Giri - Duty
The
concept of “Giri” contains elements from words like loyalty,
duty, responsibility and obligation. The Japanese kanji
that make up giri translate as loyalty, reason. Or in other
words, duty is the reason for loyalty. In America this is
a hard concept to explain because most of our citizens are
brought up very individualistic and not taught the concept
of duty or obligation in depth.
How
does a person repay one’s parents for bringing them in the
world? This precious gift that we call life, what is the
true value? What method of payment is considered adequate?
Well,
these questions may seem silly, but in reality one does
not simply write a check for $10,000 when they turn 18 years
of age and call it even. If you recognize that you are born
into this world with a debt to pay, then we can begin to
look at proper behaviors that are congruent with the repayment
of this debt. For example, bringing honor and respect to
the family name is one method. Anything we do that brings
honor to the family is seen as a credit and anything that
we do that dishonors the family does not go towards repayment
of that debt. We have certain responsibilities and obligations
within the family, such as taking care of siblings, respecting
our parents, and doing the right thing for the benefit of
others that are all a part of being a member of the family.
In
the martial arts, the concept is very similar. Most people
understand that training in the martial arts is a life changing
experience, one that has a tremendous value. In fact, no
matter how much you try, you will never totally repay your
teachers for what you will learn from classical martial
arts training. Your school is an extended family. Those
sempai (higher ranking students that help you through the
learning process) are seen as older brothers and sisters,
and take on the duty of helping you along the path as their
sempai did them. In the dojo, the beginning of life is perceived
as having begun when you put on that white belt and began
your training. The person that takes you in and takes you
to the black belt level is seen as a father figure and is
given the respect of that position. Although we may never
completely repay our debt to our teachers, or their teachers,
it is our duty to try. The method of repayment is by what
we do and what we say – this is giri.
As
an instructor we show respect to the art by always showing
respect to those above us and those below us. We strive
to exemplify the traits of a warrior by working hard, striving
for excellence, and by being compassionate. Knowing the
value of your art, you understand how important it is to
ensure that your style does not perish due to you not understanding
basic business concepts necessary in the modern world. You
understand that learning how to help your art survive in
the 21 st century is not a luxury, it is an obligation to
all those that came before you. Becoming professional is
the duty of the modern warrior.
Kyoshi
Jim Mather explained it to me many years ago in this manner.
If you had to close you school down today and your students
had to begin training at another school down the street,
would they be better off or worst off than they are now?
Well, if they would be better off, then you probably should
close down you school right away. If, however, they would
be worst off, then you have an obligation or duty to ensure
that your school continues to prosper and grow. Each of
us has the ability to learn what is necessary to achieve
any goals we set. All you need is to know is where to find
the information and be willing to pay the cost of its attainment.
