Stepping off the Mat : 2nd Edition

For several years many of my students have been urgently requesting written information regarding my thoughts on life and the martial arts. They requested it in book form. It all started with one particular Tae Kwon Do student and as several Quiet Storm practitioners began to seek me out on advance ideas, theory and philosophy, they also started training in Aikido on many occasions. As they practiced with the Aikido students that request for written knowledge began to spread to students in my Aikido classes. After giving it serious thought and “trying”to consider the consequences of this action, I began reflecting on my many years of experiences. I started looking through the notes which I had began jotting down dating from about 1973 through the present day.

What I thought they wanted was incorrect. I soon came to realize that they didn’t want a shortcut. I have always taught that there are no shortcuts. They wanted inspiration, or more to the point, they wanted to know about that which had inspired and guided me. Many students said I was different from anyone else they have ever met and they want to know why.

I won’t give you a definitive answer here, but I will tell you I do not believe “time” exists in the usual sense. Think only of “Now.” That’s all there is. Thinking that way may make it easier for you to comprehend why I seem different from most other people. I can tell you this; it’s all an open secret.