My AGATSU Challenge
I've been working out -- following the Body-for-Life program -- and practicing aikido now for
serval years. Some folks think I'm a little obsessed with the time and effort I've spent
focused on fitness-related activities. Others have been more than patient with me as I've
ranted or raved about loosing weight, adding muscle, serving as a coach to my daughter's
softball team, running in a 5K race, looking forward to bicycling, preparing for my next
martial arts exam (for shodan = 1st degree blackbelt), etc., etc.
My pick-up truck sports a vanity license plate: 'AGATSU.' Which roughly translates from the
Japanese saying: "Masakatsu Agatsu" as "True Victory is Victory Over Oneself." I occasionally
post journal-like comments at http://agatsu.blogspot.com/ about BFL, the martial arts,
coaching, family, community, etc. Maybe I'm going a little overboard here ... After all
there's no Japanese blood flowing thru my veins ... But I do relate to a martial spirit.
Call it BUDO, call it the way of the warrior, call it missing the camaradiere of a 20+ years
of uniformed service, who knows?
So let me cut to the chase ... It is my intention to start another 12-week challenge on
Monday, February 12, 2007. This will be "My AGATSU Challenge." I've come to the realization that I'm only in competition with myself.
I must -- No, I will -- think like a champion. I will do my best. The Universal Law of
Reciprocation will be very much a part of not only the next 12 weeks, but it will continue to
play a significant part in my life (period). Doing good deeds will be a part of routine.
But these will be kept 'top secret' and on a 'need to know basis' as is best w/ any
ULR-related efforts.
Porter Freeman -- one of the original BFL Co-Champions -- says, "You've gotta want it."
Well I truly believe I know what I want.
After taking several BEFORE and AFTER photos and writing several essays for past challenges, I've come to realize that there's only one material prize I 'lust' after. I want a BFL
champion's jacket.
Yes, I've got 'jacket envy' and I've seen a number of friends win their jackets. I've meet these Champions face-to-face. We e-mail and occasionally speak on the phone. They've earned their jackets and the title of BFL Champion. They've pointed the way.
It is time to give it my all, help others, and achieve my own private 'agatsu.' JL
serval years. Some folks think I'm a little obsessed with the time and effort I've spent
focused on fitness-related activities. Others have been more than patient with me as I've
ranted or raved about loosing weight, adding muscle, serving as a coach to my daughter's
softball team, running in a 5K race, looking forward to bicycling, preparing for my next
martial arts exam (for shodan = 1st degree blackbelt), etc., etc.
My pick-up truck sports a vanity license plate: 'AGATSU.' Which roughly translates from the
Japanese saying: "Masakatsu Agatsu" as "True Victory is Victory Over Oneself." I occasionally
post journal-like comments at http://agatsu.blogspot.com/ about BFL, the martial arts,
coaching, family, community, etc. Maybe I'm going a little overboard here ... After all
there's no Japanese blood flowing thru my veins ... But I do relate to a martial spirit.
Call it BUDO, call it the way of the warrior, call it missing the camaradiere of a 20+ years
of uniformed service, who knows?
So let me cut to the chase ... It is my intention to start another 12-week challenge on
Monday, February 12, 2007. This will be "My AGATSU Challenge." I've come to the realization that I'm only in competition with myself.
I must -- No, I will -- think like a champion. I will do my best. The Universal Law of
Reciprocation will be very much a part of not only the next 12 weeks, but it will continue to
play a significant part in my life (period). Doing good deeds will be a part of routine.
But these will be kept 'top secret' and on a 'need to know basis' as is best w/ any
ULR-related efforts.
Porter Freeman -- one of the original BFL Co-Champions -- says, "You've gotta want it."
Well I truly believe I know what I want.
After taking several BEFORE and AFTER photos and writing several essays for past challenges, I've come to realize that there's only one material prize I 'lust' after. I want a BFL
champion's jacket.
Yes, I've got 'jacket envy' and I've seen a number of friends win their jackets. I've meet these Champions face-to-face. We e-mail and occasionally speak on the phone. They've earned their jackets and the title of BFL Champion. They've pointed the way.
It is time to give it my all, help others, and achieve my own private 'agatsu.' JL
posted by John Lesko at
11:21 AM
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