JOZAI SENJO
THE KUDEN OF BUSHIDO-KAI KARATE
The kuden of a school was the somewhat secretive motto of the dojo that held special meaning to the sensei and students. The exact interpretation may have been brief, however there was always a deeper and more lengthy explanation.
The kuden of the ABKA is Jozai Senjo “ALWAYS PRESENT ON THE BATTLEFIELD”.
The History of Jozai Senjo
This saying “Always Present on the Battlefield” was the personal motto of Hakudo Nakayama (1895-1958). Hakudo was an exceptional martial artist, one of the founders of Iaido (the art of drawing the sword) and a good friend of Gichin Funakoshi. The extended version of this motto summed up his philosophy of life, “Always present on the battlefield of life, ready to meet any challenge.”
The Deeper Explanation for Bushido-kai
It is true what Hadudo Nakayama said, the battlefield is life. Our confidence on this battlefield goes much deeper than our martial arts training. For the deeper meaning I urge you to contemplate these verses.
“Don’t be afraid…Remember the Lord who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” Nehemiah 4:14b
“…the battle is the Lords!” (David’s shout to Goliath) I Sam. 17:47a
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
“Since God is for us, who can be against us.” Rom. 8:31a
“…We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us.” Rom. 8:37
“Fight the good fight of the faith…” I Timothy 6:12
“The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier is involved in a civilian lifestyle because he wants to please his Commanding Officer (Jesus). II Timothy 2:2-4
“I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Phil. 4:13
“The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save!” Zephaniah 3:17
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline.” II Timothy 1:7
“His divine power has given us everything we need for life, and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us…” I Peter 2:3
“For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds…” II Corinthians 10:3, 4
“You dear children, are from God and have overcome…because the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” I John 4:4
“They overcame him (Satan) by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” Revelation 12:11
My Father’s verse to me and mine to you:
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me — put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippines 4:9
THE CHALLENGE
The “way of the warrior” (Bushido) isn’t the safe, comfortable, easy, dull lifestyle of the civilian. The “way of the warrior” is filled with rigorous training and discipline. It is dangerous, risky, out on the edge, hard and ultimately exciting and fulfilling. It is a great challenge and adventure on the battlefield of life with none other than the greatest warrior who ever lived as our Commanding Officer, The Lord Jesus Christ.
Brothers and Sisters of Bushido-kai, engrave this kudos on your hearts. Let us be “always present on the battlefield” for our Lord!
Eagerly pursue extreme challenges!
“Let the victors when they come,
When the forts of folly fall,
Find thy body near the wall!”
