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Originally Posted by Mike Brewer
I could not agree more that it is the man and not the tools that must be overcome. But it is absolutely foolish and unrealistic to assume that the tools make no difference. .
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Then we basically agree. If a person is interested in taking a few lessons in the Way of the Sword, people should not deter them whatsoever. The weapon you or I might feel is older and somewhat useless today, still has value and any warrior must know something about it. Any person today, with just a minimal knowledge of the Sword, is an extremely dangerous person and by him or her knowing the Swords edge, also means or infers that this person just might also know a little more than just the Sword.
Quick aside. I recently watched a PBS show regarding the Japanese invasion of the American Naval Fleet in Hawaii December 7th, 1942. Interesting to note that a couple of the Japanese pilots had Samurai Swords with them in their cockpits?????????? Now, the pilots were not about to open the window and throw the Sword at some vessel, but it was important to them to have this Katana with them. Think there may have been some type of conflict between these pilots and the Japanese Government/Militay once it was noted this "connection" between the Militay and the "Nuevo Samurai".
Stating this, I'd think the American War Colleges must have studied why these pilots carried these Katana. You or I wouldn't know or have any clue unless we've had some experience studying the way of the Sword.
Again, you and I agree on just about everything so far. All I'd add is that we do not deter anyone from taking up a martial art that we might think is of no use. Remember, well over 90 percent of humans cannot defend themselves today and there are very few warriors left. If studying Kendo will get them in the mindset of martial arts, we never know how their interest will expand from there. Besides, how many Swords do own stashed away in your bedroom?