Dear Budo friends,

Christmas season – The art of inner attitude

The Christmas season carries a universal message that goes far beyond religious dogma: It is a time of inner reflection, quiet contemplation, and deep connection with our humanity.
It is a natural invitation to pause and reflect on what is essential.

The spiritual exercise
In the spirit of any martial art and in initiatory sword work, this means finding the inner posture (Kamae).
The festival of love offers us the chance to examine our own Kamae (posture) in the face of silence: Are we centered? Where do we find our center and stability in the hustle and bustle of the festive season? 

It is a time when the greatest gifts do not take material form, but are found in a sincere smile, a heartfelt thank you, or a hug from the heart. Above all, it is a time of forgiveness – for ourselves and others. The true focus is on Zanshin: on maintaining awareness of our inner center, even when the hustle and bustle of the year seems to be over. Silence teaches us to recognize what our personal Ikigai (our purpose in life) is in this new cycle.

Looking back and starting afresh
We look back on a year that challenged us all in its own way, testing our strength and strengthening our resolve. As after any intense exercise, we now invite you to perform the Noto (returning the sword to its sheath): integrating the experiences, cleaning the blade, and letting what we have learned rest within us.

With this feeling of integration, we look forward. For the coming year, I wish you from the bottom of my heart: 
Courage to break new ground, 
Strength to live your convictions, 
Determination to realize your inner attitude.

I wish you and your loved ones a blessed Christmas and a time of deep rest. May the new year fill your journey of deepening with clarity and purpose. 

Sincerely,
Ulrich