Simple Lessons:

Short, concise lessons and concepts helpful to students and teachers

The Wisdom Of Youth

By Scott Kelley

I recently went to go see The Forbidden Kingdom with my 6-year-old son and my 8-year-old nephew. They are both very into anything involving Karate, Kung Fu, Aikido ,Weapons, or with fight scenes.

First I want to say that it was a thoroughly fun film. Anything with Jackie Chan is fun to watch. This was well done, superbly choreographed and for the most part kid friendly (except the violence).

During the film, my nephew looked up at me and asked, "Uncle Scott, do you know what the goal of fighting is?" I was not completely ready for this particular question but I mustered up everything I have ever learned about martial arts, fighting, training and the philosophy of Budo.

I figured many books have been written about this subject, so how was I to sum it up to an 8 year old? My answer to him was, "Well, the goal of fighting is protect yourself and your family from anyone who would try to hurt you." I was proud of the answer. It summed up a good philosophy for his young mind while at the same time being fairly truthful.

After about a minute, my nephew looked up and me and said, "Uncle Scott, the ultimate goal of fighting is to not have to fight." After I picked my chin up off the floor, I told him "You know, I think I like your answer better." No matter how much we learn, there are still those that can teach us, even at 8-years old.

Scott Kelley
Scott Kelley Sensei, is a teacher of Wadokai Aikido in Marietta, Ga. (under the founder of the system Roy Suenaka Sensei). He has been in the art since 1991. He is also a Rokudan in studied Kung Soo Do Karate. He lives in the Atlanta area with his wife and son.