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Thoughts on International & Global Education
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Musings on Japanese and Ryukyu Budo
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 Sleep Well, and Dream Not of Yesterday: A Reflection on Zen, Bushido, and the Lived Experience
Memory is a fascinating construct. I recall hearing, "Sleep well, and dream not of yesterday", and attributing it to Worf from Star Trek: The Next Generation. With his stoic demeanour and adherence to Klingon traditions, Worf seemed the perfect vessel for such wisdom. However, upon revisiting the series and delving into Klingon lore, I realise this line isn't present. It may have been a Klingon wish or a phrase that resonated so profoundly that it found its way into my understanding of the character. But whether its origins lie in Star Trek or elsewhere, the sentiment remains powerful. It speaks to an enduring truth found in Zen thought, Bushido, and the reality of human experience—the past is unchangeable, and only the present and future remain within our reach. To dwell on yesterday is to chain oneself to what can no longer be influenced, while to dream of the future is to engage with what is yet to be shaped. Mushin no Shin in Zen Buddhism An ensō (Zen circle)—a traditional ink painting done in one free brushstroke— symbolises enlightenment and the empty mind of Zen. It represents a moment when the mind is uncluttered and “free to let the body create,” capturing the spirit of mushin. In Zen Buddhist thought, mushin no shin – often translated as “no-mind” – refers to a pure awareness free from ego and distraction. Importantly, no mind does not mean literal mindlessness or blank indifference. Instead, it is a mind unbound by ego-driven thought, “not delimited by ideas, desires, and images” and free of internal commentary or projection. In this state, the practitioner fully experiences reality without clinging to judgments, allowing actions and responses to flow naturally. The 13th-century Zen master Dōgen (道元), founder of the Sōtō Zen school, described his enlightenment as “dropping off the body and the mind” (shinjin datsuraku) – a moment in which the usual dualism between self and other dissolved. Through rigorous zazen meditation and mindfulness, Dōgen taught “practice-realization,” wherein one lets go of attaining anything and simply is here and now. Later, Zen figures expanded on mushin in practical terms. Takuan Sōhō (沢庵宗彭, 1573–1645), a Rinzai Zen monk, famously applied mushin to swordsmanship in his treatise Fudōchishinmyōroku (The Unfettered Mind). Writing to the swordsman Yagyū Munenori, Takuan counselled that the Zen practitioner and the warrior must learn to “free their minds from attachments, discriminations, and conceptualisations” – to let no grasping thought interrupt the fluidity of mind. Mushin no shin, he explained, is a mental state of total presence and responsiveness, like water that adapts to the shape of its container without hesitation. In combat or daily life, this inner freedom allows one to respond to changing situations immediately and naturally, unimpeded by fear or cognitive overthinking. Bushidō and Shikata ga nai: Samurai Acceptance An Edo-period woodblock print depicting the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi (宮本武蔵). Musashi’s writings emphasise a warrior’s composure and acceptance of reality. Samurai were taught to face death and hardship calmly, embodying the ethos of shikata ga nai – “it cannot be helped.” Bushidō (武士道, “Way of the Warrior”), the code of ethics followed by samurai in feudal Japan, placed great emphasis on honour, duty, and unflinching courage. Underlying these virtues was an ethos of acceptance – an understanding that a warrior must calmly face realities beyond their control, including the inevitability of death. The Japanese shikata ga nai (“it cannot be helped”) epitomises this attitude of stoic acceptance. Rather than indicating defeatism, shikata ga nai encouraged samurai to meet fate with grace and focus on what must be done next. One of the definitive Bushidō texts, Hagakure (葉隠, “Hidden in Leaves”), compiled by Yamamoto Tsunetomo in the early 1700s, repeatedly instructs the samurai to accept death and adversity as natural. Hagakure