Some look at those whose interest is the chivalric orders as people who are "quaint" or "old fashioned", or "kids that just never grew up."  Some hold that such action is merely "play". 

I propose, on the other hand, that LIVING the Templar way is more than just "play", more than just "interesting anachronism".  Using concepts from budo I hope that I may demonstrate that living the Budo "Way", as well as living the Templar "Way", is a means of character development that may assist one in facing life and the challenges that it brings.

The Templar Fellowship is "based upon the chivalric principles of the historic Knights Templars.  Our purpose is to enhance personal development through study & creative investigation."

The "Budo Charter" adopted in 1987 by the Japanese Budo Association determines that "Budo...is an aspect of traditional culture that has evolved...through centuries of historical and social change. Following the concept of unity of mind and technique, budo has developed and refined a discipline of austere training which promotes etiquette, skillful technique, physical strength, and the unity of mind and body."

The "Templar Rule" adopted under the guidance of Bernard of Clairveaux, notes that it is for those "who desire with a pure heart to serve..." (Rule 1); to "defend the poor, widows, orphans and churches..." (ibid); in "perpetual love of God" (Rule 10).  It offers concepts, that through austere training, promotes etiquette, skillful technique, physical strength, and the unity of mind and body with God.

Article 1 of the Budo Charter notes that "budo exponents seek to build their character, enhance their sense of judgment, and become disciplined individuals capable of making contributions to society at large."  Our Templar Fellowship lists as one of its goals "to provide opportunity to study, learn and build happier members and a better world, one heart at a time. We aspire to cultivate a moral code of self-discipline as a means for maturing."

Budo seeks to develop character through KIEKO.  Kieko is a Japanese word which is made up of two characters which literally mean "to consider the past."  "In other words, to learn from the wisdom of the ancients.  By considering their deeds and motives and adapting them to contemporary needs, one is able to shed light on the present.  Other words used to denote training in Japanese....are generally used in regards to tempering or forging the mind, or a synergy of mind and body through the ongoing process of ascetic training."*

Templars seek to "consider the past" when they choose to follow the Templar Way, and certainly the historic Templars chose to live an ascetic life of practice, contemplation, and training, in addition to other religious obligations.  I do not intend to say that budo and Templars are the same, but I DO intend to point out that there are many similar concepts to each.

But why such ascetic lifestyles?  Why such hardship to each?  The Templars and the samurai developed at around the same historical period.  "By the 10th century, single-edged blades were already being manufactured in Japan.  From the late Heian period (795-1185) to the Kamakua period (1185-1333), bows, horses, swords, and spears had become the core weapons used by the hereditary warrior class the bushi."**  Compare this with the rise of feudalism with Charlemagne in the 800-1100s and with the Templars in the 1129 to 1307 era and you will see that the Templars and the Samurai were true contemporaries.  

The samurai, as a coherent "culture", lasted into the later half of the 1800s, and with the establishment of an era of peace in Japan, "the chance for actual combat disappeared and this necessitated a redefinition of the purpose of (sword practices).  In the 1630's and 40s, well known martial art instructors started writing treatises to deal with this particular problem" (**, page 70) preceding the "Age of Enlightenment" in the West by nearly 50 to 100 years.  "They set out to clarify the meaning of martial art training for individual (nobles) in times of peace." (**)

Training for  combat, and actual combat itself, was no easy matter.  For budo, practice that included ascetic aspects was a necessity as it  approximated the realities found in actual combat. "Taking the hard road is what causes the most frustration and pain and is why it is referred to as 'tearful keiko'.  There is an old saying, 'to train is to cry; to be enlightened is to laugh; to be angry is stupidity.'  In other words, in the course of training there is much frustration and hardship which must be endured to ensure continued development."***.   A cursory read of the Templar Rule will demonstrate that they had similar thoughts. 

While our Fellowship does not impose such ascetic hardships, it does necessitate a willingness to expend energy in order to develop.  One must CHOOSE to participate, to become involved, to read, to search out, to gather together, to be active.  It doesn't just "fall into your lap."  "There is not much meaning to your training if all you wish to do is (use)...questionable strategies" to come by technique "easily".*** "Instead, you should strive to train by putting as much physical and mental verve in your techniques as possible.  If you have powerful ki or energy, your body will respond with more vigour." ***

What can be said of budo can generally be said of the the Templar Way.

^{* The Greater Meaning of Kendo Training, KENDO WORLD VOL. 3.4; page 48}

^{** Ryuha Kenjutsu, the Formation of Japanese Budo Culture, KENDO WORLD VOL 3.4; page 68}

^{*** Training, KENDO WORLD VOL 3.4; page 49}