I enjoy learning martial arts because of its beauty and practical purposes. I like Aikido mainly because it places great emphasis on ethical principles which are embodied in the application of its techniques. The techniques are to lead to a harmonious conclusion. Yoseikan Aikido, being a composite martial art of Aikido, judo, karate and weapons, has a vast technical curriculum, which takes quite some time to master. This richness intrigued me, i.e. things could be done in a thousand ways , and somewhere between those possibilities I will have to explore and find my way.

It is an art of doing rather than something to think or talk about. Aikido without the accompanying physical experience is nothing but empty discussion. We do not pick and choose techniques, we just do them all. Practice is the process of finding out and discovering about ourself through the doing of the techniques. It is difficult at first but it will become clear at the end. It is a general training for the mind/body in a broad and even view of all aspects of an art. I will continue to work on my techniques, both empty-handed and with weapons. Like the martial art masters and teachers before me, I will keep looking to improve myself both physically and mentally. Hopefully, I will be able to contribute to the evolution of the art and to my students' development. I am looking for simplicity and beauty in the art, not ornamentation. I want to practice each element of the composite art until it is second nature to me, i.e. until I internalize it.

The height of cultivation runs to simplicity and beauty in the execution of a technique, which requires clarity of one's mind. However, it very important not to loose the reality and the spirit of the martial art as a character training. Martial way without truly realizing the Mind is nothing but beastly behavior (no insult to our fellow animals). The difference between a bujustuka and a budoka in the execution of a technique is the intention. Techniques do not discriminate, it is the executioner of the technique who has to make the differentiation. "Budo is concerned with an individual's search for something, where as bujutsu is concerned with the application of the art or the technique...Through the practice of bujutsu, the way of the budo can be followed", Gogen Yamaguchi wrote.

I am working on myself to understand and put into practice the budo spirit. Yoseikan Budo to me is a highly physical activity; it is about doing and practicing. It also implies human harmony with the environment, care and compassion for nature, which can be achieved only through one's dedication to the practice of the art and the philosophy of Aikido. I will carry on and hopefully wisdom will develop and guide me on this quest to spiritual growth and awareness.

Outside is form
Inside is thought
Deepest is the soul
                    Dao.

In my twentieth year of Yoseikan Budo,
Lau Hiang-Lai, September 2000