“What is Bruce Lee’s favorite drink?” asked Hanshi “I’m not sure” I replied, “Wataaahhhh” he exclaimed. Shorinjiryu Kenryrukhan Karate, an institution of martial arts-initiated centuries ago, was the major turning point in my life. The time spent here was irreplaceable, how quickly the individuals I called “sensei” (instructor) had turning into family was shocking. This was my home. The past 12 years I put my blood, sweat, and tears into this lifestyle; training day after day relentlessly, the thought of becoming the best verson of myself continues to pursue my mind. Many individuals believe karate is only kicking and punching, however, that is only 20% of it while the other 80% is mental. 

It was a Friday night in the middle of December, the sun had set, and the air smelled of sweat, foot burns, and agony. Our adult green belt and higher class was finished, and all the purple belts were called over for a serious conversation. Hanshi said, “you all will be tested for ni qyu (brown belt) 2 weeks from today”. My jaw dropped, I thought to myself all these reoccurring Friday night classes were not for nothing, this was planned out. A cold shiver ran down my spine for this was one of the biggest steps in my life, yet I did not feel ready whatsoever. However, the stress continued to rise as we were told if we genuinely wanted to take the challenge then a resume was to be made; including our point of view on various questions and the inclusion of reading “The Book of Five Rings” with our take on what we learned from the treatise and which of the 5 elements we correlate most with. I was stunned, 3 high ranking black belts in this system standing right in front of us gave out one of the most difficult tasks to 8 teenagers.  

“The Book of Five Rings” I read; I was confused I did not know what the title meant there was no background given whatsoever. Before the reading, we were told that we would understand everything after the book was read. Various entries appeared “The Gaze in Strategies,” “To Injure the Corners,” “The Five Approaches,” all these entries were strategies in battle. Terminology appeared which I never read before, metaphors which did not seem to have meaning swarming through the treatise, and the true meaning of the 5 rings was still anonymous.  

Explain thoughts after reading 

Explain significance of the novel and karate in my language and literacy way of thinking and speaking and writing.