31 I have been expanding surfing, skateboarding, boardsailing, and snowboarding throughout the country (approx.85,000 students). But thinking back, I felt something was not right. If current condition continues, I felt these sports will not grow. Surfing originated in Hawaii by means of respecting the beauty and power of holy nature. It shows honor to the sun, mountain, ocean, and the blessings of mother nature. In Waikiki, there is a statue of Duke Kahanamoku, a gold Olympic medalist in swimming. Nowadays, there is a tendency of young Japanese surfers not able to greet, follow rules nor behave, and the only thing they care about is having fun. I have done penance studying of Japanese ancient Shinto (the way of gods), Buddhism, Zendou (meditation), Budo (the martial arts), judo, and humanity. From that, I learned the importance of training the mind and body to reflect one’s self. In addition, I learned respecting courtesy, being considerate to others, and having the mind to repay ancestor/parent/person/nature is important. Our predecessors have given us the knowledge and wisdom of surfing, sea and wave, which allowed us to meet with fascinating people. This encounter had created various special bonds, along with the courage and fascination to live. I believe handing down the lifestyle of performing beach clean throughout the country’s seaside and protecting the safety to prevent water-related accidents for surfers is our mission as legendary surfers. SURF&PEACE starts from a SMILE. April 28th, 2009 Masamichi Takahashi