I once thought that my practice was the center of the karate world. Of course I was aware that countless schools of karate were in existence and that thousands of students practiced a variety of martial arts, but I was smug in feeling that what I practiced was unique, true, and best. Funny thing, I still feel that way; however, I now recognize that others are permitted to feel that way too.
I'm reminded of a scene from the movie "The Magnificient Seven." You know, it was a western remake of the great "Seven Samuari." A group of rough gunslingers are hanging around, bragging, telling tales, harmlessly inflating their egos. A quiet and distant James Coburn claims his knife throwing can beat the draw of a gun. A friendly competition ensues; a mock duel, no deadly aim is taken. Coburn is fast, his knife penetrates a wooden post next to the gunman's head while the gun too, is quickly drawn. "I won," Coburn simply states. The gunman is incredulous, and he refuses to believe he was beaten. "Let's do it for real" the gunman demands. A reluctant Coburn steps up, unwilling to back down from challenge. Tthe he gunman slaps leather, and Coburn throws the knife into the gunman's heart. Arguement ended.
Neither participant represented a school or a style.
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