Good post. Draeger details a story about Takeda in one of his books (Classical Budo, I think) slaughtering a group of rowdy construction workers c.1882, but these other tales here are new to me.
Maybe I'm just projecting, but I've yet to meet a high-ranking instructor who could be described as a complete human being, enlightened or whatever. If they're good at their craft and possess great technical knowledge in their art, you take what you can get from them. We're all human.
Good post. Draeger details a story about Takeda in one of his books (Classical Budo, I think) slaughtering a group of rowdy construction workers c.1882, but these other tales here are new to me.
Maybe I'm just projecting, but I've yet to meet a high-ranking instructor who could be described as a complete human being, enlightened or whatever. If they're good at their craft and possess great technical knowledge in their art, you take what you can get from them. We're all human.
I totally agree with you.
If you want more detailed information on Takeda, track down the Stanley Pranin book; it really gives you a picture of the time.