History and Philosophy of Shihan Myers             During the past few years, I have worked and created a curriculum, a way to teaching my students the art and philosophy of Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu.  I have worked to include Technique, Philosophy, and Martial spirit dating back hundreds of years.  In doing so, I have learned a great deal about people and how unique they truly are.  Each person, in their uniqueness, needs different points of focus to learn.  It's amazing how in some ways we can be so much alike; yet in others, be so different.  While teaching, I have found there are basically three ways that my students have learned and retained the information that I have given them.  (Visual) Seeing the technique preformed! (Audio) Association by Hearing! (Kinesthetic Tactual) Performing the technique!      This is not to say that one person is better than another, but that we are all unique in our quest to learn.  In my research, I've read many books, and found this to be true. "Technique and Philosophy cannot be force-fed to anyone, but must be given time to process and time to grow."      As one discovers their own path in the martial art, it is important to keep an open mind.  As a person studies, He or She must learn to relax and allow the technique to evolve into a beautiful yet powerful form.  It has been written that your teacher will give you only an outline, a hint here and there to guide you.  Only through consistent practice can one attain mastery.       I myself have been fortunate that from my youth, I've had great teachers.  Traditionalists if you will, guiding me toward a path wherein harmony becomes a way of life.  From that beginning, I have dedicated my adult life in study to the understanding and purification of budo, and have received so much more, than I can ever say "I have given". I was taught that the Code, if followed, would enhance my personal life; and would assist me to become a better person.  The Code of a Samurai is upheld in the study of true budo, and the showing of respect by not forgetting the old ways.  One such way is the wearing of the Hakama during practice.  The Hakama was the traditional pant worn by the Samurai.  The Hakama has Seven folds that reiterate the Code that I study to walk daily.  These are Jin (Benevolence), Gi (Honor and Justice), Rei (Courtesy and Etiquette), Chi (Wisdom and Intelligence), Shin (Sincerity), Chu (Loyalty), and Koh (Piety).      I have studied under the direction of Dai Sensei Karoku Yamamoto for many years now, and have come to understand through his wisdom, that life is about creating harmony, and through that fighting becomes unnecessary. With true study and daily focus, all can learn to cut away the fear and pride that binds us to reaction and anticipation, and ultimately the need to impose or will.  I can not say enough about Yamamoto Dai Sensei, and the things that he has done for me in my life.  Yet, harmony is not about one person. Harmony is based upon the bringing together of Mind, Body, Spirit, People and Love. Life is the pursuit of purification, not isolation. We need each other and our differences,  if we are to become one!  -Shihan Myers