...single step. Or so the Zen proverb goes. I'm not new to blogging, but I must say that trying to find something worthwhile to write about is going to be a trick. I guess for a first post, it would be wise to tell a little something about myself, like why I'm calling myself the "Hollywood Ronin".
As you may or may not know, a Ronin was a masterless samurai, forced to roam the countryside with no lord to serve under. In many ways, I find myself in the same boat. As a martial artist, I've been training most of my life, but only earned one black belt in Okinawan Kenpo Karate. While I've trained in many methods and arts, I only needed the one Dan rank. Acquiring extra certificates and belts means nothing -- I'd rather have the skills to back up the single Nidan rank I've earned.
Why only a 2nd Dan? Again, rank doesn't really matter to me. I just want to learn everything I can. It's what's in my head and heart that counts, not what's on my wall. The same goes for my acting career. Many of my fellow actors concern themselves with who they're studying under, and what classes and workshops give their resume a higher pedigree. But I've already received my basic training in acting -- I'm more interested in challenging myself as a performer and improving on my foundations. While I'm always open to possible study with some high level teachers, I don't worry or concern myself with not having studied with so-and-so, or not having gone to such-and-such Academy. In the end, it's going to be the craft that will speak for itself.
Training is important, but it's a means to an end, not an end in itself. The goal of the actor, or martial artist, is to be able to stand on their own two feet and face their challenges head-on.
So what I hope to accomplish with this blog is a way for me to share some of the insights and observations I've had on this journey. Whether you're a martial artist, actor, or both -- I hope to give back some useful tips, as well as share some of my own struggles as close to real-time as possible.