famously states that “the way of the samurai is found in death.” In practical terms, a samurai must always be prepared to die – to live each day as if it were his last, with honour and purpose. By embracing death in his heart beforehand, a warrior can act decisively and without fear. Stoicism: Focus on the Controllable, Embrace Impermanence Bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius in Rome. As a Stoic philosopher-king, Marcus Aurelius wrote extensively about accepting fate and focusing only on one’s moral action. Stoicism teaches that while we cannot control external events, we can control our judgments and choices. Stoicism, an ancient Greco-Roman philosophy, offers similar wisdom of acceptance and present-focused action. Stoic thinkers like Epictetus, Marcus Aurelius, and Seneca taught that serenity comes from understanding what we can control and cannot and concentrating only on the former. In his Meditations, Marcus Aurelius constantly reminds himself how transient life is: “Keep in mind how fast things pass by and are gone… Nothing is stable, not even what’s right here.” This almost Zen-like reflection encourages us to see that all external things (pleasures, pain, fame, even our bodies) are fleeting and beyond our ultimate control. Why grieve and fret over the ephemeral? Instead, Stoics argue, devote yourself to what is enduringly yours: your virtue and attitude. A Call to Rest and a Call to Dream To sleep well, free of yesterday’s burdens, is to embrace a mindset of peace and presence. To dream only of the future is to step into agency, creativity, and action. Zen teaches us to let go, Bushido reminds us to move forward, and life itself proves, time and again, that clinging to what has passed does not serve us. The next time you close your eyes, remember: yesterday was a closed book. What dreams will you shape for tomorrow? 日本語の要約 (Japanese Summary) 禅の「無心の心」、武士道の「仕方がない」、ストア哲学の教え––これら三つの伝統はいずれも**「執着を手放し、今この瞬間に最善を尽くす」**ことを説いています。道元や沢庵宗彭は無心の境地について論じ、武士道では『葉隠』が死を覚悟し生きることを説き、ストア哲学は「制御できるものに集中し、制御できないものを受け流す」ことの大切さを教えています。それぞれ異なる文化で発展しましたが、その核心には「あるがままの現実を受け入れ、今ここでなすべきことを実行する」という共通の哲学があるのです。
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 Remembering Inomoto Masaru Sensei (井本勝先生) Martial arts are more than mere techniques—they are a philosophy, a way of life, and a path to self-improvement. Among the great masters who embodied this spirit was Inomoto Masaru Sensei (井本勝先生), a dedicated practitioner of Chitō-Ryū Karate-dō (千唐流空手道) and the founder of Jikishin-Ryū Karate-dō (直心流空手道). His profound influence on the martial arts world continues to inspire students across generations.
生涯と武道の道 (Life and Martial Arts Path)Key Dates (主な日付)
井本勝先生は熊本県に生まれ、武道の伝統が根付いた家庭で育ちました。幼い頃から武道に興味を持ち、初めは柔道を学びましたが、後に空手道に専念するようになりました。 Training with O-Sensei Chitose (千歳強直先生との修行)At the age of 17, Inomoto Sensei began training under O-Sensei Tsuyoshi Chitose (千歳強直), the founder of Chitō-Ryū Karate-dō. Unlike many students who trained from afar, Inomoto Sensei lived close to O-Sensei for the remainder of Chitose’s life, allowing him to receive direct and continuous instruction. 井本勝先生は、17歳の時に千唐流空手道の創始者である 千歳強直先生 のもとで修行を始めました。彼は師範の近くに住み、生涯にわたり指導を受け続けました。この特別な師弟関係により、千歳先生の技術と哲学を深く学ぶことができました。 Training in Ryūkyū Kobudō and Iaido (琉球古武道と居合道の修行)In addition to his karate training, Inomoto Sensei trained under Eisuke Akamine (赤嶺栄助), the successor to Shinken Taira (平信賢), mastering Ryūkyū Kobudō (琉球古武道). He also achieved high ranks in Musō Jikiden Eishin-Ryū Iaido (無雙直伝英信流居合道), further enriching his martial expertise. また、井本先生は 赤嶺栄助先生 の指導のもとで 琉球古武道 を学びました。さらに、無雙直伝英信流居合道 の高段者として、武術の奥義を追求し続けました。 自衛隊での指導 (Service in the Japan Self-Defense Forces)Beyond civilian martial arts, Inomoto Sensei served in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (陸上自衛隊, Jieitai) as a Jūkendō (銃剣道) Instructor, teaching bayonet combat techniques. His experience in military training influenced his understanding of martial application and strategy. 武道の道にとどまらず、井本先生は 日本陸上自衛隊 に所属し、銃剣道 の指導者として活躍しました。この経験は、彼の武術に対する戦略的理解を深める要因となりました。 直心流空手道の創設 (The Founding of Jikishin-Ryū Karate-dō)Jikishin-Ryū Karate-dō continues today under the leadership of Inomoto Sensei's youngest daughter, Mami Inomoto (井本真美), who upholds and furthers her father's teachings. Following the passing of O-Sensei Chitose, Inomoto Sensei established Jikishin-Ryū Karate-dō (直心流空手道) in Kumamoto (熊本). His teachings integrated elements of Chitō-Ryū Karate, Kobudō, and Iaido, forming a comprehensive martial system. 直心流空手道の道場訓 (Jikishin-Ryū Karate-dō Dojo Kun)
