Starting at age 5 1/2, I practiced Shorinji Kempo, a Japanese physical defense practice and form of Zen Buddhism.
20 years later, after attaining the rank of san dan (3rd degree black belt) I ceased practicing.
I greatly admired the tales of the founder, Doshin So, who had a spirit of righteous rebellion that got lost in the waves of blithe Japanese hierarchy that overtook the Shorinji Kempo organization after his passing.
I left to discover my own righteous calling.
I’m sorry, Hagata-Sensei, for leaving abruptly. At the time I did not have the words to tell you directly.
I also apologize to the person whose shoulder I injured substantially. I cannot fathom how that has affected your life. I am grateful that the surgery went well.