I would not be the first to observe that all sorts of pursuits one might think spiritual are muddied in the real world by tacit materialism, posturing and politics (eg churches). Martial arts may be no exception. However, veneration for the founders of styles seems universal and indicates the huge latent respect for their achievements and teaching that is often covered by the egos of practitioners. There could be much more unsaid; I am trying to read between the lines.

My attendance at a dojo has been for well under a year. Inside the cover of the student booklet is a nice list of school principles which reassure me that I am in the right place. The summary of them is "Spiritual development of individuality in mind and body". The sensei drew attention to it when I received my membership; this is all the discussion so far. I do not think many of us in our culture are practised in speaking about these matters, I least of all. I'll be continuing to pray to the founder of my school though. If there is identifiable fruit I'll be delighted and shall try to come back with the news :)