Lessons from a Teacher: Ronald Ogi

Ron Ogi was introduced into my life through Martial Arts by our fellow teacher, James DeMile. However, his role in my life has been not just of a friend, or teaching in martial arts, but also one of a mentor in life. It makes sense though when you consider he's had teachers like Elizabeth Kübler-Ross for example.

Like my previous post Lesson from a Teacher: (Sijo) James DeMile this post will list off JUST A FEW of some Ron's sayings (in some cases paraphrased) that have become integral to my own life.

[Regarding Martial Arts] "There's nothing worse in the entire world then hitting someone, and all you did is piss him off!"

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Being a "Tough guy" is a waste of time! You see these guys live their whole life to show that they are a tough guy, then they hear the news that they have contracted AIDS, or are diagnosed with Cancer, then what happens? Being a Tough Guy is not the most important thing in the world anymore. In some cases you see these would-be Tough Guys breaking down and crying. Totally decimating that tough guy image that they spent their entire life trying to establish. What is the lesson? If we are all vulnerable to disease; if we are all ultimately going to die, what does it matter if you lived your life as a Tough guy. Being tough is often confused with invincibility. But none of us are invincible. So therefore don't get stuck in the delusion of trying to be some Tough Guy.

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[Helping me deal with a tough time with my father when I was 22]
Ron: Imagine an Orange. If you want to drink Orange Juice, how do I get orange juice from the Orange?
Me: You can use a juicer...
Ron: You can also squeeze it out right? The Juice doesn't come out of thin air!
Me: Right, it comes from the orange after it's been squeezed, or juiced...
Ron: Yes! Just like your anger for your dad. It didn't come out of "no where". It came from inside you. And it only came out, because you caused it to come out, just like the squeezing of an orange caused the juice to come out of the orange. Don't blame your dad for your anger. Or for anyone else for your emotional reaction. You can choose to let it come out and effect you. To cause tension. Or you can choose to just relax and keep your orange juice inside yourself.

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[After greeting him "Happy New Year"] Happy NOW! You know why I say that? Too many people wait for the New Year to "start over" or to find happiness in the coming year. You should strive to find happiness every day, every moment. 

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You do Nothing, You get Nothing. You do the Same Thing, You'll get the Same Thing.

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[my absolute favorite lesson from Ron] It's good for you to better yourself, and improve your skill. It's good for yourself! But really, love is the most important thing! Think about it! Who won Miss Universe 3 years ago? Who won the Oscar for Best Actor/Actress in 1956? Name every UFC champion from the beginning in order! Now tell me who took care of you the most when you had chicken pox? Who your first love was? Your first best friend?

On your Death bed, you will not think about guys like Bruce Lee, or Michael Jordan, or some Olympic gold medalist. You will be thinking about those who directly touched your life, showing you love and compassion. Interacting, helping others, showing love in compassion; that's what matters more than trophies, or your own accomplishments, at least when others are involved. Awards and accomplishments are good for yourself, as a reference point for growth. But how you treat others, is the most important thing to others. So be kind, and compassionate.