Richard Rowell
After 38 years, I continue to study Karate-do (Chito ryu). Over 20 years ago I added Iaido (Jikiden Eishin ryu) to my training to further explore karate. My exposure to concepts and principles common to these forms of Budo led me to write Budo Theory: Volume 1 Introduction to Budo Theory in 1993. Since then I have explored other martial traditions including a couple of years in the infantry reserves as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Canadian Forces.
In the past, I have served in a variety of roles such as technical committee member for the Canadian Chito Ryu Karate-do Association, technical director for the Alberta Chito Kai, and Karate Alberta Association. Now I focus on exploration of Budo and Strategy (Heiho) concepts, and I still put my gi on at the Calgary Chito Ryu Karate Club.
After numerous requests to re-publish Budo Theory, I decided to revisit, update, add additional concepts, and present this information to a new generation of Truth Seeker ( Kyudosha ). The principles presented can be applied to an even wider range of applications than I was aware of seventeen years ago. The Second Edition is entitled: Budo Theory: Exploring Martial Arts Principles .
With today's technology, it would be remiss not to use the web as an opportunity to share and learn from others on the same path.
When I think about Miyamoto Musashi naming his sword style Niten Ichi (Two Heavens Are One), I think he found something that helped him solve the duality of combat. He said that it wasn’t until he was fifty that he came to realize the way of strategy (Heiho) and that it applies at any time and in any situation. Now that I have turned 50, I feel like I am gaining on Mushashi's understanding, but have not quite got there.
Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo described the difference between Judo (Gentle Way) and Jujitsu (Gentle Art) as something that could be summed up as "the elevation of an art to a principle." The single principle he came up with is:
"Budo (Martial Way) is the principle of the maximum-efficient use of the mind and body, whereas Bujitsu (Martial Art) is the application of this all pervading principle to methods of attack and defence."
My hope is that Budo Theory allows you can gain new perspectives to your martial art and lead to a truly incredible journey of self-realization.
I hope www.budotheory.ca will serve as a valuable reference and bring you a deeper understanding of your journey.
If you have ideas on how to improve this site, email me at
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