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Japan Karate Do Hakua-Kai Matsubushi Dojo |
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Budō (武道)
Budō (武道) is a Japanese term describing martial arts. In English, it is used almost
exclusively in reference to Japanese martial arts.Budō is a compound of
the root
bu (武:ぶ), meaning war or martial; and dō (道:どう), meaning path or way. Specifically,
dō is derived from the Buddhist Sanskrit mārga (meaning the "path" to enlightenment).
The term refers to the idea of formulating propositions, subjecting them
to philosophical
critique and then following a 'path' to realize them. Dō signifies a "way
of life". Dō in the
Japanese context, is an experiential term, experiential in the sense that practice
(the way of life) is the norm to verify the validity of the discipline
cultivated through a
given art form.
The modern budō has no external enemy, only the internal enemy, one's ego
that
must be fought (state of Muga-mushin). |
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Similarly to budō, bujutsu is a compoundof the roots bu (武), and jutsu (術:じゅつ), meaning techniqueThus,
budō is most often translated as "the way of war", or "martial
way", while bujutsu is translated as
"science of war" or "martial craft." However, both budō and bujutsu are used interchangeably in English
with the term "martial arts". Budo and bujutsu havequite a delicate
difference; whereas bujutsu only
gives attention to the physical part of fighting (how to best defeat an
enemy), budo also gives attention
to the mind and how one should develop oneself. Modern budo uses aspects
of the lifestyle of the samurai
of feudal Japan and translates them to self-development in modern life. |
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A Dō (道) is any one of a number of spiritual, martial, or aesthetic disciplines
that evolved in Japan and Korea.
The term "Dō" is borrowed from the Chinese philosophical concept
ofTao (Dao), a word meaning 'way', 'path',
'route', or sometimes more loosely, 'doctrine' or 'principle'. Within the context of traditional East Asian philosophy
and religion, Dō is a metaphysical concept signifying the primordial essence
or fundamental nature of the
universe.
In Japanese, a Dō implies a body of knowledge and tradition with an ethic
and an aesthetic, and having the
characteristics of specialization (senmonsei), transmissivity (keishōsei),normativity
(kihansei), universality
(kihensei), and authoritativeness (ken'isei).
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Bushidō (武士道),
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the Way of the warriorThe samurai moral code. |
| Gendai budō (現代武道) |
modern warrior Way.The group of martial disciplines that arose after the Meiji restoration. |
| Karate or karate-dō (空手道) |
the Way of the empty hand Bare hand fighting. |
Judo (柔道)
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the "gentle way".A grappling martial art. |
| Kendo (剣道) |
the Way of the swordTraditional Japanese fencing. |
| Aikido (合気道) |
the Way of harmonious spiritCompassionate hand-to-hand fighting |
| Taidō (躰道) |
the Way of the body.Hand-to-hand fighting evolved from Okinawan karate |
| Iaido (居合道) |
the Way of harmonious life.A Japanese martial art associated with the smooth,
controlled
movements of drawing the sword |
| Jōdō (杖道) |
the Way of the jō.Wooden staff fighting |
| Jūkendō (銃剣) |
the Way of the bayonetBayonet fighting |
| Kyūdō, (弓道) |
the Way of the bow.Zen archery |
| Nanbudō (南武道) |
the Way of the Nan warrior.Hand-to-hand fighting recently evolved from karate |
| Kyushindō |
the Way of longing for knowledge of the fundamental nature of anything.Japanese-inspired
Western school of hand-to-hand fighting |
| Hojōjutsu |
martial art.A Japanese martial art of restraining a person using cord or rope |
| Yoseikan Budō (養正館武道) |
Appreciation of incense、, the teaching truth place warrior Way.Comprehensive martial
art with ancient roots. |
| Chadō (茶道) |
or sadō, or chanoyu, the Way of tea.The Japanese tea ceremony |
| Shodō (書道) |
the Way of writing.Traditional Japanese brush calligraphy |
| Kadō (華道) |
or Ikebana, the Way of flowersFlower arrangement |
| Kōdō, (香道) |
the Way of incense/fragrance |
| Shinto (神道) |
the Way of the gods.The native religion of Japan |
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List of Korean Dō's
The word "道" is used in quite the same way in Korean language and culture, and
is pronounced identically
with its Japanese cognate as Dō. |
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| Taekwon-Do(태권도; 跆拳道) |
the Way of the foot and the fist.a Korean martial art with roots in Taekkyon and Karate、
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| Kumdo(검도; 劍道) |
the Way of the Sword.Korean fencing with roots in Japanese Kendo |
| Hapkido(합기도; 合氣道) |
the Way of the harmonious spirit.a Korean martial art which shares history with
Japanese Aikido |
| Seodo(서도; 書道) |
the Way of writingAn alternate name for Korean brush calligraphy |
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Karate Do ? (空手道)
Karate is not for an attack.Karate Do is not a martial art whose ultimate goal is to win. Its
goal is to strive to improve your character as best you can by tiding over tangible and
intangible ordeals and by training as hard as possible.Karate (空手) literally means "empty
hand". However, the word"karate" written with homophonic
ideograms means "China hand"
,rather than "empty hand". It is also sometimes called "the
way of the empty hand" (空手道,
karatedō).Modern karate originated in Okinawa, formerly known as the Ryūkyū Kingdom,
but now a part of present-day Japan. Karate is a fusion of pre-existing
Okinawan martial
arts, called "te", and Chinese martial arts. It is an art that
has been adopted and developed
by practitioners on the Japanese main island of Honshu.
