie. Did that get a little close to home? Me too. 'Nuf said.
Being a warrior takes courage. So does being a Christian. I argue that it takes more courage to be a Christian in today's world than it has in the past. It is SO easy to compromise. It is much easier to say words, and make everyone around you happy, or appear intelligent and refuse to stand for the truth you have been given. How many times have you heard, "Well that may be true for you but that doesn't mean it's true for me." Really. Try that with your bank. Or the cop that just pulled you over for speeding. Or your boss. Truth has few champions today, but many adversaries. Truth isn't popular.
The words of Scripture have commanded us, "Fear not" often. According to a quick search online, it is commanded one hundred and forty-four times in the Bible. Easy to say, difficult to do. In my experience though, the more one focuses his thoughts upon God, the easier that becomes.
Courage takes many forms, some are flashier than others. Everyone knows how brave firefighters or law enforcement officers are. They go into harm's way daily for complete strangers. Not many think of the father who gets up everyday and goes to a job he doesn't like so that his wife and children are taken care of. Few would think of the mother who stays at home with her infant and toddler, changing diapers and cleaning house so that her children grow up into well balanced, healthy adults. I contend that these are worthy of great honor because their heroism is mostly unseen and goes unnoticed. Where then is the urgency to fight the good fight? Unless one hardens their mind to it, they may fall prey to the monotony of mediocrity. They could easily forget their calling, and no one would notice, until it was too late.
Take courage my dear ones, and do the work set before you each day. Do what is right, nevermind that nobody seems to notice. There is one who sees your good works done in private, unnoticed by the world. He will reward you openly before us all and His praise will stand forever.
"Well done, thou good and faithfull servent".
Sensei Jeff Vincent
I am barely old enough to remember Tom Landry, once head coach of the Dallas Cowboys. I remember watching T.V. and seeing Mr. Landry, amid countless empty cups, rags and other trash strewn all about the ground put something he was going to discard into his pocket rather than throw it on the ground with the rest of the trash. He was all class, all the way. How refreshing it is in today's crop of crowing peacocks that we call sports stars to see an athelete be genuinely humble and gracious. It happens, but not everyday. That kind of commitment to doing what is right, reguardless of whatever is going on around you takes courage.
Courage takes many forms. I've already mentioned the kind of courage that refuses to surrender to "everybody else is doing it". The quiet, everyday sort of courage that all of us *can* do, and so few of us ever consistantly exhibit. Doing what is right, because it is the right thing. Even when it makes us look old-fashioned. Being courageous will separate you from everyone else, because they aren't. They will especially resent you because they know in their hearts that they could.
Something that I've told my sons so many times is, being couragous doesn't mean not feeling fear. It means doing what you must anyway. Sometimes that means slaying a dragon. Most of the time it means telling the truth when it seems easier to tell a lie. Did that get a little close to home? Me too. 'Nuf said.
Being a warrior takes courage. So does being a Christian. I argue that it takes more courage to be a Christian in today's world than it has in the past. It is SO easy to compromise. It is much easier to say words, and make everyone around you happy, or appear intelligent and refuse to stand for the truth you have been given. How many times have you heard, "Well that may be true for you but that doesn't mean it's true for me." Really. Try that with your bank. Or the cop that just pulled you over for speeding. Or your boss. Truth has few champions today, but many adversaries. Truth isn't popular.
The words of Scripture have commanded us, "Fear not" often. According to a quick search online, it is commanded one hundred and forty-four times in the Bible. Easy to say, difficult to do. In my experience though, the more one focuses his thoughts upon God, the easier that becomes.
Courage takes many forms, some are flashier than others. Everyone knows how brave firefighters or law enforcement officers are. They go into harm's way daily for complete strangers. Not many think of the father who gets up everyday and goes to a job he doesn't like so that his wife and children are taken care of. Few would think of the mother who stays at home with her infant and toddler, changing diapers and cleaning house so that her children grow up into well balanced, healthy adults. I contend that these are worthy of great honor because their heroism is mostly unseen and goes unnoticed. Where then is the urgency to fight the good fight? Unless one hardens their mind to it, they may fall prey to the monotony of mediocrity. They could easily forget their calling, and no one would notice, until it was too late.
Take courage my dear ones, and do the work set before you each day. Do what is right, nevermind that nobody seems to notice. There is one who sees your good works done in private, unnoticed by the world. He will reward you openly before us all and His praise will stand forever.
"Well done, thou good and faithfull servent".
Sensei Jeff Vincent
The Way of the Warrior - Justice
Justice is a frightening concept.
If we all got what we deserve, most of us would be dead. I personally don't want what I deserve, I want someone to show me mercy. While we all want justice for other people, we want mercy for ourselves. Isn't that odd... does the phrase "double standard" fit here; no of course not.
The Way of the warrior is a simple one, that is until we do something we *want* to do in lieu of doing our duty. Justice then demands consequences. I don't like consequences when they are laid on me! (Point that thing someplace else!)