直心流空手道の精神を受け継ぎ、未来の世代に伝えていくことこそが、私たちができる最大の敬意の表し方です。  Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Western nations have provided substantial financial and military assistance to Ukraine, ensuring its continued resistance against aggression. The United States and European countries have played pivotal roles in this effort, but how do their contributions compare? A deeper examination reveals that while both regions have committed significant resources, Europe’s per capita expenditure exceeds that of the U.S., particularly when factoring in the costs of housing and supporting Ukrainian refugees. Breaking Down the Figures As of January 2025, the United States has provided approximately $175 billion in total aid to Ukraine. However, not all of this sum has been directly allocated to Ukraine. Of this total, $106 billion has gone directly to the Ukrainian government for military and financial assistance, while the remainder has been used to fund U.S. activities linked to the conflict, including replenishing military stockpiles and supporting other affected regions. In comparison, European nations (including non-EU countries such as the United Kingdom and Norway) have collectively contributed $280 billion in direct aid to Ukraine. This figure highlights Europe’s significant financial commitment, which surpasses that of the U.S. when measured in absolute terms. Military vs. Non-Military Aid The distribution of aid between military and humanitarian purposes varies significantly. The United States has focused heavily on military support, with around $66 billion in direct military aid, including weapons, intelligence, and training. Europe, while also providing military support, has placed greater emphasis on financial and humanitarian assistance, contributing approximately $20 billion in military aid through the European Peace Facility and national contributions. The rest of Europe’s aid has been financial or humanitarian, aimed at stabilising Ukraine’s economy and supporting refugees. The Role of NATO & Indirect Contributions NATO has played a crucial role in European contributions, with various European nations supporting Ukraine through military training, logistics, and coordination rather than direct financial transfers. Countries like the UK and Germany have invested heavily in training Ukrainian troops, while NATO has coordinated weapons shipments and intelligence sharing to bolster Ukraine’s defences. Per Capita Contributions While total figures provide one perspective, a more insightful comparison is made when analysing per capita contributions. The United States, with a population of approximately 335 million, has spent around $316 per person in direct aid to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Europe, with a combined population of roughly 750 million, has provided approximately $373 per capita. Supporting Ukrainian Refugees One of the major differences between the U.S. and Europe’s response has been the cost of housing and supporting displaced Ukrainians. Europe has taken on the vast majority of the refugee burden, with over 8 million Ukrainians seeking refuge in European nations. Approximately 4 million have been granted temporary protection status, entitling them to accommodation, healthcare, employment, and education. To support this influx, European countries have spent an additional $47 billion, with significant expenditures from Poland ($13 billion) and Germany ($12 billion). When combining this with direct aid to Ukraine, Europe’s total financial commitment reaches $327 billion, equating to $436 per capita. In contrast, the United States has provided $9.63 billion in refugee-related assistance, including $481 million allocated for direct resettlement within the U.S. When this expenditure is added to its total aid, the U.S. per capita contribution rises to $345—still significantly lower than Europe’s. Long-Term Commitments vs. Immediate Spending While the U.S. often approves large aid packages in short-term increments, Europe has taken a more long-term