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Karate's route to Honshu began with Gichin Funakoshi (船越 義珍 Funakoshi Gichin, 1868–1957), who is called
the father of modern karate, and is the founder of Shotokan karate.
Although some Okinawan karate practitioners were already living and teaching
in Honshū,Funakoshi gave public
demonstrations of karate in Tokyo at a physical education exhibitionsponsored by the ministry of education
in 1917,
and again in 1922. As a result, karate training was subsequently incorporated
into Japan's public school system.
It was also at this time that the white uniforms and the kyū/dan ranking
system (both originally implemented by
judo's founder, Kano Jigoro) were adopted.Karate practice is primarily characterized by linear punching and
kicking techniques executed from a stable, fixed stance. Many styles of karate practiced today incorporate the
forms (kata) originally developed by Funakoshi and his teachers, and many
different weapons originally used as
farm implements by the peasants of Okinawa, such as the sai, sickle (kama),
and quarterstaff (bō).
Many modern karate practitioners also participate in full, light, and no-contact
competitions. |
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Kihon (基本)
Kihon is a Japanese term meaning "basics" or "fundamentals."
The term is
used to refer to the basic techniques that are taught and practiced as
the
foundation of most Japanese martial arts.
The practice and mastery of kihon is essential to all advanced training,
and
includes the practice of correctbody form and breathing, while practicing
basics such as stances, punches, kicks, blocks, and thrusts, but it also
includes basic representative kata.
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Kihon is not only practicing of techniques, it is also the karateka fostering the correct spirit and attitude
at all times.Kihon techniques tend to be practiced often, in many cases during each
practice session.
They are considered fundamental to mastery and improvement of all movements
of greater complexity.
Kihon in martial arts can be seen as analogous to basic skills in, for
example, basketball. Professional NBA
players continue to practice dribbling, passing, free throws, jump shots,
etc. in an effort to maintain and
perfect the more complex skills used during a basketball game.
Styles of karate differ greatly in the emphasis placed on kihon. Kihon
may be practiced as "floor
exercises", where the same technique or combination is repeated multiple times as the students move
back and forth across the floor. Japanese kihon training is notorious for
extended periods of kihon training.
This style of practice is believedto ingrain the techniques into the muscle
memory of the karateka.
Somestyles employ "kihon kata" in teaching beginners.
Additionally, kihon may take the form of prearranged partner drills whereby
two students face each other
and alternate execution of a technique. This approach combines repetition
with training in distancing.
Targets for punching and kicking, such as bags, shields, or dummies, are generally used at more advanced
stages of kihon trainingto strengthen muscles, bones,and skin.The basic techniques of blocking, punching,
striking and kicking are both the beginning of karate and the altimate goal.
Although only a matter of months may be sufficient to learn them, complete
mastery may not come even
after a lifetime of training.The student must practice regularly,
with maximum concentration and effort in
the execution of each and every movement.This will not be sufficient,
however, unless the techniques are
scientifically sound and the training systematic and properly scheduled.
To be effective, training must be
conducted on the basis of correct physical and physiological principles.
It may come as a surprise to many to know that the techniques created and refined through long and
continuous practice by the early karate student have been found to accord with modern scientific principles.
And the more they are studied, the more this proves to be true. This is
not to say that there are no
unsolved problems, but thesemustawait further study. Further refinement of karate is quite probable, as
techniques are analyzed in an unceasing effort to improve them through a scientific approach.
