A while back, I was reacquainting myself with a long time friend during a weekend get together. We were talking about our families’ weekly schedules and I mentioned that my daughter and I spend a couple nights a week at karate. My friend, who’s always been a bit outspoken, surprised me by asking if I could beat up the other guys in our group. I told him that was tough to say because karate is a defensive art. At the time, I said this without thinking, but I have thought about this a lot both before and since the conversation.

This is an outstanding book recounting Mr. Nicol's journey to Japan to study Judo and Karate. It gives excellent insight into how the Japanese view the martial arts. Mr. Nicol is very forthcoming about life lessons he had to learn, and these are both entertaining and inspiring. For those that have not had the opportunity to study in the orient, but long to do so, this is a wonderful vicarious journey. I only wish Mr. Nicol had trained in Okinawa in addition to the mainland so we could have his insights into cultural and philosophic differences. For taking me to Japan without the airfare, I give Mr. Nicol and his book five kiai. Usss!

When a great wound is healed,
There will still remain a scar.
Can this be a desirable state of affairs?
Therefore, the Sage, holding the left-hand tally,
Performs his part of the covenant,
But lays no claims upon others.

The virtuous attends to his duties;
The virtueless knows only to levy duties upon the people.
The Way of Heaven has no private affections,
But always accords with the good.