I would like to take a few moments of your time to explore the possibility of using pain as a tool. Trust me, I think. I doubt anyone feels there is a shortage of pain in their lives. I am only suggesting that if you can't keep something from happening, enjoy it as much as you can. Use it to your advantage. In the very least, you may be able to turn a undesirable situation into a tolerable learning experience. Please note that this is intended as no more than a fleeting glance at the subject of pain. It is far from a comprehensive dissertation and of course only my opinion. I appreciate you taking the time to read my thoughts.

I would like to take a few moments of your time to explore the possibility of using pain as a tool. Trust me, I know that may seem laughable at first glimpse but please bear with me. At first the common reaction to pain, “Ow quit it! That hurts,” appears quite logical. In my opinion it is not the best possible reaction though.

Studying the Art that we do we are all familiar with pain in varying degrees consistent with the way we individually choose to train. The purpose of pain is quite obvious. It’s the body telling us “Hey dummy! You’re about to break me” or whatever the case might be. Pain is our warning light, our diagnostic machine ready with instantaneous feedback. Really quite impressive if you compare it to our beloved technology. It not only tells us to stop doing something but also gives us reason not to do it again. Since you are a student of ninjutsu you probably haven’t picked up on that part too well.

Since we choose to ‘do it again’ and again and again, why not also choose to use the pain to gain a deeper understanding. Instead of seeing the pain as a negative side-affect, let’s open up to the pain.

I’m sure this method is individual and I’m sure my method is a beginner’s understanding , but so far it seems to work. I like to open up to the pain as opposed to gritting my teeth and sort of fighting it. Try opening up your mind and letting the pain tear right through. Let it cascade through your whole body and just ride, look at it, admire it and respect it. The feeling I’m attempting to express is very much like a wind thing to me, like the pain is a wild horse.

Now, you may be asking why in the heck would you want to do that. Well you might just be weird, or you could see pain as a great teacher. Pain teaches us great many things, a few of which I will discuss as shortly as possible.

We can learn a lot about our bodies when we are subjugated to pain. Either an injury or just a well applied technique can give us intimate knowledge of a body parts form and function. Ever had an injury like a broken arm or something similar? If you have, you learned how important that part was to your overall function, and if it hurts when you do this, or that, then why is the question. Put the ‘question’ in the book in your head and the answer too if you find it. Apart from injury lets look at applied pain like we deal with in every class. Omote Gyaku, does that hurt or what? Great, delve into it. What hurts exactly, why, when does it hurt the most? You can’t examine these issues if your brain is processing nothing but “OW!” You are Uke after all, not ‘punching bag’. Build your skill with the lessons of your pain.

Regardless of religious affinity most folks can agree that Jesus was a great teacher. If you’ll give me that I propose to glance at the spiritual implications of accepting pain. Nailed to a roman cross Jesus was thoughtful, deliberate, and kind. He expressed love for the very people who put him there. What do you do when you stub your toe? Are you thoughtful, deliberate, loving? I’m not. So when unexpected pain drops me into that core person I have insight that I can use to better myself. I’m not saying that if I can pretend it doesn’t hurt I’m a better person. Just to use those moments to peek inside. Enough said on that.

My last point is one not so touchy. Preparing mind and body for a survival situation. This one is pretty simple, pay attention to yourself when you’re in pain. What do you do? It’s an important question because it’s the same thing you’re going to do when your life is on the line and every decision is crucial. If you’re in a dangerous situation and you’re injured, you can make the appropriate decisions if you know your strengths and weaknesses. For example, “I’m going to pass out if I try to use this arm”, or “I’m going to fly into a blind rage if this arm gets hit.” These would be good things to know if you’re hiding or running from someone. The point being, once you’re in that situation, it’s a little late to be wondering about how this or that is going to affect you.

I’m certainly not suggesting anyone go around slamming their head into walls. Just read it and give it a try. It couldn’t hurt.

Ken Thompson lives in Columbus, Georgia and may be contacted via the editor.