In order to benefit from his training, the student should have a good understanding
of following primary points.
The weapons of karate-do are various parts of the human body.Every part
that can be effective in defense
or offense is used,It is in this respect that karate-do is differentfrom
the other martial arts.
Systematic training is the only way to develop weapons that will be ready for use at any time,in any place,
in any situation.It is most importantthat training of every part of the
body be continuous and methodical.
Intensive training alone is not abequate to convert the parts of the body
into powerful weapons.
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Tachikata(立ち方) Stance
Fundamental to the improvement of one's karate technique is the acquisition
of correct
and balanced from.A strong technique is born from a firm, sure-footed stance.
Whethre
the technique is offensive or defensive, it will not be effective if the
body lacks balance
and stability.
The ability to counter an attack under any circumstances depends largely
on the
maintenance of correct form. For techniques to be powerful, fast, accurate
and
smoothly executed, they must be launchedfrom a strong and stable base.
In karate stance (tachikata) refers to the position of the lower body,
the hips and the
legs, which literally carry the upper body.Thus techniques are at their
best when form
is at theoptimum. |
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The moment when this is important is the instant in which a techniqueis
executed. Good form is not rigid.
Overconcentration on maintaining a firm and stable position will result
in loss of mobility, whichis necessary for
the succeeding movement. It is well to remember thatskyscrapers can be
built only on a solid foundation. |
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Requirements of Good Stance
The basis of executing a technique is correct stance plus balance and the harmonious
coordination of parts of the body, and all mustwork together at the same
time.
In this way, techniques become fast and powerful.The delicate control that
is required
depends onand is guided by good stance.
Classification of Stances
Stances can be divided into two types according to the way the knees are
used in
relation to the center of gravity.
1. Outside tension stance, the knees are pressed strongly outward from the mid
line connecting the
body's center of gravity and the floor,as in Zenkutsu dachi,
Kiba dachi, Kokutsu
dachi and Shiko dachi.
2. Inside tension stance, the knees are twisted inward,as in Uchihachuji dachi,
Sanchin dachi and
Nekoashi dachi. |
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The Important Points
Spreading the Knees
Imagine a line connecting the knees and extending on outward to the
side.Spread the knees strongly outward on the extended line.
Knees and Toes
Whatever the stance, and the toes of each leg should point in the
same direction.
Knees and Ankles
Knees and ankles must be bent sufficiently and strongly
Soles
The entire surface of the soles should be in reliable contact with
the
floor.The feeling is that of strong adhesion.
Position of the Hips
According to the stance,the position of the hips must be accurately
differentiated.
Center of Gravity
For strength and stability, it is necessity to have the feeling that
the
connecting the navel and the anus is as shorts as possible.
The height of the center of gravity is also a factor. The lower the
center of gravity, the more stables the stance. |
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Katachi （形） Form
Correct form is always closely related to the principles of physics and physiology.
Prerequisites of correct form are good balance, a high degree of stability
and the
order of movements of each part of the body, since movements are made in
quick succession in a short period of time.
This is specially true in karate because punching and kicking are vital to the art.
The need for good balance can be seen particularly in kicking,where the
body is
usually supported by one leg.
To withstand the great impact when a blow is landed, stability of all joints in he
arms and hands is necessary.With changing situations and different technique,
the center of gravity changes, shifting to the left, right, front, back.
This cannot be done unless the nerves and muscles are well trained. Again,
standing on one foot for too long will open one attack, so balance must
be
constantly shifted from one foot to the other. The karate student must
mothavoid giving an opening and be prepared for the next attack. |
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Uke no Go Gensoku (受けの五原則)
The following principles are what all Karateka practitioners strive to
master.Although it is an endiess task... |
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Rakka : Like a falling flower
To block with such force that if the technique were applied to the trunk
of a tree it would lose all of its flowers.A block should be executed so
decisively that it not only halts an opponent's attack but utterly
defeats it with a single technique. |
Ryusui : Like flowing water
To flow with your opponents movements,using them against him and as
an aid to your defense respondto your oppnent using fluid movement. |
Kusshin : "Darting out and in"
Control of an attack that uses body movement originating in the knees.
