We normally think of Bushido in relation to men of the samurai class. The original concept of Bushido was an attempt to instill a sense of responsibility and kindness, as well as physical and moral courage in the men of the ruling class. It was mainly concerned with the inner spirit of the samurai.

There were also women of the samurai class who displayed these same attributes for which we all strive. I believe I have met a modern day version of a lady who exemplifies the concept of Bushido. The lady’s name is Gay, the wife of Ted Bleiweis, a JKF instructor of sensei Demura’s for over twenty-seven years.

Gay has had diabetes for many years and has been functioning on a portion of one transplanted kidney for about thirteen years. As you know, diabetes is accompanied by circulatory problems. Recently Gay had difficulty with the healing of a stubbed toe and eventually had to have her toes removed from one foot. Unfortunately, this did not resolve her problem and two weeks ago, she had an amputation below the knee of one leg.

This is tough stuff for anyone to handle, but Gay is more than up to the task. Her concern is for the people around her! Her husband, her daughter etc. When you ask her how she is doing, she replies "Fine! But how are you!! This positive attitude sensei insists, and I think most of us believe, is essential to our own good health and well being. Some people sometimes actually make themselves sick with their over concern of small aches and pains. Most serious karate practitioners in the dojo become used to the bumps and bruises and learn to mask the pain.

I spoke to Gay several days after her operation and as a result of some therapy sessions, she had taken a fall directly onto her sensitive wound. Her remark, almost in passing, was "Well, I hated to do it, but I had to take a little pain killer afterward". I think this lady is a warrior, and what she displays is truly Bushido.                                                                    

Jim Eyre July 1997