Bushintai-Do and the Middle School Student

Bushintai-Do means the “way of the warrior in mind and body.”  For more than 10 years, my students and I practiced and learned this martial art as part of our school day together.  A few years ago, I had an eighth grader who found the meaning of Bushintai-Do important to her, and chose to write about it for her blue belt promotion essay.

I oftentimes learn about myself and others through the eyes of my middle school students. When I read this student’s essay about Bushintai-Do, it was one of those moments.

A Warrior and Her Ways

by

Winooski Middle School Student

September 2006

A warrior means so much to so many, especially in the martial arts world.  When I think of a warrior, I see a thin young man, hair back in a ponytail, and a nice black uniform. I also see a nice skin complexion, confidence. I see him standing in a world like nothing’s there, ready for anything, anybody, or the obstacles that may come his way. I can smell a fearless boy with courage and a whole lot of confidence. He is strong and ready for a battle and possibly his last fight. I can touch the sword and feel how good it feels to be in my hands. I feel, as I am the boy, self-assured and brave.  I can taste how good it would feel to be a warrior like this boy.

This warrior in my head reminds me of Bushintai-Do because of the “Iron Man” on the school patch. The meaning of Bushintai-Do is the way of the warrior in mind and body. The Iron Man on the patch stands in a half circle and is like a shadow. He reminds me of a warrior because he doesn’t have 

a face. A warrior with no face to me means you are ready, like the boy, to battle the struggles, people, and things that come your way. A warrior could be anyone. For example, my grandma can be a warrior at church because she believes in the way of God and the church. Or someone who’s learning how to read, they’re learning something new.

Being a warrior also is not just being physically strong, but mentally strong.  When you’re physically strong, you’re built and athletic, but it is more than that. You’re not physically strong, if you’re not also mentally strong. Mental strength is using your head and your heart the most, and not just your muscle.

How does martial arts relate to being a warrior? Martial arts relates to being a warrior because it helps you make it through the struggles when times are tough. It prepares you for where life will take you and through many obstacles. It prepares you physically and mentally because it gives you faith when you need it most. I think martial arts can create a strong warrior for any situation. I have to be a warrior on the football field because I have to be ready for a hard hit or a new play. I have to know the way of the team, like I have to know the way of the dojo. In math I have to be a warrior to learn new concepts and to be a better mathematician. At home I have to be a warrior to learn new things about my family every day.

Warrior means in English:  a person who is or has been in warfare. But to me a warrior is someone like the young man, the Iron Man and, of course, my sensei. Bushintai-Do has taught me the way of the warrior in mind and body, and I think has formed many warriors over the years.

Nancy Keller, Teacher

Winooski Middle and High School

Winooski, Vermont

Education Coordinator

Bushintai-Do Programs, Inc.

Milton, Vermont