Time to JUMP

You are out in the middle of the ocean on a large vessel called Kyusho, but must leave the ship.  So which lifeboat do you go for... An old model that you pulled out of retirement or the newer more modern model?

Well lets look at the pros and cons of each lifeboat:

The old model, it has been around since the early 1980's.   Yep even on the maiden voyage of the Kyusho vessel shipping out to sea.  It was retired due to age and not really used for close to 20 years.  Yes of course it was a sturdy and simple structure but never updated.  So time has antiquated it as no innovation or reconstruction, (maybe not even painted since then).  Yes it will do the job and be supportive on that big ocean, but being wood (old unpainted wood at that) with no roof, engine, fresher food and water stores, rickety in the water and needing constant tendering so as not to capsize in the rough and unpredictable seas makes surviving very difficult.

The new model has been constructed of newer technological materials and maintained over a far shorter time constantly being refined and maintained.  It keeps stocked with the newest technology and supplies and is setting the pace.  It has its own momentum and is contained so it is unsinkable survival almost guaranteed.

Yes at one time that old was awesome and even perhaps the best of its time.  But without constant use, refinement and added technologies the name or make of it still can not maintain the same level of excellence.

The newer model which was built to not only be maintained, but fitted with a constantly upgraded technology and material rather than relying on 20+ year old quality without Maintenance will last many more years because of the build and ability to change with the current needs or innovations.

So it is with great old names (even in the Martial Arts) that forged the past, but have become a part of it.  They should be honored for their pioneering efforts and the foundation of all that comes from it.  But there is a time when everything must be moved ahead of so that growth and innovation can continue... not merely dusting it off to jump aboard.

We must always build newer and stronger vessels to continue their tradition, but based on those antiquated experiential efforts.  But we must not be fooled into thinking we can take the old out of retirement and expect just the name or reputation of it to buoy us on the open waters.

So as with the lifeboats which would you choose?

-ep