approach. The European Union, for example, has committed €50 billion ($54 billion) under the Ukraine Facility, a multi-year financial package to support Ukraine’s economy and reconstruction between 2024-2027. This suggests that Europe’s involvement will continue beyond immediate battlefield needs. Public Opinion and Political Shifts Public opinion towards Ukrainian aid varies between the U.S. and Europe. In the U.S., political divisions have led to growing scepticism about continued support, with debates intensifying as the 2024 elections approached. In Europe, while public support remains strong, concerns about the economic impact and refugee integration have led to political discussions about the sustainability of ongoing aid. The recent election of President Donald Trump has also raised uncertainty about future U.S. support, as his administration has suggested reassessing foreign aid priorities. Meanwhile, European nations have reaffirmed their long-term commitments, recognising Ukraine’s role in regional stability. Challenges & Criticism While aid has been essential, there have been concerns regarding transparency and efficiency in its distribution. Reports of corruption and mismanagement in Ukraine have led to calls for stricter oversight, especially from donor countries. Additionally, some European nations, such as Hungary, have shown reluctance to continue high levels of aid, citing domestic economic concerns. Managing these internal divisions will be crucial for maintaining aid consistency. Impact of Aid on Ukraine’s Stability Both U.S. and European aid have played crucial roles in Ukraine’s military and economic resilience. Military assistance has allowed Ukraine to sustain its defences, while financial aid has helped the government continue essential services. However, there is increasing concern about the sustainability of aid. Ukraine’s economy remains dependent on foreign assistance, and as the war continues, donor fatigue could become a significant challenge. Visual Summary: U.S. vs. European Aid Conclusion: Who Has Given More?When measured per capita, Europe has provided considerably more financial assistance than the U.S., particularly when factoring in the cost of supporting refugees. The U.S. per capita total stands at $345, whereas Europe’s contribution is $436 per person. These figures demonstrate that while the United States’ aid is crucial for Ukraine’s military efforts, Europe has shouldered a broader financial and social responsibility, absorbing millions of refugees and providing long-term support beyond military funding. Moving forward, the sustainability of these commitments remains a pressing question. With shifting political dynamics—particularly in the U.S.—there is growing uncertainty regarding future aid. Meanwhile, European nations continue to explore long-term solutions, both for Ukraine’s stability and for integrating the millions of displaced Ukrainians now residing within their borders. Ultimately, while both the U.S. and Europe have made substantial contributions, Europe’s financial and humanitarian support to Ukraine has outpaced that of the United States when assessed on a per capita basis. ウクライナ支援における米国と欧州の比較：主要なポイント ロシアのウクライナ侵攻（2022年2月）以降、米国と欧州は多大な支援 を提供してきましたが、それぞれの貢献には重要な違いがあります。本記事では、総額・軍事支援・難民支援・一人当たりの負担額 などを比較し、欧州が米国を上回る貢献をしていることを明らかにします。 1. 総額と直接援助
➡ 米国と欧州の支援スタイルの違いを理解し、今後の持続可能な支援の在り方を考えることが重要です。    Having spent over 25 years working in international schools and 10 years in Ontario, I have been heavily involved in curriculum reform in both settings. In Ontario, I worked on implementing large-scale curriculum changes, including integrating new assessment models and revising social studies and humanities programmes to align with evolving educational priorities. In international schools, I have overseen the transition to updated IB frameworks, adapted IGCSE structures, and implemented AP programme refinements, often navigating overlapping accreditation requirements and professional development initiatives. I have served as a teacher, programme director, IB examiner, and high school principal, overseeing curriculum implementation and reform at multiple levels. My work has spanned IB, IGCSE, and AP curricula, and I have engaged in professional development as a participant and a facilitator.