This is a very difficult artical to write because I know what I should be doing is making the case that, as a Christian, I know that my Master is absolutely just and in Him there is no shadow of turning. I know that this fact fits hand in glove with the Way of the Warrior. I know that to be unjust is an abomination. There is almost nothing so repulsive than to see someone with authority act abusively.
I know that above all things, I wish I were full of honor and truth, just as any good warrior ought to be. I also know that although sometimes I act this way, sometimes I don't. Justice would dismiss me after one infraction.
Facing what we really are is a painful process. One that I do not enjoy. It is also very liberating. Liberating in the sense of having a burden that is more than I can bear which is slowly crushing me, suddenly lifted off my shoulders. Realizing that I don't have to keep up some facade, I wasn't really fooling anyone anyhow. God knows what I am. He loves me anyway.
I am well convinced that until we come to grips with what we *really* are, we can never appreciate God's forgiveness. How then does the concept of justice fit in with mercy? How can a God that is just ever forgive?
The debt has been paid. If you can hear it...
Justice is not at all in competition with mercy in these terms. Justice is complementary to mercy for the Christian.
My brothers and sisters, be just with yourselves and merciful whenever possible with others.
Yes, that means that you will have a double standard; you will hold yourself to a higher standard than you do others. As warriors, that is right and proper. You are vested with greater power, therefore you have greater responsibility. (Its in the fine print, deal.)
To others, when they transgress or offend you, you will extend the hand of mercy to them you would want extended to you if you were in their position. You will not treat the matter lightly and make it as nothing, rather you will be truthfull to them. You will acknowledge that they wronged you, but you will restore them. You will release them from everything, giving it to God who has released you from so much more. In this, you make yourself as Christ-like as a person can be; if you release them from your heart, releasing even the anger and pain that you felt left you by your brother or sister.
You will trust that God will set all things right, you will place this situation into the hands of Him that judges perfectly. He will do right, He will do what you cannot. Somehow in all that, He will also do what is merciful.
Justice is good. It must be tempered though. The more powerful someone becomes, the more they must be ruled by justice tempered with mercy. God's law is just, but it also provides a way to restore the transgressor. The ultimate restoritive act happened when God put the penelty of our sin upon Jesus who knew no sin.
My students, my friends, I love you all. I want you to be free of bitterness and resentment. I tell you these things, not so that you will be on the path of a true warrior, but so you will not suffer the burden of holding onto the hurts that this world will heap upon you. Insodoing, you will be warriors. The very finest. You will have first conquered your own self. You will have slain your own faults, your own shortcomings.
Your enemy is then of little consequence.
Sensei Jeff Vincent
If we all got what we deserve, most of us would be dead. I personally don't want what I deserve, I want someone to show me mercy. While we all want justice for other people, we want mercy for ourselves. Isn't that odd... does the phrase "double standard" fit here; no of course not.
The Way of the warrior is a simple one, that is until we do something we *want* to do in lieu of doing our duty. Justice then demands consequences. I don't like consequences when they are laid on me! (Point that thing someplace else!)
This is a very difficult artical to write because I know what I should be doing is making the case that, as a Christian, I know that my Master is absolutely just and in Him there is no shadow of turning. I know that this fact fits hand in glove with the Way of the Warrior. I know that to be unjust is an abomination. There is almost nothing so repulsive than to see someone with authority act abusively.
I know that above all things, I wish I were full of honor and truth, just as any good warrior ought to be. I also know that although sometimes I act this way, sometimes I don't. Justice would dismiss me after one infraction.
Facing what we really are is a painful process. One that I do not enjoy. It is also very liberating. Liberating in the sense of having a burden that is more than I can bear which is slowly crushing me, suddenly lifted off my shoulders. Realizing that I don't have to keep up some facade, I wasn't really fooling anyone anyhow. God knows what I am. He loves me anyway.
I am well convinced that until we come to grips with what we *really* are, we can never appreciate God's forgiveness. How then does the concept of justice fit in with mercy? How can a God that is just ever forgive?
The debt has been paid. If you can hear it...
Justice is not at all in competition with mercy in these terms. Justice is complementary to mercy for the Christian.
My brothers and sisters, be just with yourselves and merciful whenever possible with others.
Yes, that means that you will have a double standard; you will hold yourself to a higher standard than you do others. As warriors, that is right and proper. You are vested with greater power, therefore you have greater responsibility. (Its in the fine print, deal.)
To others, when they transgress or offend you, you will extend the hand of mercy to them you would want extended to you if you were in their position. You will not treat the matter lightly and make it as nothing, rather you will be truthfull to them. You will acknowledge that they wronged you, but you will restore them. You will release them from everything, giving it to God who has released you from so much more. In this, you make yourself as Christ-like as a person can be; if you release them from your heart, releasing even the anger and pain that you felt left you by your brother or sister.
You will trust that God will set all things right, you will place this situation into the hands of Him that judges perfectly. He will do right, He will do what you cannot. Somehow in all that, He will also do what is merciful.