Keep your spine straight and useyour knees to control your height,
giving you balance and the strength of your legs so that little effort
is
required to control the attack.Springing,A reflexive, darting "out and in"
kind of body shifting from anyangle. |
Tenshin : Tai sabaki, (rolling the body by stepping out)
Essentially avoiding your opponent's attack using body movement.Stepping
out in all directions. |
Hangeki : Counter attack
When the need arises,respond to your opponents attacks with decisivepowerful counter-attacks. By utilizing the
first four principles you may never need to implement the fifth,but if required you should apply you whole mind
and body to the counter. |
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Kiai (Spirit-meeting or Energy-shout)
The Kiai is the shout at the end of a technique and in conjunction with
the
expulsion of air (Kime) Will maximize the power of the movement.
It also had the effect of surprising an opponent and may momentarily
paralyze their response.
The concept of KI is at the roof of oll martial arts and Japanese philosophy.
KI is the spirit and energy along with the breath meeting AI at the moment
of impact.
Developing your KIAI is very important. It is not just a shout or a screech
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from the throat. If you put your hand on the stomach and cough you will
feel the muscles of your abdomen
contract. This in fact is the start of your 'KIAI'.
First understand the principles and the breathing method Kime as explained, then replace the biting action with
your shout 'KIAI' It will start as a growl from the pit of the stomach
but when completed the sound produced
will vary from one to another. |
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Kokyu (呼吸) Breathing
Breathing is coordinated with the execution of a technique, specifically
inhaling when blocking, exhaling when
focusing technique is executed, and exhaling when successive techniques
are performed.
Breathing should not be uniform; it should change with changing situations.
When inhaling, fill the lungs full,
but when exhaling do not expel all the air.
Leave about 20 percent in the lungs. Exhaling completely will leave the
body limp. One will not be able to
block even a weak blow, nor will be able to prepare for the next movement.
The karateka should coordinate breathing with her techniques. Breathing
enhances the karateka's ability
to relax and concentrate maximum power in her techniques. Correct breathing -- fully exhaling when
finishing a strike, for example -- is necessary to developing kime. The
karateka should not breathe in a
uniform manner; her breathing should change with the situation. Proper
inhaling fills the lungs completely.
Proper exhaling leaves the lungs about 20 percent full -- exhaling completely
makes the body limp,
leaving the karateka vulnerable to even a weak attack.
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Kime (決め)
Kime is a Japanese word. It is the noun form of the verb "kimeru,"
which means
"to decide," "to conclude," or" focusing"
,etc In English, its general meaning is
"deciding." or "focusing"Kime is a commonly-used Japanese martial arts term.
In karate it can mean "power" and/or "focus," describing
the instantaneous
tensing at the correct moment during a technique.
The tension at this time is mostly focused on the dantian ("hara") and abdomen.
In otherbudō, the term refers to attacking a pressure point.In all cases,
certain
finality is implied.Without breath there is on life. Without Kime your
karate is
lifeless.
It is essential that you understand that all karate techniques must be performed
with Kime.Kime is the focusing of mental energy,breathing and physical
force
culminating in a single striking point.Karate is not whole without all
these elements.
The key to kime is the breathing. |
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Any physical activity requires correct breathing,witch works with the
body not against it.The grunts and
groans athletes make are not for effect; a student is using his breathing
along with his muscles to explode
with maximum effect, producing the most potent force possible.No effort
is wasted.
There are various methods of breathing, but the basic method for beginners is: 'One breath one technique'.
In a relaxed but controlled manner breathe out through a slightly
opened ,mouth complete the breath and technique at the same moment closing your mouth instantly as if
biting. Simultaneously tense the abdomen, locking the rest of your
muscles for a fraction of a second before
relaxing and breathing in normally.As you tense and lock the muscles of the abdomen, the buttocks should
be clenched so that the abdomen lifts up and forward |
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Maai (間合い)
Openings, initiative, and timing are deeply interrelated con cepts
applicable to self defense and competitive combat.They each
describe different considerations relevant to successfully initiating
or countering an attack.
Openings (隙, suki) are the foundation of a successful attack.
Although possible to successfully injure an opponent who is
ready to receive an attack, it is obviously preferable to attack
when and where one's opponent is open.
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What it means to be open may be as blatant as an opponent becoming tired
and lowering their guard
(as in physically loweringtheir hands), or as subtle as a momentary lapse
in concentration.
In the classical form of combat between masters, each would stand almost
entirely motionless until the slightest
opening was spotted; only then would they aunch as devastating an attack
asthey could muster, with the goal of
incapacitating their opponent with a single blow.
In Japanese martial arts, "initiative" (先, sen) refers to "the decisive moment when a killing action is initiated.