From this vantage point, I have seen how international schools, particularly those following U.S.-based accreditation models, are caught in an exhausting cycle of perpetual change. Unlike nationally regulated systems where ministries of education, teacher unions, and long-term planning processes ensure stability, international schools are often at the mercy of administrators, accreditation bodies, and external consultants who introduce constant shifts in pedagogy, assessment, and professional development (PD) initiatives. The result? Teachers are expected to continuously adapt without being given the time to master or refine their craft. How Often Do Top Education Systems Review Their Curriculum? The frequency of curriculum and assessment reviews varies significantly among high-performing education systems. Unlike national curricula that undergo structured, long-term reforms, international schools are often subject to rapid and frequent changes driven by external organisations, accreditation bodies, and pressures to stay “cutting edge.” The Perpetual Professional Development Trap and the Administrator Conveyor Belt. International school educators can be trapped in a constant loop of professional development (PD) initiatives that prioritise trend-driven teaching strategies over sustained, evidence-based improvement. Compounding this instability is the never-ending conveyor belt of administrators, each bringing their pet projects, educational philosophies, and assessment approaches. Unlike state or nationally controlled systems—where laws, departments of education, and teacher unions curb administrative agencies from making wholesale and potentially uninformed changes—international schools often grant administrators sweeping influence over pedagogy, frequently forcing teachers to adapt to new initiatives before previous strategies have had time to take root. As a high school principal and IB programme director, I have seen multiple iterations of curriculum reform, each introduced with great enthusiasm but abandoned before implementation could be refined. Schools rush to adopt the latest educational philosophies—whether inquiry-based learning, flipped classrooms, or AI-assisted instruction—without considering long-term viability. This not only exhausts teachers but also diminishes the quality of teaching as educators are continually expected to reinvent their approach. The Business of Professional Development: A U.S.-Driven Industry One of the key drivers of the perpetual reform cycle in international schools is the influence of the U.S.-centric professional development industry, valued at over $18 billion annually. Research has shown that much of this industry operates as a profit-driven enterprise rather than a means of sustainable, research-based professional growth for educators. Studies indicate that the effectiveness of many PD initiatives is often questionable, with limited long-term impact on student outcomes. Yet, schools continue to invest heavily in workshops, conferences, and consultant-led training sessions. The international school sector, heavily reliant on U.S.-based accreditation bodies, has absorbed this model, perpetuating a cycle where PD becomes a financial commitment rather than a pedagogically meaningful process. Professional development is a multi-billion-dollar business in the United States, driven by independent consultants, educational firms, and keynote speakers who market the latest pedagogical trends as must-have solutions. Because most international school accreditation bodies—such as the Council of International Schools (CIS), Middle States Association (MSA), and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC)—are based in the U.S., their professional development models are often exported to international schools without consideration of local educational needs or sustainable pedagogical approaches. Schools are often pressured to adopt the newest methodologies, such as socio-emotional learning, competency-based grading, or digital-first teaching strategies before adequate research has demonstrated their effectiveness. The constant cycle of training sessions, certification programmes, and workshops places significant financial and time burdens on educators, leaving them overwhelmed rather than empowered. Accreditation Cycles and Their Additional Strain on Teachers Adding to this burden is the layer of accreditation reviews conducted by organisations such as CIS, WASC, and NEASC, each with evolving standards and expectations. Until recently, these bodies operated independently from curriculum providers such as the IB, Cambridge, or College Board. This meant that schools could undergo IB verification or review while simultaneously preparing for an entirely separate accreditation visit with different criteria and expectations. For teachers, this creates another level of disruption. Just as they adjust to curriculum changes, they must also adapt their teaching to meet evolving accreditation requirements, which often include new policies on assessment, differentiation, and student well-being. Since accreditation reviews operate on their cycle—usually every five to ten years, with interim reports required more frequently—teachers constantly revise documentation, adjust assessment strategies, and demonstrate compliance with shifting benchmarks. Unlike national education systems, where curriculum and assessment changes are centrally coordinated, international schools must manage multiple, sometimes conflicting, expectations. The pressure to align with accreditation mandates while keeping up with IB, IGCSE, or AP curriculum revisions exacerbates teacher workload and contributes to professional fatigue. The Impact of Constant Change on Teachers This cycle of continuous reinvention negatively affects educators in several key ways:
