Many throughout the world who embrace living as Sikhs are proud to be associated with the inspirational legacy of the 10th founder of the Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh. One of his notable attributes that resonates deeply for me is that he constantly stood up for others who were being marginalized in any way.
I am most grateful, in my 51st year of living as a Singh and a Khalsa, to have this stalwart figure as inspiration for my life course. After being bullied in my early teens, I began embracing learning how to protect myself when I went off to university to study art and metalsmithing. In addition to embracing yoga and meditation which was being offered there and I found enriching (still is), I was finding Japanese karate empowering. Since that time, 50 years ago, I have embraced several systems of martial arts. I continue to value its capacity to help me move towards fearlessness, provide a very practical skillset and instill self-confidence.
I believe the 10th Master, in his now subtle essence, would smile widely if greater numbers of we who consider ourselves to be Singh’s, Kaur’s and Khalsa embraced learning how to protect ourselves, so that more of our world would be standing up for others who struggle to stand up for themselves. I also believe in a very respectful environment this can be regarded a sacred endeavor from which blessings may appear. Adding a weekly disciplined routine in classes, as one can manage can serve well. The system/style of martial arts training is secondary to the caliber and character of the teacher.
