I am Christopher, son of Gregory. I was born in the year of our lord 1980. My mother named me Christopher which means "Christ bearing". I come from a very large Irish family whose faith in Jesus Christ through the Catholic faith continues here in the United States . In discovering the plan the Lord has for me I have been a musician, a storyteller/writer, and a warrior. In searching for who I truly am I have found at the core beyond what I perceive as art, beneath my sins, and deeper past what I think or believe; I am empty. I believe that, while on Earth, you are what you do. Only when you consider your actions cautiously can you understand them enough to make a conscious decision to alter them. In my case I am trying to alter my actions to goodness which means suffering much. I deny anger when it washes over me, I tell the truth when it would be easier and more beneficial to lie, and I help others when and if I can. These are a few of the romantic notions I have come to revere. Often people who know me say that I would make a good monk; I think what they mean by that is that I am a simple person. I enjoy living plainly and without need of comfort, though I am grateful when I receive it. I am here to learn the art of the sword and to follow the way of the warrior in my own way. Ideally I will forge mind and body constantly. Aside from training I have enjoyed reading several books to enhance my training; Aikido and the dynamic sphere, the heart of Kendo, code of the samurai, secrets of budo, the sword of no sword, and the five rings. My current goals as a swordfighter are to pass the white rope test and to seek true studentship in order to become the best swordfighter that I can be. I believe that there are inescapable and insurmountable forces/circumstances in life that we may encounter that are overwhelming beyond the capabilities of any human being. I imagine being overcome by tidal waves, being the target of a multitude of arrows, or just fighting a warrior who is far superior to me. This is why I train and study. When the wave comes I will draw my sword and run at it and show that it may overwhelm me, even swallow me, but never defeat my spirit. Peace be with you all, Christopher Young Deo duce, ferro comitante