"There are two types of initiative in Japanese martial arts, early
initiative (先の先,sen no sen), and late initiative
(後の先, go no sen). Each type of initiative complements the other, and has different advantages
and weaknesses.
Early initiative is the taking advantage of an opening in an opponent's
guard or concentration (see suki, supra).
To fully take the early initiative, the attack launched must be with total
commitment and lacking in any
hesitation, and virtually ignoring the possibility of a counter-attack
by the opponent.
Late initiative involves an active attempt to induce an attack by the opponent
that will create a weakness in
the opponent's defenses, often by faking an opening that is too enticing
for the opponent to pass up.
All of the above concepts are integrated into the idea of the combat interval
or timing (間合い, maai).
Maai is a complex concept, incorporating not just the distance between
opponents,but also the time
it will take to cross the distance, and angle and rhythm of attack. It
is specifically the exact "position"
from which one opponent can strike the other, after factoring in theabove elements.
For example, a faster opponent's maai is farther away than a slower opponent.
It is ideal for one opponent
to maintain maai while preventing the other from doing so.
The Three Attacks
1.Go no sen - meaning “late attack” involves a defensive or counter movement in response to an attack.
2.Sen no sen - a defensive initiative launched simultaneously with the attack of the
opponent.
3.Sensen no sen - an initiative launched in anticipation of an attack where the opponent
is fully committed
to
their attack and thus psychologically beyond the point of no return.
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Koshi （腰） Hips
The hips are located at approximately at the center of the human body,and
their
movementplays a crucial role in the execution of various types of karate
techniques.
The lower abdomen, particularly the rotation of the hips, which adds to the power
of the upperbody, creates the explosive power of the focusing blow.
Besides being a source of power, the hips provide the basis for a stable
spirit,
correct form and maintenance of good balance. In karate, the advice is
often
given to "punch with your hips", "kick with your hips",
"strikewith your hips" and
"block with your hips.Rotating the hips. |
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A technique cannot be sharp and decisive unless the rotation of the hips
is utilized to the fullest.
Basically, training in rotation of the hips begins with fast movementon
a fairly large scale. As one advances
in skill, the rotation should be fast but on a small scale.Eventually the feeling should be one of the hips turning
in a sharp cutting movement.
As for techniques, there are those with a fast, strong, large movement
and those with a rapid, sharp, small
movement. It is essential to learn which technique is appropriate to which
situation.This can only be done
by accumulating practice. Important in beginning training is the mastery
of large-scale technique that is
fast,strong, up to the standard and that travels thecorrect route.
The faster the rotation of the hips, the better, for this gives an abundance
of speed to the technique.
The principle of the rotation is the same as that of a spring.
The tighter the spring is wound, the greater will be the force when it
is released. Rotating the hips
(to the half-front-facing position) and blocking is like winding the spring.
Rotating the hips the other way (to the original position) and punching
is like releasing the spring.
Withdrawing arm (hiki-te)-Hip rotation (block)-Reversehip rotation-Punch.
The Important Points
1. Keep the hips horizontal to the floor, and rotate them smoothly.
2. Do not allow either hip to raise; always keep them level.
3. Do not turn the shoulders only. Turn the upper body smoothly and in unison with the hips.
4. Always keep the torso upright, taking care that the buttocks do not protrude to the rear.
In many Karate techniques the power does come from the rotation of the hips. To understand it, try
swinging a baseball bat without allowing your hips to rotate.
You can't generate power. In the case of the baseball bat the hip
rotation comes quite (but not completely)
naturally. Much of Karate training is about leaning how to employ
the hip rotation to create speed, power
and disguise in the techniques. I can't begin to explain it, because you need to train in Karate for a few years
to learn it. If I could explain it here nobody would need to train.
As for the legs, the legs support the hips so
yes they are very much involved!The hips are a crucial, yet oft-neglected component in executing karate
techniques.Hip rotation adds power to the upper body, and is thus essential
to strong blocks and punches.
The hips' proximity to the body's center of gravity make them the foundation
of strong, stable movements,
good balance, and proper form.
The karateka cannot move as smoothly, quickly, or powerfully if the hips
are passive. For this reason,
teachers often remind their students to "block with your hips,"
"punch with your hips,""strike with your hips" and
"kick from your hips." |
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Hiki te (引き手) The Withdrawing Hand
The withdrawing hand (Hikite) leads rotation of the hips. When executing
a technique,
the withdrawing hand must move strongly, quickly and sufficiently. If not,
the technique
will not reach its maximum effectiveness. Another important point is that
both arms
must move at exactly the same time.
