Teaching as Gratitude: The Gift That Circles Back
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The kanji, On「恩」 is composed of 因 (cause, origin) enclosed beneath 心 (heart). At its core lies the idea that kindness leaves an imprint on the heart — one that endures. In budo, this concept lives in every bow, every correction offered by a senior, every waza handed down across generations.
To teach, then, is not only to share knowledge, not by returning it to the source, but by giving it forward. In this way, teaching becomes both an expression and extension of gratitude. The circle does not close; it widens.
Teaching is a heavy responsibility — something to take on when one becomes “ready.” Yet, readiness is not a moment but a process shaped not just by what we’ve learned, but by how we’ve been taught: with patience, firmness, and generosity. Like how in each moment others took the time to show me a detail, offer a correction, or steady one's hand left a mark, the way one teaches now is stitched from those moments.
As one begins teaching, one may notice something unexpected: that their own learning deepens. When one tries to explain a movement one thought one understood, one may inevitably encounter its gaps. When one watches someone else struggle, one may remember one's early stumbles more vividly. Teaching may catalyse one to reflect, to simplify, to revisit the fundamentals with fresh eyes. In guiding others, one would find oneself retracing the path, and each time, walking it more mindfully.
Teaching in budo is not simply a transmission of form. It is an act of return. We do not own the art. We inherit it for a time, hold it carefully, and pass it on — hopefully a little clearer, a little kinder, a little more refined than we received it. This, too, is On: the awareness that we are not originators, but stewards of a tradition shaped by many hands.
When we teach with this spirit, something changes. Teaching ceases to be an obligation and becomes an offering. A quiet bow to the teachers who shaped us. A way of keeping them alive in every word, every correction, every patient repetition we give. Gratitude, when lived this way, transforms the act itself. The dojo becomes not just a place of instruction, but of remembrance.
And in doing so, we also help keep the tradition alive. Teaching is not about preservation in a fixed form — it’s about continuity in motion. Each student adds their own layer, shaped by their questions, their struggles, their insights. The art evolves, not by abandoning the past, but by honoring it through relevance.
Teaching is not the final step of learning. It is its reflection — and its renewal. It is how we honor the hands that guided us, and how we offer our own hand to those who follow. The gift we were given doesn’t return in a straight line. It comes back around, wider and more complete.
We do not teach to complete the path. We teach to keep it open.
We hope this article has offered insight into the relational spirit of teaching within budo.
This article centers on the character 「恩」 (on) — meaning grace, kindness received, and the lasting imprint of care. In the traditions of Iaido, we are shaped not only by what we learn, but by how it is given. 「恩」 reminds us that every lesson we receive is part of a larger inheritance — one carried forward through generations with humility and reverence. To teach, then, is to return this kindness by extending the path for others. It is how gratitude becomes action, and how the living tradition of budo continues to unfold — not in isolation, but through hands extended, voices shared, and hearts remembered.
This is the last instalment in the series. If you're curious about iaido or considering joining our practice, we warmly welcome enquiries about our classes and training schedule. Feel free to reach out — we'd be happy to hear from you.
Singapore Genyokan (厳洋館) is an official dojo of the World MJER Iaido Federation 正統正流無雙直傳英信流居合道国際連盟
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