Closing Thoughts and Future Considerations The current model of constant curriculum change, trend-driven professional development, and overlapping accreditation demands is unsustainable and counterproductive. International schools, accreditation bodies, and the IB must shift their focus from perpetual reinvention to sustained, meaningful educational development. Stability—not constant change—allows teachers to innovate, master their craft, and ultimately provide the best possible education for students. If international schools are to become leaders in global education truly, they must abandon the ‘shiny object’ syndrome and commit to pedagogical depth over perpetual disruption. In achieving this goal they need the support of such bodies as the IBO and accrediation bodies who for too long have abused their roles within intentional schools by forcing such schools to be in perpetual change without having the time to imbed changes.  With the history book now in its final stages I have begun a return to my oldest project - poetry. In the coming year or so I will be releasing a collection of poems long overdue - Entitled the 'Boyne's Lament' - I shared below a very, very very early draft of the titular poem - Ironically this is the last poem written for the collection but the first shared... The final draft will not look like this but these are the stepping stones before the foundation is laid..
The Boyne's Lament Old and wide, silver-threaded, deep, Born of mist where shadows creep. I knew the tongues of those long lost, Felt the frost of battles crossed. Newgrange stones still mark my birth, Their shadows stretch across the earth. I bore the Salmon, silver, wise, A whisper cast in drifting skies. Fingers burned with lore once bright, Now fading embers in the night. No wisdom left in waters deep, Only echoes that learn to weep. I lapped at doors of ancient halls, Where feet once danced and banners called. The songs still hum beneath my flow, Murmured notes of long ago. The Táin still lingers in my stream, A hero’s wrath, a dream unseen. The bulls still rage in whispered breath, A tale of love, of war, of death. The weight of time bends back the past, Through ripples deep, reflections cast. A river’s bones, a silent tongue, Holding all yet speaking none. Mellifont’s stones, worn smooth by prayer, Soft with hands no longer there. Psalms rose up, then fell away, Where silence rests in ruined clay. Monasterboice, the crosses stand, Tall in vigil, carved by hand. Yet even saints could not defend The lives that war would never mend. No borders bind the things I keep, No single tongue within me speaks. I knew the hands of builders old, And those who drowned in hunger’s cold. I carried stories, cradled loss, Held the weight of broken trust. the troubles came, the streets ran red, A shadowed land where silence bled. The echoes of a bullet’s flight, His love fell silent in the night. In my arms they dared to stay, A last embrace beyond the fray. I held the grief, the unheard calls, Beneath the viaduct, where shadows call. But worse than war is silent blight, A poisoned soul, a starless night. No warriors now upon my bridge, But lost ones lean upon its ridge. Their pockets full of powder white, Their spirits drowned in neon light. Once I was a silver thread, A lifeline strong where seekers tread. Now factories spew their tainted bile, And silence haunts my every mile. The voices lost in drug-fuelled dreams, The drowning sobs, the choking screams. The bridges where the lovers met, Now bear the weight of lost regret. For those who stand upon my ledge, And whisper sorrow from the edge. A final step, a final sigh, And still my waters wonder why. Now the salmon flinch at the filth, The reeds droop low with sickened breath. I slide past pylons, thick with rust, Through waters clotted black with dust. What ran with silver now runs grey, And still I carry dead away. O children, hear my cry, My waves grow weak, my bed runs dry. Once I was a thread unspun, Weaving past and yet-to-come. But rivers turn, and tides will rise, A voice once lost may yet be wise. For I am water, old and wide, And still my depths refuse to hide. Should hands reach out to heal my scars, I’ll shine once more beneath the stars. |
James M. HatchInternational Educator who happens to be passionate about Chito Ryu Karate. Born in Ireland, educated in Canada, matured in Japan Archives
February 2025
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