DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Evolution of Kendo (split from what do you have on zekken?)

**nermise** · 03-15-2006, 08:00 AM

I hate to constantly take the unpopular approach, but I think Eiga's answer to that question is a bit. . . well. . . far-fetched.

The idea that a sport, even one with metaphyscial underpinings like kendo, is a tool for self-improvement is a nice one, but it doesn't really hold in the long run.

I use kumdo to make myself a better athlete, sportsman, to steep myself in different cultures, to conquer fear and to rein in aggression. I suppose all of that "makes me a better person."

But how does one *really* become a better person? I mean, that's EVERYTHING, isn't it? Marriage and work and religion and therapy and socialization. The idea that kendo is in reality a self-help tool leaves a sour taste in my mouth. I don't want a self-help tool, I want a fun sport.

When I want to reflect on "being a better person", I talk with my pastor, read the bible, pray, call my mom, chat with my wife.

My goal in church is to be a better person. My goal in kumdo is to be a better fencer. It just seems like Eiga is choosing one hell of an indirect method to achieve the goal of character improvement.

03-15-2006, 08:00 AM	#22
nermise Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 527 Senior Member	I hate to constantly take the unpopular approach, but I think Eiga's answer to that question is a bit. . . well. . . far-fetched. The idea that a sport, even one with metaphyscial underpinings like kendo, is a tool for self-improvement is a nice one, but it doesn't really hold in the long run. I use kumdo to make myself a better athlete, sportsman, to steep myself in different cultures, to conquer fear and to rein in aggression. I suppose all of that "makes me a better person." But how does one really become a better person? I mean, that's EVERYTHING, isn't it? Marriage and work and religion and therapy and socialization. The idea that kendo is in reality a self-help tool leaves a sour taste in my mouth. I don't want a self-help tool, I want a fun sport. When I want to reflect on "being a better person", I talk with my pastor, read the bible, pray, call my mom, chat with my wife. My goal in church is to be a better person. My goal in kumdo is to be a better fencer. It just seems like Eiga is choosing one hell of an indirect method to achieve the goal of character improvement.
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