What is useful?



I have been working through the Dokkodo, Miyamoto Musashi’s final list of precepts for his students.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dokkōdō

They’re all brief, thought-provoking and well worth considering in depth.

But number 16 really surprised me.

“Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.”

That’s counterintuitive, coming from a renowned swordsman.

But Musashi was  not one to follow convention, deceive himself or waste his time.

I think the crux is “what is useful.”

What is the purpose of your practice? Are you getting sidetracked with non- essentials? Or does every practice take you closer to your goal? Is your weapons practice frivolous or useful to you?

If not, it is not useful to a martial artist. Focus on what is important and what matters to you in your training. That’s all you really have time for.