The Last Real Ultra Hero - Part 2

In my previous blog entry I wrote how I believe Ultraman Leo is among the greatest of the Ultraman heroes, and the last of the “old school” Ultraman studs. I wrote among the greatest because I don’t want to get into a debate with others who may disagree with my analysis.

Note: If you have not read Part 1 of this blog, please stop and read read my previous entry before proceeding.

What first impressed me with Leo was the lyrics to his theme song:

“No one should forget courage. No one should forget gentleness.”

This is very similar to the motto of our dojo, “Be strong, be courageous, be gentle.” To be fair, even the writers of the theme song cannot take credit for the idea. Paul in the New Testament admonished the Corinthian believers to “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.” This is where we get our dojo motto.

Ultraman Leo was strong, courageous, and a consummate warrior. He fought for righteousness and the safety of the earth. He was an ultimate super hero.

Interjection: Ok, now you may be thinking that I am nerdy and writing as if Ultraman was a real character. Please indulge me a bit more.

What made Ultraman Leo courageous AND gentle was the fact that he experienced failure and loss. He experienced brokenness in his heart and spirit. The hardships and difficulties he faced both strengthened him to be courageous, and softened him to be compassionate, empathetic, and gentle. These are qualities that can only be forged when someone experiences difficulties themselves. It is often said that those who are the most caring are those who have suffered and experienced the most difficulties themselves.

As I look within my own life’s journey, I reflect on the past few years. It has been difficult and trying, feeling as if I was walking through the shadow of the valley of death. Not physical death, but an emotional death. As I have walked through this valley with the help

of many friends and mentors, I find myself attracted to the lyrics, “No one should forget courage. No one should forget gentleness.”

As a man, husband, father, son, friend, sensei, etc. I have found there are times when I need to be strong and courageous and times when I must be gentle and compassionate. It’s not either/or but both/and. I believe a mature person should, depending on the circumstances, display the character of strength/courageousness and gentleness.

It’s interesting that we can learn about life from a Japanese, fantasy, super hero.

Go Ultraman Leo!!!

The End

...Kevin