Continuation

It has been 38 years since I started my journey in Budo. I was lucky to be able to continue this far despite the twists and turns.

I was blessed with good teachers. And every time I stood at a crossroads, they showed me the path I should take. I was blessed with the environment and the understanding of my family. There were times when I could only continue in small increments, but I managed to keep going. Before I knew it, martial arts had become an inseparable part of my life, and stopping it was no longer an option for me. I am deeply grateful for this good fortune.

Budo is a treasure trove. It gives us discoveries one after another. There are things that you see and feel for the first time as you grow older and experience more. It also gives us the skills and strength to live life.

However, it is not easy to continue. I have seen many cases where people have no choice but to stop because of changes in their environment, work, family circumstances, injury, or illness. And once you stop, it takes even more willpower to start walking again. Nowadays, those who have a desire to pursue Budo should continue, even if it’s just a little bit. Those who feel like restarting should have the courage to take the next step. There is a road ahead of us.

I want to keep moving forward, even if only little by little, and someday, when my life ends, I want to be at the closest place to the deepest part of that path.

Hideto Usuyama
Kyoju-dairi, Vice Headquarters Director and Setagaya Branch Chief
Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu