In a Difficult Terrain Find Balance

           The name “Gankaku” translates to “Crane on a rock” due to the one legged stance called tsuru dachi (Crane stance) evident in the Kata. The Kata develops proprioception which involves good balance, proper joint alignments and awareness of body position in space. This is because it is believed to be used for fighting on treacherous grounds which maybe rocky, slippery or sandy, it is also believed to be used on uneven terrains like ramps, slopes or stairs. Those sequences moving away from the start line are believed to mean that you are above the stairs or on higher ground and your opponents are below. Those movements going towards the start line means that you are below or on lower ground.

Fighting on uneven terrain

        Though it is strategically advantageous to be on higher ground but that will not always be the case so it is prudent to learn how to fight on lower grounds. A strong core and balance is immensely important for a technique to be effective. In a Karate tournament a kick or a punch will not be considered a point if the player falls or gets off balanced. More so when it comes to fighting in difficult terrains, an off-balanced strike will not be as effective.                                                                                  

  Its original name is Chinto, believed to be the name of a Chinese martial artist shipwrecked in Okinawa. Because he was stranded he stole food from the locals. Sokon Matsumura was sent to deal with the thief and they fought. Legend says that they were evenly matched and so Matsumura made a deal with Chinto to teach him and in return he will provide for him and help him return home. Matsumura then formulated a Kata to serve as a record of Chinto’s techniques that he learned. 

During combat, it is very important for the mind and the spirit to be centered or balanced. Never be over confident nor too afraid, too tensed; too relaxed; too aggressive or too passive. In a very stressful and intense situation being centered means being calm and composed to be able to think and act accordingly. Achieving good balance is also a principle that we should apply in our daily lives. Most of the time, too much or too little of anything is not healthy for us. “Chudan”or  the middle is our target. Too much materialism would lead to greed and selfishness but at the same time understand that we need material wealth in order to live a descent life and be able to bless others as well. There are lots of different modern diet plans to choose from to achieve your health and fitness goals but the most basic principle of a healthy diet is a well-balanced meal. Over training leads to injuries and hinders your progress even more but very little training will not help you progress at all.

 People and corporations nowadays have become too competitive and because of technology everyone now demands speed and increase in capacity not just on machines but on people as well. A few companies nowadays have adapted the work to life balance principle. But work is part of your life as well and it should not be separate from what makes your daily life happy. Jim Bird publisher of WorkLife balance.com says that a good balance in life is that you are able to accomplish and at the same time enjoy something at work, enjoy something for yourself, with family and for the community.

"Gankaku Kata"

Too much or too little focus on one pillar of your life negatively affects the quality of your life. Too much work might lead to neglect of family, too much for yourself and relationships might suffer, too much for your community or friends then your work might suffer and so on. I am aware that in order to have achievement and enjoyment in each of the pillars one must have the most valuable resource of all which is Time. Just like money, time also runs out and just as you have to make money one also has to make time. Karate-do practice aims to develop self-discipline. To achieve balance we must have the ability to be flexible. Adapt to your circumstances and be able to make the time for each aspects of your life. Apply First thing first or prioritize. There are only two reasons you will make time for Karate training and anything else in your life, one is you need or have to do it, two is you want to do it.

 What is too much or too little will vary for every person. How much time to spend in an activity, how much effort to put in a project, how much alcohol is moderate. How much wealth is enough? Self-awareness and practical knowledge of things is important to determine if your daily life is balanced.

Mind, Body and Spirit as one

 

The Iron Horse riding Warrior

       

            Nai Hanchin is the original name of the Tekki Kata series. Nai Hanchin is popularly translated as “in the middle of the battle field”. Hirokazu Kanazawa Sensei, a known Karate master writes the name in two ways. One way, the character for Nai means “inside” or “inner” while Hanchi can mean “walk or progress”. The other way has the same meaning for Nai but the middle character means land between rice paddies and the last character means battle or war. “Inner Progress” is a translation that makes sense. Using this name is consistent to the principles of Karate-do of perfecting one’s character. Internal progress is the result of constant endeavor to gain wisdom, virtues and inner strength through the practice of Karate-Do.

People you know or may not know can be possible threats to your personal space or bubble. An encounter with an aggressive person, a harasser, a bully or being in a verbal conflict with a difficult person, these will usually happen in a very close distance; within your personal bubble. The meaning  “Inner Walk” or “A Battle inside the land between rice paddies”, these names may suggest a strategic interpretation of the Kata. Based on the compact and side to side movements of the Kata it is believed to be used for defending in tight spaces like hallways, rooms or alleys.

Tekki Shodan Kata

It suggests strategies for close quarter battles where you cannot easily escape or run. Its Bunkai or application is also believed to contain grabs, in order to use the weakened opponents as body cover or shield in order to defend in tight spaces against multiple attackers. Also, according to the book “Secret’s of Shotokan” by Bruce Clayton PhD, the Tekki Kata may have been used by body guards to protect and extract the emperor or a high ranking official from danger in palace grounds and hallways. So in his theory the Tekki Kata could be used as Third party Defense (protecting another person) in close quarters.

When confronted by an aggressor or a harasser; invades your personal space and engages you in a verbal conflict, stand in a confident posture in a relaxed open leg stance; just as in the opening of the Tekki Kata your hands are down, one over the other protecting your groin area. Try to talk and de-escalate the situation with a spirit of confidence and assertiveness. Should the situation escalate and the aggression turns to physical assault then use Tekki’s in-fighting techniques and strategies like elbow strikes, low kicks, hair pulls, grappling, stomp kicks and throws.

            From Naihanchin Master Gichin Funakoshi changed the name to Tekki which translates to Iron Horse riding. The first character is “Tetsu” for Iron and the other is “Ki” for Horse riding. Evident in the Kata is the use of horse riding stance or Kiba Dachi to strengthen the legs and lowering one’s center of gravity. This is also interpreted as Iron Horse riding warrior (Cavalry/Knight). Both names Nai Hanchin and Tekki suggest the same tactical strategy and spirit involved in the Kata. An Iron warrior on a horse is like a Cavalry that charges in the middle of the battle field overwhelming the foot soldiers. The mind of the Iron Knight is to be decisive, courageous and determined; to charge in the middle of the battle field and do what is necessary to overcome the adversary or to turn the outcome of the battle. Just as he thinks he has you cornered or he thinks you are vulnerable you turn the situation around and you escape while he is badly hurting.

Tameshi Gusoku one of the many metal armor worn by the Samurai.
Thus an Iron horse riding warrior 

In order to accomplish one’s tasks or goals one must be determined to do what one has to do. Do not hesitate or let the spirit wane down. The character implied by this Kata is iron will. Do not give up when you find yourself in a tight situation. Let strong will make you a hard target for anyone who wants to violate your personal space and impose aggressive behavior on you, have the strong will and the skill to survive if the threat escalates to physical assault. It is the same thing for our daily activities. We must have the will and the skill to achieve our goals.

A line from the Green Lantern movie said “The enemy of the will is fear”. We fear failure, we fear that we might get hurt, we fear the unknown future and we fear because of trauma of the past. We must overcome fear through education or learning. Learning gives us confidence. We train how to respond to threats. We learn how to defend ourselves, learn different modus of criminals. We learn from our past mistakes and improve ourselves. We learn bits of knowledge and skill sets that can help us achieve our success. Learn from wisdom literature and have faith. Because when there is uncertainty and your mind has reached its limits of understanding, your mind is in total darkness; we fear what may or may not happen, in pitch darkness it is the time to take a leap of faith. Faith and wisdom gives us confidence to face the unknown.

Karate training is hard and to earn a Shodan rank is very hard because we learn to forge our will through hardship. Our will and determination make our big dreams into reality. Life is a battlefield as they say. And we will charge through life as an iron knight on a horse.

Strong Will; Strong Faith

The Calm Tiger

 

        The Kata Sochin is one of the Shotokan Kata that is a favorite in tournaments and demonstrations. The performance of this Kata is heavy and powerful, typical of Katas classified as “Shorei”.The Kanji for “So” means grand, vigorous, energetic, ancient peace, and robust. The Kanji “Chin” means “suppress, put down, or make calm. Thus the common interpretations of its name are “Strength and Calm”, “Energetic Calm”, “Preserve the Peace” and “Peace Keeper”. It is also believed that the Enbusen or the performance line of Sochin draws the Kanji character for “Mamoru” which means “to protect”. It is important to clarify that the stance used in Sochin is not Sochin Dachi but Fudo Dachi.

In the Todaiji, one of the biggest temples in Japan, there is a statue of Fudo Myoo the Buddhist God of War. Fudo Myoo was in the Muso gamae or the “incomparable posture” which is the very first move in Sochin. Like the statue on the cover of Master Gichin Funakoshi's book "Karate-do Kyohan". 

            Master Gichin Funakoshi has taught Karate to be a Way or a “Do” to reach perfection of character, the way or a path that will teach us how to master ourselves. Karate provides the   philosophies that can make whatever one’s beliefs or convictions even stronger.   Therefore, every part of Karate from Mokuso, Etiquettes, Kata and Kumite are   tools for a better understanding of “Truth” or reality. The Enbusen of Sochin   implying “to protect” could be re-enforcing one of the Dojo Kun which says “Be   faithful; Defend the path of Truth”. People and outside forces will often attack   your belief and 

Kanji for "Protection"

principles. If any of your beliefs and the Way of Karate-do is attacked it is our responsibility to defend it. However, we should protect not in negative ways like being disrespectful of other’s beliefs, arguing, canceling and discriminating those who are critical of your belief. To feel that you have to argue is being insecure and to easily get offended by those who express different beliefs means that we are too prideful. Karate trains us to be humble and to lessen our pride. Humbly  explain and express your belief, so that they learn and understand then you walk on. Respect their beliefs and let their opinions be a reason for improvement and to

Kanji for "Protect"

further one’s knowledge. Another way of defending the Way of karate or any of your  beliefs is to be responsible in propagating it not just to survive, but for it to continue to  thrive and grow for generations. To be faithful means to stay loyal and committed to  the Way. To defend it; means that we should not give up, we should have the  perseverance and the patience in pursuing truth. One must continue to devote himself to training, experiencing Karate and perfecting techniques to eliminate bad habits.

              

Fudo Miyoo is the person's
 unmoving mind.

        Fudo Dachi is the dominant stance used in the Kata Sochin. Fudo Dachi   is known as the immovable stance. According to the book “The Unfettered   Mind;” Takuan Soho, an ancient Zen Master  wrote letters   entitled Fudochishinmyoroku, “The Mysterious Record of Immovable   Wisdom” to Master Swordsman Yagyu Munenori who taught two generations   of   Shoguns. Takuan Soho described Fudo Miyoo as the immovable   enlightened king   whose shape or form is the protector of Buddhism and his   embodiment is that of   immovable wisdom. Fudo Miyoo is a person’s   unmoving mind. A mind that does   not stop or is not detained by any matter; a   mind that has reached a state of No- mind is to have immovable wisdom that   clears away all delusions. An example   is when your mind got fixated on your opponent’s punches then you missed and got caught by his kick. You got fixated with one opponent and the other guys knocked you down. Your mind is fixated with growing your relationships that you missed growing your personal success or vice versa. You are fixated on your difficult boss and fail to appreciate your coworkers. You focus on anger you miss out on love, focus on what is lacking you fail to appreciate your blessings. The mind that continues to flow is immovable and the mind that stops is ignorant. 

        The Inyo or the Yin and Yang symbols represent the duality in the universe. The different combinations of the meanings of the syllables “So” and “Chin” suggests the duality of Karate. The name Sochin may suggest a violent strategy for self defense such as “Grand Suppression” or “Vigorously put down”. Sochin may also mean “Energetic Calm”, “Ancient Peace and Calm”. Sochin is a Kata for achieving

The Shotokan tiger represents Alertness, Power and
Strength contained in a circle of Calmness

Physical and technical strength, to put down your opponents with heavy and powerful blows. One must have the strength to protect himself so he or she can also protect others. Karatekas should have the strength that is contained by a calm, peaceful mind; only to be unleashed when needed. Sochin is a Kata for inner strength and calm spirit to be the wiser.

 *Shout out to the Way, the Truth and the Life

Sources:

https://www.themartialway.com.au/sochin/

https://ski-usf.com/shotokan-tiger/

https://www.themartialway.com.au/shotokan-tiger-symbol-2/

Rob Redmond “Kata the Folk dances of Shotokan”. Holly Springs: Rob Redmond, January 2008

Takuan Soho and translated by William Scott Wilson. The Unfettered Mind Writings of the Zen Master to the Sword Master. USA: Kodansha, January 1, 1986  

The Way of the Swallow

         The Kata name Enpi means “Flying Swallow”. It is because of the movements in the Kata that resembles the up and down flight of Swallows. The light and fast movements of the Shorin style katas are very much evident in Enpi.  As the title suggests, we can base the application of this Kata on the qualities of the Swallow. The Swallow has great maneuverability, speed and endurance. They catch their prey on a wing or while it is in flight. Though occasionally, they can snatch their prey while on the branch or on the ground.

The Swallow is very elusive and can evade a Falcon’s attack. Just like the Swallow, speed must be used to overwhelm the enemy. One must be able to attack high and low and be able to strike while on the go, which means you are able to strike while moving. To have maneuverability means to be able to change direction or execute tactics that will break the opponents cohesion and gain advantages in battle, whether offensively pursuing the enemy or defensively getting away or evading the enemy. Your team's movement is always faster than the enemy. In a one on one fight, your speed depends on your agility. Your speed should overwhelm and break your opponents balance. Be elusive, explosive and confusing to your opponent. We should consider these principles when we practice the "Oyo"; the practical application of this Kata.

The Swallow has speed and
 maneuverability for attacking its prey
 and evading predators.

One must have the endurance to see the battle through. Often, a protracted war will drain resources, lower the morale and lead to heavy casualties and losses. On a one on one fight, one must end the fight quickly but if it goes the distance then one must be able to sustain and finish strong. 

The original name of Enpi is Wanshu which is believed to be the name of a Chinese emissary to Okinawa who was also a martial artist. Either Wanshu created the Kata or the Kata was just named after him to honor him. The Kata however, is widely known as “the Dumping Form” which is because of the kata guruma or the shoulder wheel throwing technique near the end of the Kata.  

Applying the tactics of Enpi or the flying Swallow in our activities, we must use speed; finish our tasks quickly so that we can accomplish more. Also the longer we take to finish a task the more energy, time and other resources are wasted; the project or endeavor becomes costly and morale and interest

The Swallow can outmaneuver the Falcon.

goes down. If the tasks require a long time to finish one must have endurance to sustain and see the project through. If things are not going as it should be one must be comfortable in changing directions, apply a different approach or take another position to solve the problem. These are characteristics of the Swallow that we can use for success.

"I can through Him who gives me strength"

KARATE-DO: The Way of the Modern Warrior

 

           Most if not all students of Karate started because they wanted to learn how to defend themselves. They wanted to learn how to fight. As the student progresses he gets to learn all the other aspects of Karate. He or she learns the discipline, culture and philosophies. They develop interest in performing Kata and to fight in Kumite. The student will continue to train because he learned to appreciate every aspect of Karate-Do, but there will be one aspect that he would appreciate the most and it will serve as his main motivation to stay committed to his training. He may be hooked to joining tournaments and become an athlete. He may become a good leader in his organization, as he practices his understanding of Karate-Do principles. He may seek spiritual growth as he deepens his knowledge through his training. So the Karate practitioner is a philosopher, an athlete or a leader. But today’s Karate-ka should be a modern day warrior who posses all of these qualities and more.

           

        A warrior is healthy and fit to be able to fight in combat. We should have the endurance to last in a fight, the strength to grapple, move or throw opponents, the agility, speed and power to fight effectively. We are always at awe whenever we see old masters that can execute technique excellently despite their age. “In the past, masters of karate have enjoyed long lives. Karate aids in developing the bones and muscles.” (Anko Itosu)

            Even if one is not an athlete he or she should acquire the habits of an athlete like living a healthy life style, eating healthy and exercising or training. No matter what our age is, we should be at our best condition to do our daily activities and tasks effectively. We should be able to walk or run a distance if needed to, to be able to lift or move heavy objects or body weight, climb hills and flights of stairs. It is important to do strength and conditioning exercises known traditionally as “Hojo undo” and of course to practice regularly.       

            Master Anko Itosu also said that “Karate is not merely practiced for your own benefit; it can be used to protect one’s family or master. It is not intended to be used against a single assailant but instead as a way of avoiding a fight should one be confronted by a villain or ruffian." So the Karate-ka as a modern warrior must have the capability to defend not just himself but also to protect his family; love ones, other people or strangers as well. Karate is not intended for consensual fighting, you versus a brawler or another martial artist. This is the misconception about self-defense. “Ruffian” means a violent criminal or trouble maker. The modern warrior must have the ability to respond to violence. A fight with ruffians increase the danger to you or the one you are protecting. To avoid a fight is to be able to put the ruffians out of action and escape or survive the situation. To avoid danger one can also de-escalate. You can be more effective to de-escalate if you have confidence in your ability to respond to violence and not out of fear. You can also avoid danger by being aware of your surroundings, people, danger zones or choke points and situations. The Karate-ka also uses his awareness to be sensitive to others, to recognize opportunities and to be creative. The modern day warrior is truly a man of peace.

           

        One of our Dojo Kun is “to foster the spirit of effort” or “be purposeful”. A Karate-ka always strives to do his best in training and in anything he does. He has an excellent work ethic. He works hard to achieve his goals. He continuously learns and improves his skills and knowledge. He not only works hard but works smart. Over training results in injuries and prevents you from progressing physically and technically. It also prevents you from being effective in your other roles in life, like work and relationships. It is the same if we over work or over extend ourselves, doing so many things. Our health, relationships and productivity suffers. If we work smart, we can also have more time to practice Karate. We must maintain excellence and effectiveness in combat, work, training and our roles.

            One of the Niju Kun states “Be aware at all times that you have millions of potential opponents”. This does not mean that we should be paranoid. It means that we have to always be vigilant. As a modern warrior, one must always have security, strategic and tactical consciousness. Always be prepared for a calamity, a break in, fire, form of harassment, violent attack, accidents or unfortunate events. It is better if you are the one to give rations/donations than to be getting donations in case of disaster. It is better to be a survivor than to be a victim of violence. The attitude of being prepared is also applied to travels or road trips, presentations at work, fulfilling requirements and documentations. This does not only mean that you know what to bring to the occasion but also what is your strategic and tactical plan. It means that you have gathered all necessary information or intel about the place you will go to or the event that you will encounter. Your travel plans and strategies not only concerns maximizing time and resources but also safety concerns.

             Aside from Physical and personal security, Document or data security, the modern warrior should also strive for Financial security. This means that one has the discipline and knowledge to save and grow money. Money is a resource or tool when it comes to battle. For example, you need money for a good lawyer, investigators to build up your case if needed, or to provide extra support to law enforcers handling your case. The quality of your home and personal defense set up will also depend on your budget. Also, knowing how to grow your money makes it a lot easier for you to part with it, like in case of robbery. In a car accident it is easy for you to negotiate a settlement rather than argue and escalate the situation. For you the saying that “money can easily be earned back” really holds true. As a modern warrior, having knowledge and skills to earn and grow money makes you an excellent provider for your family. If their current needs are provided and future needs are addressed then you have secured them. It is important for a warrior to have financial literacy and entrepreneurial spirit.

             The warrior is also a good leader. He can communicate and work very well with others. No matter what rank or stature, the warrior finds his way to lead. A student (Kohai) or a teacher (Sensei) can both lead by example. By setting an example to juniors and peers, like being excellent in training and observing Karate etiquettes is already leadership. A good leader is a good follower. The Kohai does what the Master asks and adhere strictly to etiquettes that apply between senior and junior in order to build a strong sense of propriety, discipline and humility. He should strive to become better than the Master. One day the Kohai will also become a Master and having learned humility, he will be of service to his Kohais or his constituents. The warrior leads with integrity, responsibility, accountability and compassion. 

             The modern warrior with a dangerous skill and mind in the art of war should be guided by a moral compass. Whatever your faith, ideals or belief is, Karate-do philosophies will help make it stronger. As we strive to follow the teachings of our faith, our ideals for a better society and apply the principles of Karate-do in our lives, we become a better person; a better human being. The warrior cultivates virtues and good values (Seek perfection of character). Without spiritual growth and wisdom, the warrior becomes a ruffian or a thug, who will make bad and dangerous decisions with very bad consequences. The warrior should make his world a better place. He is an instrument of peace.

 

  for HIS Glory and Honor.

 

 

           

 

           

 

Achieve Peace of Mind

 

            The possible meanings for Heian as presented by Rob Redmond in his book “Kata the Folk Dances of Shotokan” are easy, basic, calm and peaceful. Although there are many speculations as to what meaning should be applied, each meaning is appropriate. The Heian Katas build the foundation or the basics. It is believed to have been made by Master Anko Itosu to prepare students for the

Pinan Kata created by Master Anko Itosu

more complex Katas so therefore, they are easier compared to what are considered as advance Katas. Master Itosu originally called it Pinan which is the Chinese pronunciation of its Kanji or characters. It means “safe” or “free from harm.” As a student of Master Itosu, Master Gichin Funakoshi may have had the same principle in mind when he renamed the Katas to Heian. Master Funakoshi has specified Heian to mean “Peaceful mind.” These five forms contain fundamental self defense techniques which as he has mentioned in his book Karate-do Kyohan that “having mastered these five forms, one can be confident that he can defend himself competently in most situations”. 

A lot of people question where Master Funakoshi got the word “mind” and added it to peaceful because there is no Kanji for mind in the Kata's name. For one thing Peaceful mind does make more sense than just “peaceful” when you want to convey confidence in self defense. It may also be  appropriate to interpret it as having "peace of mind". Also, to effectively use Heian techniques in a self defense situation will require a strong but calm and clear state of mind.

          To have peace of mind does not mean that our environment or surroundings have to be peaceful and quiet. We should be able to have peace of mind amidst the chaos and the noise that exists in our world. Amidst terrorism, violence, stressful work, traffic and many other bad circumstances, we should be able to live our lives to the fullest. The mastery of the Heian Katas can develop a cool calm spirit. In order for someone to have confidence in a fight one must be able to handle stress and pressure. In Kumite you should not think about winning or losing; instead your mind is focused on your opponent and on the ongoing fight. In self defense, we should not think about dying or living, getting victimized or not but rather we should be focused on what is happening in our surroundings (Awareness), when attacked our mind must be in the fight or  escaping from danger. So one must be totally aware of the situation he is in. We do not think of the past or the future, no judgement; so we live in the moment with a clear and open mind, at peace with what is, hence “peaceful mind”. 

          In the tournament your mind is in your one minute Kata performance or in the three minute Kumite bout and not anywhere else. You do not think about how you lost or the injury you got from the previous tournament or even the point he just got seconds ago because those are in the past. You do not worry about losing, getting hurt or even getting excited thinking you can easily win, because those are in the future. This kind of mind causes anxiety, stress, fear, complacency and it hinders proper action. The mind should be exactly where you are which is in the fight. I once joined a minor competition in conclusion to a Karate camp in the U.S. it was a traditional tournament so my

Heian Nidan

 opponent and I performed at the same time, side by side. After shouting the Kata which was Tekki Shodan I remembered glancing at my opponent who was much older than me; I moved and started at the wrong side. I realized my mistake and very quickly decided to continue and did not disrupt the flow of my Kata. I ended facing the opposite side. I lost and I was embarrassed. My mind was seconds ahead from the present moment and got so distracted. I learned from my mistake. 

         In our lives our present takes on different forms. Our present is our current circumstance. When the lock downs because of the pandemic started I experienced anxiety because I was thinking about how long before everything gets back to the real normal, I could not accept the "new normal", I was also thinking about what was going to happen to my kids (uncertain future). I was also missing friends, dojo training and my normal routine (fixated in the past). We have to have acceptance of our current circumstance and be able to act on the things that we can control. I accepted the "Pandemic life" and no longer resisted. I exercised and trained Karate on-line and by myself. I was grateful for  the positive things like having more time for family, being able to fix the house, there was no traffic and I connected to others who were experiencing depression due to the pandemic. So I learned that when we accept our present circumstances we will not miss out on the good things that come our way and the good things that we can provide others even at a very difficult time of our life, we will be thankful and when we are thankful we are happy. 

      Our present is also in the form of who or what we are and where we are right now. I used to think that someday when I become rich I will be able to help the poor. Then I learned from church that we can serve where we are right now. So now I have a better understanding of this principle of being in the "now". Whatever our roles are right now  we have to "endeavor"; be the best in that role as we can be. For the religious serve Him and serve others, if not then serve humanity. As a student serve there, as a father serve there; as a lawyer, doctor or teacher, as a Sensei, as an employee or an employer, live and serve where you are right now. We do not hold the missed opportunities in the past and do not wait for what we can do in the future, because if we do our best in our present

Knee kick from Heian Yondan

ordinary life. the small things make a huge difference. We will also grow our relationships which is also a part of our now. Because having developed awareness, we will not only be able to recognize dangers and intuitively detect threats; we will also be able to be humble and compassionate. We will be able to understand the needs of others and recognize opportunities. A practical example is when we listen to people with empathy. You should be in the moment never preparing for what you are going to say or let your mind wonder off, not being biased in your opinion or not passing judgement right away. One lets go of pride and tries to put himself in the other's shoes. Then we can truly have an understanding. Lastly, our present is today. We can waste it or live it. Just like a duel to the death there are no second chances. There might be a tomorrow but today is gone forever and it can never be brought back. If today is so bad or full of challenges, we do not have to lose. Always end today with a win.

      The Sensei initiates the principle of peaceful mind (Heian) to beginners. On a beginner's very first day he learns mokuso or seated meditation. Mokuso is how the student learns to put his mind to the here and now; to clear one's mind for training. He sets aside his problems from work or any distractions from outside the dojo. He sets aside any expectations or worries about training. The mind should be in the moment which is Karate practice. Then the student is taught a Heian/Pinan Kata. He first learns the technical skill (Kata sequence and details of techniques), then the effective use of the technique for self defense (Bunkai) and finally what most of us instructors neglect is to teach the Kata as moving meditation. We should allow the student some time to practice his Kata without thinking about whether his stance has correct weight distribution or without him constantly checking his form in the mirrors. But instead let him just feel every movement he is making, his mind is in the doing of the Kata. Explain and guide the student's mind to handle stress and pressure. Make the beginner perform alone in front of the whole class. This will prepare his mind before taking his kyu exam or joining a tournament. By developing "Peaceful mind" it will enable us to not only cope but to thrive in life. 

"You are too concerned with what was and what will be. There's a saying: Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present." -Master Oogway Kungfu Panda

           

 

The Artist within the Martial Artist

        Merriam Webster defines an artist as one who creates art and is a skilled performer. Google dictionary defines art as "the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing work to be appreciated for their beauty or emotional power". Also as various branches of creative activity such as dance, music and literature. Karatekas and Martial artists know that Karate-do and other Martial Arts (Budo) are an art form no matter what other people might say. Bruce Lee says that " Ultimately Martial arts means honestly expressing yourself". Just like other performing arts such as Dance, Theater or Music, it requires creativity and technical skill to express one's self and move others. The Kata is a very important training tool to develop techniques.  