If a technique is being executed with the right hand, it is usual for the
left elbow to be
drawn straight back. However, when biocking in the half-front-facing position,
it is
better if the elbow comes back somewhat in the direction of the spine,
rather than
straight back.
When striking in a wide arc, the withdrawing arm should also describe a
wide arc. In
other words, if the technique is executed in a straight line, the otherarm
withdraws
in a straight line. If the technique is arclike, the other arm travels in an arc.
It is not too much to say that exellent techniques are born from a strong, fast
withdrawing arm. |
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Rhythm and Timing
In any sport, the performance of a top athlete is very rhythmical. The
applies olso
in Karate. Whether it is a deciisive technique-punching, kicking, blocking or counter
attac king, and no matter how strong or accurate the technique may be
otherwise,timing must be precise.Being the least bit early or the least
is nothing
but a mistake.
The moment a technique is completed, you should take a new stance, one
in whi |
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States of mind: empty, immovable, remaining, and beginner's
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Mushin (無心)
Mushin (無心; Chinese wúxīn; English translation "no-mindedness") is a mental
state into which very highly
trainedmartial airist are said to enter duringcombat.They also practice
this mental state during everyday
activities.The term is shortened from mushin no shin (無心の心), a Zen expression meaning mind of no mind
and is also referred to as the state of "no-mindness". That is,
a mind not fixed or occupied by thought or
emotion and thus open to everything. For the origin of the mushin concept, see Muga-mushin. It is some
what analogous to flow experienced by artists deeply in a creative process.
Mushin is achieved when a person's mind is free from thoughts of anger,fear
or ego during combat or
everyday life.There is an absence of discursive thought and judgment, so
the person is totally free to act
and react towards anopponent without hesitation and without disturbance
from such thoughts. At this point,
a person relies not on whatthey think should be the next move, but what is their trained natural reaction or
what is felt intuitive. It is not a state of relaxed, near-sleepfulness,
however. The mind could be said to be
working at a very high speed, but with no intentions, plans or direction. In analogy a clear mind is compared
to a still pond, which is able to clearlyreflect the moon and trees. But
just as waves in the pond will distort
the picture of reality, so will the thoughts we hold onto disrupt the
trueperception of reality.
A martial artist would likely have to train for many years to be capable
of maintained mushin.This allows time
for combinations of movements and exchanges of techniques to be practised
repetitively many thousands of
times, until they can be performed spontaneously, without conscious thought,
thus changing your natural
reactions to be more effective in combat or whatever else you may be doing.
If he is capable of truly listening
to his teacher, however, he could attain this level in only a few years.Some masters believe that mushin is the
state where a personfinally understands the uselessness of techniques and becomes truly free to move. In fact,
that person will no longereven consider themselves as "fighters"
but merely living beings moving through space.
The legendary Zen masterTakuan Soho said:
The mind must always be in the state of 'flowing,' for when it stops anywhere
that means the flow is
interruptedand it is this interruption that is injurious to the well-being
of the mind. In the case of the
swordsman, it means death. When the swordsman stands against his opponent,
he is not to think of the
opponent, nor of himself, nor of his enemy'ssword movements. He just stands
there with his sword
which, forgetful of all technique, is ready only to follow thedictates
of the subconscious. The man has
effaced himself as the wielder of the sword. When he strikes, it is not
the man but the sword in the
hand of the man's subconscious that strikes.
However, mushin is not just a state of mind that can be achieved during
combat. Many martial artists,
particularlythose practising Japanese martial arts such askarate or iaijutsu,
train to achieve this state of
mind during kata so that a flawless execution of moves is accomplished
that they may be achieved during
combat or at any other time. Once mushin is attained through the practicing
or studying of martial arts
(although it can be accomplished through other arts or practices that refine
the mind and body), the
objective is to then attain this same level of completeawareness in other
aspects of the practitioner's life.
Mushin is very closely related to another state of mind known as heijoshin, wherein a complete balance and
harmony is attained in one's life through mental discipline.Musashi Miyamoto,
the great swordsman, alluded to
these mentalstates briefly,and his conversations with Jotaro were often repeated in Japanese folklore as
lessons to be learned for the practice of one's life. Mushin and heijoshin
are closely related to the teachings
of Budddhism, specifically Zen teachings, and indeed the more mental aspects
and attributes draw heavily
from these philosophies.
