So why use these archiac weapons?
When I first read the book of five rings I was 15 years old. Did I understand it? No. Do I understand it now? No.
But, I have an inkling.
When I first read the book my experience was limited to karate and judo. Though, a martial artist, I could not relate to Mushashi's grasp of weapons. Certainly, I could not understand the "utility" of the weapons. Nor could I understand the "life and death" concept that the practice of weapons instills in one's very life.
Experience, capacity and capability have given me insights that I could not have achieved as a 15 year old. As a man in his fifties, I am now just beginning to understand. Sadly, with age and mortality there is little time to apply Mushashi's practice. As such, I will read the book of 5 rings again...with greater vigor.
So, I practice my weapons with zest knowing that I am confronting my fears, my insecurities, my mortality. With just the slighted of misses...the blade cuts.
Sincerely
Joseph T. Oliva Arriola