Buyū (武友) or 'Martial Friends' is a classical observation on the bonds of brotherhood (or sisterhood) that form through training and fighting together for common values. One of the greatest tales of 武友 is the Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三國演義) considered one of the 4 Chinese classics. In a famous scene called the 'Oath of the Peach Garden (桃園三結義)' three warriors find themselves in much agreement on the need to protect their nation from a great threat (in this case the Yellow Turban Rebellion). They swear an oath to defend each other as brothers and commit to overcoming the insurrection. United these warriors were unstoppable and interestingly it is only later, when they each turn to their own individual desires, that ill fate befalls them.
Three Heroes of Three Kingdoms, silk painting by Sekkan Sakurai (1715–1790)
Attending the camp there were so many high level instructors showing maturity and co-operation that it really did give me a good feeling to be there. I did learn a lot of taijutsu but I also opened my eyes to a fraction of the quality training that is all over the world. Thanks to all my 武友 old and new for a great weekend.
