Shibumi-do (下味道) The Way Towards Effortless Perfection

 

Photo Taken: 11.15.2011
Budo Ryu; Hombu Dojo
武道流忍術道場

Inspiration is what people remember, not defamation. No one wants to go to the grave forgotten and the only way to be remembered is to inspire the ones around you.

Even if it is someone that you only met for a brief moment in your life, you can share with them the greatest moment in their life, just by a simple thank you, or a smile. To some, this changes their perception of the day.

There is this Japanese term called “Shibumi” (下味) which means effortless perfection. Kobayashi Sensei always told me that there is not such thing as perfection, and the better you get, the further your idea or perception of perfection is. he always used the term “Shibumi-do” or the “way of effortless perfection.”

He said the he uses this term because no one can achieve perfection (Shibumi) they can only dedicate themselves towards the idea of it (thus the usage of the kanji “Do). But this in itself is a stagnant thought because this is not a moment of time, this is a philosophy that you have to dedicate to within your journey of life; so he always told me good luck in that journey (Shibumi-do).

Everyone wants to tell you what you can and cant do, but no one other than yourself knows what you are capable of. Dedicate yourself to the things that make you complete. Inspire the ones around you, to become better and if you know what you are worth, than go get it. No one is going to give it to you.

I hope that you understand my rambling thoughts this morning, it made sense to me as I wrote it.

Thank you all for your support.

Take care, be safe and good luck in your journey of Budo.

Anshu Christa Jacobson
21st Soke of the Tomo Ryu Tradition
Headmistress of the Budo Ryu – School of the Warrior Way
Founder of the Budo Ryu Online University
Owner of the Ninjutsu Super Store
Chief Editor of the Shinobi no Mono Magazine
Founder of the Ninjutsu International Federation
Professional Model and Artist