The Balance of Samurai: Discipline and Moderation

Alex

Welcome to our third episode, where we will look at Chapter Two from "The Way of Walking Alone."

Alex

When we look at the lives of the Samurai, one thing is clear: their commitment to serving society always came before personal desires. The discipline they displayed wasn’t just about physical strength or martial skill, but a kind of moral strength that, honestly, feels rare these days. O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba captured this beautifully when he said, "The Samurai is the first to suffer anxiety for human society, and he is the last to seek personal pleasure." Those words, they they really resonate, don’t they?

Alex

Musashi’s second precept, “Do not scheme for physical pleasure,” fits perfectly into this value system. Now, what does that mean exactly? On the surface, it sounds like a call to asceticism, to deny yourself sensory pleasures, but, you know, it’s more nuanced than that. It’s not about rejecting physical pleasure outright—it’s about avoiding the obsessive pursuit of it. It’s about focus, detachment, and living a balanced life. And and that, I think, is where this idea becomes so relevant to us today.

Alex

Think about our modern world. There’s this constant pressure to chase the next thrill, the next comfort—whether it’s through, I don’t know, food, entertainment, or, well, even social media. We’re surrounded by distractions that pull us away from what’s truly important. Musashi warns us against this scheming, because the pursuit of pleasure can blind us to our purpose, our duty, and even our growth as individuals.

Alex

To give you an example, let me share a moment from my own career. Years ago, when I was making a significant business decision, I was tempted—tempted to take a deal that seemed immediately rewarding. It would've brought quick profits and maybe even some personal perks, but deep down, I knew it wasn’t aligned with the long-term vision I’d been working toward. It required, well, the kind of discipline Musashi talks about to step back, consider the bigger picture, and resist that quick, comfortable path. And and looking back now, that decision preserved not just the integrity of my work, but also the trust of my team and my clients. It’s a principle that applies anywhere, really—discipline over indulgence.

Alex

But while it’s tempting to think this approach means giving up comfort entirely, that’s not what Musashi was saying. He wasn’t advocating for extreme asceticism, and I’ve seen this misinterpreted far too often. It’s not about denying yourself rest or relaxation. Instead, it’s about moderation, about not letting comfort become... a kind of obsession.

Alex

So in in martial arts—or even life—this principle ties directly to focus. When we aren’t chasing distractions or short-term satisfaction, we can stay rooted in what really matters. That’s what builds not just skill, but character. And speaking of focus...

Alex

Let’s dive deeper into what focus, real, undivided focus, looks like through the lens of Zen—and how it applies to martial arts. At its core, Zen teaches this concept called ‘single-pointedness of mind.’ It’s the ability to devote your full attention to the present moment. Now, I know, that’s a phrase we’ve all heard before, but it’s a discipline, not just a catchphrase. It’s a skill to be constantly practiced, and the benefits are profound, especially when it comes to martial arts.

Alex

Think of it like this. When you’re sparring, every thought about what might’ve just happened—or what’s about to happen—only serves to pull you out of the moment. A fleeting distraction can leave you exposed. Scheming for physical pleasure, whether it’s to avoid discomfort or chase something gratifying, can actually dilute that awareness. And and in those moments, you miss opportunities—opportunities to improve, to grow, or even to defend yourself.

Alex

Detachment is so central here. Zen philosophy, honestly, gets this right. It invites us to let go of attachments—attachments to pleasure, to outcomes, to even discomfort. And when you’re training, that detachment allows you to push through the tough drills, because you’re not avoiding the short-term unease. You’re focused purely on where it’s taking you.

Alex

Let me tell you about someone who really embodies this principle in their approach—the late martial artist and teacher, Yamato Hoschu. He trained in jujitsu for decades. And in his old age, students asked him how he always seemed so present during practice, so... centered, even after years of injuries and challenges. He said, and I’ll paraphrase here, that it wasn’t about avoiding pain or seeking praise. It was about devotion. About focusing completely on the moment his body was in—every stretch, every move, completely in tune but not indulging in the sensation itself. It’s such a powerful illustration, isn’t it?

Alex

And that detachment, it’s not just about handling discomfort. It can also keep us from becoming too attached to victories or even, you know, the feel-good parts of training. You see it sometimes—athletes who hit a winning streak, they kind of lose sight of technique or their values in pursuit of that high. But without detachment, you’re chained to those highs and derailed by the lows. A true martial artist keeps moving forward, not distracted by either extreme.

Alex

Now think about how that applies not just in the dojo, but in life. This single-pointedness of focus, free from distractions of pleasure or discomfort, creates discipline and clarity in every aspect. So when people ask me how martial arts transform a person from the inside out, this, this principle of focus and detachment, is exactly what I point to. And it’s so integral to walking the Way...

Alex

This idea of detachment leads us right into the heart of something equally vital in martial practice and, honestly, life itself—balance. In Buddhism, this concept is known as the 'middle way.' It’s not a call for extremes, but rather, it guides us toward a life of moderation. And moderation isn’t just about temperance; it’s about finding harmony, avoiding the pitfalls of overindulgence on one end and extreme asceticism on the other. When applied to martial arts, it’s truly transformative.

Alex

You see, balance creates a space where the mind can focus and the body can thrive. Without it, you either burn yourself out by pushing too hard or you lose discipline by prioritizing comfort. And life... life works the same way. Imagine someone who trains relentlessly, ignoring rest. That commitment might look admirable on the surface, but over time, fatigue and injuries will creep in, and their body begins to betray them. Similarly, someone too focused on comfort—or worse, on how they appear to others when they perform flashy techniques—might simply plateau, never exploring the deeper levels of their art or skill.

Alex

Now here’s where I want to share something personal. When I was younger, I remember being drawn to the flash—those acrobatic, eye-catching moves that looked great in demonstrations. For a time, I got really into them. They earned applause at events, sure, but I started to notice gaps in my sparring. I wasn’t as effective in real practice or competition. These techniques, they looked impressive, no doubt, but they lacked substance. They didn’t build my foundation. And I I realized I was focusing on what felt good in the moment, rather than setting myself up for long-term growth.

Alex

So, I stepped back. I sought out instructors who emphasized core principles—footwork, breathing, timing—the unglamorous basics. It was humbling. Honestly, it made me question some of the things I thought I already knew, but in the process, I let go of that obsession with appearances, with the surface-level grandeur. Martial arts became something much deeper for me after that, and to this day, I’m endlessly grateful for that shift in perspective.

Alex

And that’s what the middle way teaches. It keeps us grounded. It helps us build something lasting, whether it’s skill in martial arts or a life philosophy. By avoiding obsessions—whether with physical comfort, appearances, or even struggle itself—we create a foundation where focus, discipline, and self-mastery can thrive. Moderation becomes a strength, a way to stay the course without getting knocked off-balance by extremes.

Alex

At the end of the day, Musashi’s precepts, especially this one, aren’t just relics of a bygone era. They’re guides—timeless, relevant, and deeply practical. They remind us that mastery isn’t about chasing the next high, but about steadiness, about walking the Way one step at a time. And whether that path is in martial arts, business, or just life, moderation and balance are what give it integrity.

Alex

So, those are my closing thoughts for today. Reflecting on these ancient teachings, it’s clear—they’re not just about technique or philosophy. They challenge us to reexamine how we live, how we think, and how we grow. On that note, we’ll leave it here. Thanks for spending time with me today, and until next time, keep walking the Way, one step at a time.