Читать книгу Traditions. Essays on the Japanese Martial Arts and Ways онлайн

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Musashi and the karateka both avoided a violent altercation because in both instances, each realized the attacks directed at them were attacks against their ego, their self-image, rather than against themselves or those around them. The mocking taunts of the ronin may have embarrassed Musashi (though he was ragged and dirty much of his life, his self-portrait is one of a man dressed in fine clothes, evidence of Musashi’s pride). They were far from being a threat to his safety. The karateka certainly could not have enjoyed the lewd remarks made to his wife. But by his response he not only showed the crude stranger how idiotic his advances were, he also demonstrated his mastery of the budo by settling a potential conflict without resorting to violence.

Had the two martial artists pursued the course many would have taken, consider the results. The three ronin—as well as the bystanders possibly—would have been killed or injured. In the karateka’s situation, he might have been able to control his blows. Still, suppose, as happened in an altercation in St. Louis recently, the offending man had fallen when the karateka hit him, had struck his head against the curb, and died as a result. Lives would have been taken or irretrievably lessened, and all because of some name-calling.