Folk dancers preserve tradition
 and show case culture. 

       Performing Kata allows us to preserve tradition; culture and   present it to the world. Every organization has their own   standard way of  executing each Kata; so does JKS. As   students and practitioners  we should be obedient in learning   the standard because it will build our strong foundation. The   standards will also provide us understanding on how our organization interprets each Kata. To exercise one's creativity and self expression in Kata is to be able to give one's own rendition or interpretation of the Kata, but only when one has reached maturity, have strong foundation and has reached an advanced level of skill. Also to become an artist we should be able to find our own style within the Shotokan style like the famous Tatsuya Naka, and even go further and follow the example of our founder Master Tetsuhiko Asai, like him we can express our creativity by making our own Kata. A Karateka should be like a painter. The painter is given a photograph by his client and he paints a portrait. The portrait is not an exact replica of the photo but is done with the artist's own rendering. He also of course paints his own original work, exhibits and sells his paintings even if their paintings do not become locally or world famous. The artist is not content with just painting replicas of     others' original work, they create their own master

Kata is a Performance art as well
 as a Sport. It is the core of Karate 
tradition and culture. 

  pieces. Once a Karateka has reached a level of expertise and     has been training and honing his craft for many years then he   should follow the path of Master Asai and the other artists who   have gone before him like Master Itosu who created the Pin-ans,   Master Funakoshi and his son who created Shotokan, Master   Nakayama who created sports Karate and published the Best   Karate series. We hold ourselves back from becoming an artist.   Even though we have practiced diligently for many years. We do not consider ourselves experts in our craft. The" beginners mind" or the saying that we are forever students who still have a lot to learn is a state of mind that we should adapt when we are learning, so we can keep our egos in check and keep improving. But it does not mean that we should deny that we have become experts. Students may express themselves through "Shitei" or what is required (standard) but when one becomes a Senior; no not a senior citizen, don't wait that long. In my opinion 3rd Dan and above who practices regularly can start making innovations not only in their Kata but in their Karate as well. Because by this time they should have acquired technical proficiency. Another reason  is that we feel we are not authorized to make such innovations or maybe some feel that if they make such radical innovations their Karate will no longer be authentic. To be a custodian of Karate history and culture and an advocate of our organization's system is our commitment because we are part of the community. But being an artist is more personal. A Karateka can be both. We can conform; preserve tradition but we do not lose ourselves. Not being able to be true to one's self is weak but not being able to respect the ways of the organization and learn from it is prideful. Even those who practice their own Martial art without a formal organization had sought teachers, mentors and groups to learn from and strengthen their foundations.

      Self expression is not only when performing a traditional form or Kata but also in sparring or Kumite. Millions of people watch Boxing or MMA and are entertained by the brutality of the sport. They see who has more points, they see who is getting beat up, who 

Kumite is an expression of movement
as your opponent is moving

 got knocked out but Martial artists or even real fight enthusiasts   would see "a beautiful uppercut", an excellent arm bar or a great   footwork. A Kung-fu teacher once watched a Kumite event and   at the start of the bout he predicts the winner and he guessed   right. He was asked how he knew and he said he looked at the   footwork. We see the timing, precision and the quality of the technique executed by the players or fighters. The fighter or player's expression of himself is when he moves as his opponent moves. 

       Lastly, the artist may express himself through Bunkai or applications of the Kata. I think it is great that the WKF included Bunkai presentation in its tournaments. Sports Karate Bunkai is a great performance art itself. It demonstrates the creativity of the choreographer, 

Two different creative
expressions of Bunkai

the skill and talent of the performers that excites and thrills the audience. It is more theatrical, acrobatic and athletic which makes it so spectacular to watch. The other type of Bunkai is the practical applications of Kata for self-defense. Self defense Bunkai has only one criteria to follow and that is, it should work in a real- life scenario. So the beauty of Karate and other traditional combat arts is that there are several ways to express yourself as an artist; not just through sparring or consensual fighting but also in Kata and its application. But the most excellent expression of Karate-do is when it manifests in everything we do. Life is art. 

His gift our skills.