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Fudōshin (不動心)
Fudōshin (不動心) is a state of equanimity or imperturbability (literally and metaphorically,
"immovable
mind""immovable heart"or "unmoving heart"). It is a philosophical or mental dimension to a
(usually Japanese) martial art which contributes to the effectiveness of
the advanced practitioner. Fudoshin: A spirit of unshakable calm and determination,courage without recklessness,rooted stability in both
mental and physical realms.Like a willow tree,powerful roots deep in the ground and a soft, yielding
resistance againstthe winds that blow through it.
Fudo mvoo is found in Shingon Buddhism as a guardian deity, (and patron
of martial arts) who is
portrayed as carrying a sword in his right hand (to cut through delusions
and ignorance) and a rope
in his left (to bind "evil forces" and violent or uncontrolled
passions and emotions).
Despite a fearsome appearance, his attributes of benevolence and servitude
to living beings are
symbolizedby a hairstyle associated with the servant class.
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Zanshin (残心)
Zanshin (残心) is a term used in the Japanese martial arts. It refers to a state of
awareness – of
relaxed alertness.The literal translation of zanshin is "remaining
mind".In several martial arts, zanshin
refers more narrowly to the body's posture after a technique is executed.
In various martial arts
In Karate, zanshin is the state of total awareness.It means being aware of one's
surroundings and
enemies, while being prepared to react.
In Kyudozanshin means the body posture after the loosing of an arrow; the posture is intended to
reflect the higher meaning of zanshin, which is a mental aspect maintained
before, during, and after
an action.
In the context of Kendo,zanshin is the continued state of spirit, mental alertness and physical
readiness to meet the situation (such as an opposing attack) that must
be maintained when one
returns to kamae after attacking. It is one of the essential elements that define a good
attack.
During the practice of Aikido,the usual method of practicing zanshin is to focus on the just-
thrown uke, or opponent, while holding kamae and maintaining awareness in case there are
additional attacks or attackers.
In Iwama Style training, zanshin is practiced as general awareness of one's surroundings,
of which uke is just a small part
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Shoshin（初心）
Shoshin（初心）is a concept in Zen Buddhism meaning Beginner's Mind. It refers to having
an attitude of
openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject,
even when studying at an
advanced level, just as abeginner in that subject would. The term is especially used in the study of
Zen Buddhism and Japanese martial arts.
Beginner's Mind,which reflects a saying of his regarding the way to approach Zen practice: In the
beginner'smindthere are many possibilities, in the expert's mind there
are few.
Shoshin also means "Correct Truth" and is used to denote a correct
or perfect signature on art
works Shoshin Mei.This is opposed to fake signature, "Gimei"
(bad Mei). The term can be used for
any thing or person who is perfectly genuine.
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Kokoro (心:こころ)
Kokoro (心:こころ) is a concept that crosses through many martial arts, but has no single
discrete
meaning. Literally translating as "heart", in context it can also mean "character" or "attitude."
Character is a central concept in karate, and in keeping with the do nature
of modern karate,
there is a great emphasis on improving oneself. It is often said that the
art of karate is for
self-defense; not injuring one's opponent is the highest expression of
the art.
Some popularly repeated quotes implicating this concept include:
"The ultimate aim of Karate lies not in victory or defeat, but in the perfection of the character
of its participants." Gichin Funakoshi
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What is a ryu ?
The easy answer is that it roughly translates to "style," or "school," as in a certain way of doing something.
But you didn't expect Furyu the Budo Journal to end with that pat answer, did you? Of course not.
Here's the harder, more involved answer. Certainly "style" or
"school" is a good shorthand definition of ryu.
But upon further reflection, ryu appended to a martial arts system encompasses much more than just a
"style" or way of doing things.
Japanese martial arts are often classified and codified into ryūha. Usually
a given style will have its own
curriculum, ranks and licensure system. These may be based on the parent
style or a combination of
sources that form the background of the system.
The name of a style may have particular meaning or may simply be a location.
Toyama-ryū is named
for the Toyama Military Academy in Japan. In contrast, Gōjū-ryū is the
'hard-soft' style, which
indicates both characteristic techniquesand thematic elements that form
a 'signature' of the style.
