In the martial arts there are levels of study: the beginning being a person studies yet nothing comes of it and feels he and others are unskilled , this is a worthless person.  The middle level he is still useless but is aware of his uselessness and is able to see this in others.  In a higher level he is proud of his ability and likes the approval of those who see his accomplishments, he laments the lack of ability in his fellow students.  This is a student of worth.  In the highest level a man has the look of knowing nothing.  The level above all these and most sought after is the man who can see himself as being unfinished, knows his limitations and strives to make himself better.   Throughout  your life advance daily, becoming more skillful than today.  This is never ending.
I paraphrased this from the text of HAGAKURE.

Not only in the martial arts does this apply but you can see the similarities in your everyday dealings with those around you.  I am in the slow process of starting a martial arts/personal training company which I have stated in previous blogs.  I have had several chances for getting jobs until it comes time to tell people the price or the time commitment for training geared to make people true warriors and all of a sudden they have numerous reasons for not wanting the training.  I attribute this to the levels described above.  What I find hard to believe is the security places around my area have the mentality they do when it comes to their peoples safety.  I have to look inward as well and see what level I am.   I have spent unknown hours in the dojo and instructor seminars studying and feel I am past the first level. I would say that I am usually in the higher level and at times I crest the highest level.  I think a problem with the higher level is the approval of others in your abilities.  This is something I feel can be a hang up and something I fall into at times.  I also feel and have not figured out a way to get others to see you for what you are in the highest level.  This is especially hard when you are trying to sell someone on using you for an instructor.  Those not in the mindset of being a warrior just see you as knowing nothing and don't give you a second look.  Like I said I am not in this level consistently but I continue to train to this level.  The same time I know I need to continue the training and I will never be done so I feel I am always in the level which is sought after.  When I first started to vocalize the desire to start Muhenzai Institute my friend and I spent hours talking because the level of continually needing improvement makes for an easy discouragement if you do not have sound friendships and I feel a good base in your training.  So I will continue to look for training ventures and try to show people the training I have at the same time continuing my personal steps up the levels. 

This is the name of the training company my friend and I are embarking upon.  If you are interestd you can check it out at this address.  Feel free to ask any questions.  I will get back to you within a days time.  Thanks so much.

http://home.earthlink.net/~shaneo25/

I recently turned 29.  I know, in the scheme of things BIG DEAL!  I have had a great life no major regrets.  I lived through a near death experience and came out for the most part no worse for wear.  I just celebrated my 5th year married to the same great lady.  All in all life is pretty good.  BUT... I just feel like I could do more to get the most out of life.  I with the help of my best friend have decided to step out and start training people in protecting themselves and how to think tactically.  This is something we both want to do and since I really don't like to work for others this may be an excellent way to become my own boss and make my life full to the utmost.

My best friend has a blog that is very good. He and I are much the same and I think you will enjoy his blog. You can find it here.  http://spaces.msn.com/timderifield/

I got this from Soul of the Samurai.  I only have read it once but I think I understand it.  In the martial arts sense it refers to keeping your mind free from distraction while in combat or simply training(unminding).  Not allowing your mind to be fixated or minding on the opponent or on what you are doing.  I know that may seem odd but if you are focused on what you are doing you will miss that which is going on about you.  Allowing your mind to be where it is and acting rather than re-acting to your situation will provide the victory in your favor.  In everyday life this applies in the same manner.  As I continue to read this book I learn more and as I mature I may come to a new understanding of minding mind and the unminding mind.