The following translation from the Italian manuscript to middle English was prepared by the Author (unknown) for The Right Honorable L. Borrow Lord Governor of the Breil, and Knight of the most honorable order of the Garter, England (1594)
Before I come to a more perticuler declaration of this Art, it is requisite I use some genrall division. Wherefore it is to be understood, that as in all other arts, so likewise in this (men forsaking the true science thereof, in hope peradventure (read "by adventure") to overcome rather by desceit then true manhood) have found out a new manner of skirmishing ful of falses and flips. The which because it some what and some times prevaleth against grounds and principals, I am constayned to divide this Art into two Arts or Sciences, callinge thone the True, the other, the False art: But with all giving everie man to understand, that falsehood hath no advantage against true Art, but rather is most hurrtful and deadlie to him that useth it.
Therefore casting away deceit for this present, which shal herafter be hadled in his proper place and restraining my selfe to the truth, which is the true and principall desier of my hart, presupposing that justice (which in everie occasion approcheth neerest unto truth) obteineth allwaies the superiorite, I say whosoever mindeth to exercise himselfe in this thrue and honourable Art or Science, it is requisite that he be indued with deep Judgement, a valiat hart and great activitie, In which thre qualities this exercise doth as it were deligth, live and florish.
Shihan Henderson's Comment:
Again, we see that this ancient manuscript from the middle ages of England provides us with some very interesting insight into the nature of combat. In the above case the context is sword fighting, however, its insight is applicable to empty hand fighting as well as all combat sysytems.
Firstly, the author feels the need to split the study of his sword art into two parts: the true art and the false art. He further mentions that he has observed that some men wish to use the false art to overcome or outwit their opponents. Interestingly, he points out that falsehood or the use of trickery does not have any advantage or superiority over true technique and will most likely end up with getting the person who employs its tactics hurt.
This thought has been reiterated by many Sensei (teachers) of martial arts of Japanese and non-Japanese origin. And as we see, it is a sentiment that goes back into the ages and as such we are smart to keep it in mind. It essentially is telling us that we need to study and we need to study hard and that there are no shortcuts. We must learn our lessons well and it takes time to do that and we must be industrious.
Moreover, the author continues to mention that if we wish to continue our study of our chosen art (again the author was speaking solely about sword art) we need to have the correct outlook and character to do so. The author believed that deep Judgement, (or shall we say maturity), bravery (valiant hart) and industriousness (great activitie) are important. That is, you must work hard and study hard, you must be brave and ready to fight when called upon and you must use your judgement and maturity when engaged in fighting. We all see that these themes are often reflected in the Dojo Kun or school principles of many Japanese Budo schools and as such are worthy of being repeated herein.
- Judgement (Maturity)
- Valiant Hart (Bravery)
- Great Activitie (Industriousness)
May these become your own personal principles as you practice your own study and by doing so open yourself up to the connection with the teachers and students of old in particular the Honourable Knights of the order of the Garter.
Knights of the Most Noble Order of the Garter: (as at June 2005)
Royal Knights
- HM Queen Elizabeth
- HRH The Duke of Edinburgh 1947
- HRH The Prince of Wales 1958
- HRH The Duke of Kent 1985
- HRH The Princess Royal 1994
- The Duke of Gloucester 1997
Extra Knights and Ladies
- HRH The Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg 1972
- HM Queen Margrethe of Denmark 1979
- HM King Carl Gustaf of Sweden 1983
- HM King Juan Carlos of Spain 1988
- HM Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands 1983
- The Emperor of Japan 1998
- HM King Harald of Norway 2001
- HRH Princess Alexandra, The Hon. Lady Ogilvy 2003
Knight and Lady Companions
- The Duke of Grafton 1976
- The Lord Richardson of Duntisbourne 1983
- The Lord Carrington 1985
- The Duke of Wellington 1990
- Field Marshal the Lord Bramall 1990
- Sir Edward Heath 1992
- The Viscount Ridley 1992
- The Lord Sainsbury of Preston Candover 1992
- The Rt Hon Sir Ninian Stephen 1994
- The Lord Kingsdown 1994
- The Lord Ashburton 1994
- The Baroness Thatcher 1995
- Sir Edmund Hillary 1995
- Sir Timothy Colman 1996
- The Duke of Abercorn 1999
- Sir William Gladstone, Bt 1999
- Field Marshal The Lord Inge 2001
- Sir Antony Acland 2001
- The Duke of Westminster 2003
- The Right Honourable Lord Butler of Brockwell 2003
- The Right Honourable Lord Morris of Aberavon 2003
- The Right Honourable The Lady Soames 2005
- The Right Honourable Sir John Major 2005
- The Lord Bingham of Cornhill 2005
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