The importance of martial arts in James’ life
James Miller has been with the RKC Dojo at the Rivonia Sports Club since 2019.
The year 1984 was the year when James Miller took his baby steps in the martial arts industry.
The 58-year-old said he joined a dojo very close to where he worked and found that attendance was easy and a pleasure due to the positive motivational attitudes and encouragement from the senseis and sampais at the time.
“I have been training at the RKC Dojo since 2019, and progress in kendo, jodo, and iaido is very carefully observed by a set of grading examinations.”
Miller added that his biggest sign of progress has to be his ability to memorise the kata technical aspects of kendo, jodo, and iaido simultaneously.
“Kendo keiko represents the most challenging aspect of all three sword martial arts due to my age; I am almost 60 years old, and attention to fitness and the correct lifestyle choices becomes increasingly challenging with age.”
He explains that the biggest issue by far is achieving satisfactory attendance at the dojo, as it requires lifestyle and workplace changes.
“The understanding and participation of family members in achieving dojo attendance is important; without their cooperation, attendance will be difficult. I am fortunate that my family understands my goals. Attendance is defined as 100% plus.”
Miller elaborates that exercising every day is inexplicably linked to human physical and mental well-being, and exercise in his case is important, as he is diabetic – exercise forms a major part of his daily glycaemic control.
“As a senior clinician in the Department of Health, an ongoing ability to think in stressful situations, like what is developed in kendo keiko, iaido embu and jodo taikai, is a useful talent.”
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