KIAI: you don't have to yell
Let me tell you all the story of the 19th century karate master in Okinawa, as told by Forest E. Morgan in Living the Martial Way
They met at dawn in a field outside the village where they lived, and each expected a fight to the death. As the master approached the field, the other man readied himself and assumed his fighting stance. The master, however, approached the scene standing relaxed with his hands at his sides. As the master came within fighting range, the challenger suddenly felt ill, and his knees nearly buckled. He quickly excused himself for a moment and sat down to regain his composure.
After several minutes, the master asked him if he was ready to get on with it. The man decided he was and got up to take his stance, but as soon as he looked into the master's calm face and firm gaze, he felt ill again and had to sit to keep from falling. "Sir, I withdraw my challenge and apologize,'' he said. "I can see I am no match for you, and fighting would surely cost me my life."
cont'd next post
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