Justice is good. It must be tempered though. The more powerful someone becomes, the more they must be ruled by justice tempered with mercy. God's law is just, but it also provides a way to restore the transgressor. The ultimate restoritive act happened when God put the penelty of our sin upon Jesus who knew no sin.
My students, my friends, I love you all. I want you to be free of bitterness and resentment. I tell you these things, not so that you will be on the path of a true warrior, but so you will not suffer the burden of holding onto the hurts that this world will heap upon you. Insodoing, you will be warriors. The very finest. You will have first conquered your own self. You will have slain your own faults, your own shortcomings.
Your enemy is then of little consequence.
Sensei Jeff Vincent
The Way of the Warrior
As a Christian, I am confronted daily with my own shortcomings. The standard I strive to attain is a lofty one; absolute moral perfection. It is an impossible standard, however, it is a worthy pursuit.
One of my favorite movies is "The Last Samurai". After watching it for the first time I was overwhelmed by the sense of honor in the men portrayed. Their unswerving devotion to a set of moral principles. Their absolute commitment to live by their beliefs. I was abashed because I am not as commited to what I believe as they.
I asked myself later, "Who ought to represent honor, truth and justice tempered with mercy
more than the Christian?". Who indeed. From my point of view, the answer is obvious, nobody should exemplify those qualities better than the Christian. Sadly, it is not so.
In the words of Soke Riedner, "the word of a Samurai guaranteed the truthfulness of an assertion. Usually no oath was necessary." Would that such a thing could be said of me. Would that such a thing be said of the church! But that is a topic for another article.
The Code of Bushido are a set of principles that defined the Samurai. Seven tenants that were so engrained into it's desciples that it ceased to be something they practiced, rather it became something they were. We, as martial artists would do well to pay attention.
Justice
Courage
Benevolence
Politeness
Veracity
Honor
Loyalty
The Way of the Warrior is bound up in those seven words. Strength tempered with mercy. Truth spoken with politeness. Courage measured in humility. Above all, acting with honor.
I see in this the only reason for desiring greater strenght through martial arts. Seeking strength to bring aid and relief to those who are unable to defend themselves. To seek the stillness of one's mind so you can bring peace to those in turmoil.
In this age of moral relativism, tolerance (as it is called) and endless political correctness how America needs Christian Warriors to be the ones who will stand in the gap and not go quietly along with the steady march toward moral ruin. Time will tell if a call to arms and battle is needed to return sanity to our land, but heeding the call to morality and truth is perilously late. Perhaps it is too late. We must stand nonetheless.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
As Christians, we believe that we are saved by grace but our works bring glory to God.
In closing, I challenge you to be the warrior who refuses to submit to moral compromise. Set yourself as for battle against your own flesh and worldly desires and do what you can daily to bring peace and stability to all those around you. Stand against what you know to be wrong with courage and humility.
Be a hero.
Sensei Jeff Vincent
One of my favorite movies is "The Last Samurai". After watching it for the first time I was overwhelmed by the sense of honor in the men portrayed. Their unswerving devotion to a set of moral principles. Their absolute commitment to live by their beliefs. I was abashed because I am not as commited to what I believe as they.
I asked myself later, "Who ought to represent honor, truth and justice tempered with mercy
more than the Christian?". Who indeed. From my point of view, the answer is obvious, nobody should exemplify those qualities better than the Christian. Sadly, it is not so.
In the words of Soke Riedner, "the word of a Samurai guaranteed the truthfulness of an assertion. Usually no oath was necessary." Would that such a thing could be said of me. Would that such a thing be said of the church! But that is a topic for another article.
The Code of Bushido are a set of principles that defined the Samurai. Seven tenants that were so engrained into it's desciples that it ceased to be something they practiced, rather it became something they were. We, as martial artists would do well to pay attention.
Justice
Courage
Benevolence
Politeness
Veracity
Honor
Loyalty
The Way of the Warrior is bound up in those seven words. Strength tempered with mercy. Truth spoken with politeness. Courage measured in humility. Above all, acting with honor.
I see in this the only reason for desiring greater strenght through martial arts. Seeking strength to bring aid and relief to those who are unable to defend themselves. To seek the stillness of one's mind so you can bring peace to those in turmoil.
In this age of moral relativism, tolerance (as it is called) and endless political correctness how America needs Christian Warriors to be the ones who will stand in the gap and not go quietly along with the steady march toward moral ruin. Time will tell if a call to arms and battle is needed to return sanity to our land, but heeding the call to morality and truth is perilously late. Perhaps it is too late. We must stand nonetheless.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
As Christians, we believe that we are saved by grace but our works bring glory to God.
In closing, I challenge you to be the warrior who refuses to submit to moral compromise. Set yourself as for battle against your own flesh and worldly desires and do what you can daily to bring peace and stability to all those around you. Stand against what you know to be wrong with courage and humility.
Be a hero.
Sensei Jeff Vincent
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)