New Editorial - What exactly is it?

[John_Clements]

A new editorial is now online.
Tell us what you think.

What exactly is it?

[Kelten Sivola]

Great editorial J.C. It put what I have been fealing into words. I might be new to the WMA comunity but I know it is more then a hobby with me. It is a way of life. I am curently studying every thing I can get my hands on. Readding for hours at a time, taking notes, practicing positions and trasitons, manuals...Perparing for the day I acuire practice partners. My intrest in this subject seems to be contagious to those around me. My whole extended family is now into swords... Always asking me if this is a good sword, if it is real or a wall hanger...
You all here on this list have been great inspiration and a valuable resource to me. That I am very thankfull for. Being on SSI Disability gives me the rare oporunity to spend as much time as I can searching and readding... My goal is to learn as much as can be learned and to teach others what I have learned, if they are serious and want to learn.
Many thanks to all of you here on the list.

My journey has just begun.

Thanks,
Kelten

P.S. Sorry for first posting on the wrong list

[TimSheetz]

Well done.

The subject is intense, especially, as Stew said, for the serious practitioner. I'd have to really struggle to accurately put my personal feelings into words as you've done, but they would certainly be similar in many ways.

Thanks,

[MurrayMoore]

Hi John,

When I was doing Asian MA, I was learning what was taught to me by the instructor, with little reading on my own outside of the immediate organization's publications. Outside scholarship was not encouraged (or discouraged - it just wasn't an issue). The extra reading and study is only one aspect of what makes historic WMA exciting and interesting.

On the topic of "careers", I can say as a research scientist, that I can not walk into almost any library archives and ask to browse their collections looking for manuscripts - I don't have the right credentials. However, because of your books, you do.

Best wishes.
Murray

[John_Clements]

Hey thanks, guys. I did not know this piece would strike such cords. I've gotten a lot of email on it too. Glad you all found it resonating.

JC

[GaryGrzybek]

Not much to add since eveyone else has addressed my exact thoughts. This indeed cuts to the core in our pursuit of western martial arts. Why are we here, what are we trying to accomplish? Where does it fit in to our modern every day lives? These questions are undoubtably brought up not only among ourselves but also by sceptical and facinated on lookers.

It would also be difficult for me to put into words exactly why I pursure this lost art. The article definately puts things into better perspective.

Thanks to you <img src="http://www.thearma.org/forum/images/icons/smile.gif" alt="" />

[Erich Wagner]

I think you could also make the statement that swords are simply fascinating objects. I know that I fell in love with sharp pointy objects at a young age. It was only natural to want to learn to use them correctly.

[Shane Smith]

Powerful stuff...and in so few words.Sometimes the multitude of thoughts that a few words can stir in a mans heart and mind are all that's needed.That holds true in this case.Less is often more <img src="http://www.thearma.org/forum/images/icons/wink.gif" alt="" /> I am certain that all serious martial artists can relate to the passion and drive you express.Quite simply, we've ALL been there.