By passion I mean something that one chooses to investigate and pursue – without heed to what those around them are doing.

There does however seem to be alot of effort, both intellectually and monetary, for the “Passion of trend” and the desire to rule that month’s passionate cause for reasons that involve social-standing, rather than the desire for UNDERstanding.

Perhaps this is indicative of the priority shift in successive generations.

Maybe it’s a natural evolution from the 50’s movie dialogue of: Girl says to guy “What are you rebelling against?”, guy reponds(moodily) “I don’t know.. what have you got”.

Change ‘passionate about’ for ‘rebelling against’ and the concept seems to fit today – passion being an outward display of status rather than an inward desire for deeper understanding – that inward desire being the primary fuel for following whatever path it presents.

Passion shows in people too – I had a discussion in a social setting with a client of mine. He is 70 years old and has been an avid 10 pin Bowler (if that is indeed the term LOL) for about 50 years. He began talking about the vagueries of ball coatings, lane polishing and the pros and cons of the Brunswick Vs AMF lane machinery… I had no interest in bowling (other than the usual bit o’ fun every other year) and still don’t… but I sat and listened and engaged in conversation about it for more than an hour.

Because he was truly passionate… I couldn’t help but get drawn in, he wasn’t trying to convert me to the mysticism of throwing a ball down a lane, he was simply talking about something he obviously held dear.

Passion has declined, but maybe it is part of the ebb and flow of our social evolution.

Middle east is good.
No kendo here which is bad.
Have found a training space – that’s good.
Have 2 beginners that want me to inflict my poor standard kendo upon them – bad.
Will soon feel a timber floor under my feet, have a shinai in my hand, and my gear set out and ready for training – that is very very good.

Likewise – I hope Japan is treating you well – much.. ummm.. much kendo over there? ROFL!

D

What inspired me to reply was the title – “What is so great about getting hit with a stick”
A question that I was asked – almost word for word – while dining with some other expats here in the wilds of Abu Dhabi.

I was headed off at the pass by a new friend here who, having imbibed in a few bevvys decided that he would leap to kendo’s defence. He has no experience in kendo, but significant experience in boxing, and we have talked about the similarities at length.

Strangely my first reaction to the question was the “everything else” aspect of kendo. The smell of my gear – considered noxious by some; for me is a great comfort.

The mopping of the floor prior to training… the feel of my home dojo as I enter, pacing a shiai-jo before tournement, folding my hakama just so etc.

While the tone of the question was probably combative – most drunken questions about a martial art, and ones interest in it are – I was glad of it.

There is a lot that’s great about getting hit with a stick… and for me, mostly it’s in the quiet moments that surround it, I was grateful for the question, as it again reminded me to reflect on kendo in a holistic sense, rather than (to the outside world) the obvious violence involved.

Drew