Art in Martial Art

“…in order to control myself I must first accept myself by going with and not against my nature…” from Bruce Lee’s never-before-published writing.
Martial Art has fascinated me although I could never see myself as a martial artist, no matter how much I tried that would not have happened. So, I devoted myself to observing it, taking note of the way the artists of martial art behaved on stage – the only way I could mentally participate.
Then I discovered the Samurai and Ninja Museum in Kyoto, Japan which houses rare pieces from the Edo period over 300 years old
With a special focus on the legendary samurai and ninja, this is a must-visit if you are into martial arts or like me, a keen observer.
Our guided tour was conducted in English by a young guide who with a touch of humour shared fascinating insights about Japan’s samurai and ninja eras. The sword was soul of the Samurai. Samurai had to be righthanded – hold the sword under the left arm, draw it out of its scabbard with the right, and fight.
I learned about samurai armour, Japan’s ancient hierarchical society, the role of shoguns or military leaders who governed Japan for centuries.
In addition to being a museum, this place is also interactive offering guests a rare opportunity to try their hand at shuriken throwing – the four point star every ninja carried as hidden weapon to throw against their enemy. The Japanese word “Shuriken” is made of three Japanese characters; “shu” (hand), “ri” (release), and “ken” (blade). All together, shuriken roughly translates to “sword hidden in the hand”.
Next, we were encouraged to dress up and transform into an authentic looking samurai or ninja. I chose to be a ninja with a dagger.
My interest in martial arts, as an observer, mind you, extends to a deep appreciation of our own classical Indian Kathakali which evolved in the 16th. Century out of the Kutiyattam tradition. With its elaborate costumes and makeup, gestures and choreography, Kathakali blends dance drama with martial arts. Once while journeying through a small village in Kerala my husband and I stumbled upon a gem of a Kathakali performance in the middle of a field where we sat under a canopy. The performers kindly allowed us to watch as they underwent the colourful facial makeup. Aah, the pleasures of travelling without an agenda.
Here I am sharing some photos I took plus one of me as ninja taken by my husband.

​Do what makes you smile. 

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