Some times this is merged or confused with the name of the Dojo (as is the case with Shōtōkan-ryū
karate.Shoto (松濤, Shōtō), meaning "pine-waves" (the movement of pine needleswhen the
wind blows
through them), was Funakoshi's pen-name, which he used in his poetic and
philosophical writings and
messages to his students. The Japanese kan (館, kan) means "house" or "hall". In honor of their sensei,
Funakoshi's students created a sign reading shōtō-kan, which they placed
above the entrance of the
hall where Funakoshi taught. Gichin Funakoshi never gave his style a name, just calling it karate.).
High-level practitioners of an established style may splinter off and form
their own derivative styles based
on their own experience or interpretation. Sometimes this is encouraged
by the parent style, sometimes
it represents an ideological schism between senior members of the style.
Sometimes, it is done simply for
'marketing' reasons or to adjust a system to modern times.
There is no universal licensing or ranking system across all ryūha. A high
ranking person or black belt in
one style does not necessarily correspond to a high level understanding
in another style or group of styles.
There are many ryūha inJapan that have existed for many hundreds of years,
as well as many more that
were created in modern times.The concept of organizing a codified system is obviously not a Japanese
or outwardly Asian one, though many international or foreign styles may
adopt the nomenclature and
systemization of koryū bujutsu ryūha in order to add an air of mystique
or legitimacy to their system,
or simply as a method to show their roots and background.
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Hard & Soft(剛法, gōhō),(柔法, jūhō)
There are two underlying strategic methodologies to the application of force in Japanese martial arts.
One is the hard method (gōhō), and the other is the soft method (jūhō). Implicit in these concepts is
their separate but equal and interrelated nature, in keeping with their
philosophical relationship to the
Chinese principles of yin and yang.
The hard method is characterized by the direct application of counter-force
to an opposing force.
In practice, this may be a direct attack, consisting of movement directly
towards the opponent,
coinciding with a strike towards the opponent. A defensive technique where the defender stands
their ground to block or parry (directly opposing the attack by stopping
it or knocking it aside)
would be an example of a hard method of defense. Hard method techniques
are generally
conceptualized as being linear.
Shotokan is often regarded as a 'hard' and 'external' martial art because it is taught that way to
beginners and coloured belts to develop strong basic techniques and stances.
The soft method is characterized by the indirect application of force,
which either avoids or redirects
the opposing force. For example, receiving an attack by slipping past
it, followed by adding force to the
attacker's limb for the purpose of unbalancing an attacker is an example of soft method. Soft method
techniques are generally conceptualized as being circular. Gōjū-ryū (剛柔流), (Japanese for "hard-soft style") is one of the main traditional
Okinawan styles of karate,
featuring a combination of hard and soft techniques. Both principles, hard
and soft, come from the famous
martial arts book Bubishi (Chinese: wu bei ji), used by Okinawan masters
during the 19th and 20th
centuries. Go which means hard, refers to closed hand techniques or straight
linear attacks;
Ju which means soft, refers to open hand techniques and circular movements. These definitions give rise to the often illusory distinction between "hard-style"
and "soft-style" martial
arts. In truth, most styles technically practice both, regardless of their
internal nomenclature. Analyzing
the difference in accordance with yin and yang principles, philosophers
would assert that the absence of
either one would render the practitioner's skills unbalanced or deficient,
as yin and yang alone are each only half of a whole.
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The traditional Taijitu, Yin and Yang symbol, represents the “hard” and
the “soft” in a martial art.
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The Meaning of Shuhari
Shu Ha Ri is a term the Japanese use to describe the overall progression
of martial arts training,
as well as the lifelong relationship the student will enjoy with his or
her instructor.
Shu can either mean "to protect" or "to obey." The dual
meaning of the term is aptly descriptive
of the relationship between a martial arts student and teacher in the student's
early stages, which
can be likened to the relationship of a parent and child. The student should absorb all the teacher
imparts, be eager to learn and willing to accept all correction and constructive
criticism.
The teacher must guard the student in the sense of watching out for his
or her interests and nurturing
and encouraging his or her progress, much as a parent guards a child through
its growing years. Shu
stresses basics in an uncompromising fashion so the student has a solid
foundation for future learning,
and all students perform techniques in identical fashion, even though their personalities, body structure,
age, and abilities all differ.
Ha is another term with an appropriate double meaning: "to break free"
or "to frustrate." Sometime
after the student reaches dan (black belt) level,he or she will begin to
break free in two ways.In terms
of technique, the student will break free of the fundamentals and begin
to apply the principles acquired
from the practice of basics in new, freer, and more imaginative ways. The student's individuality will
begin to emerge in the way he or she performs techniques. At a deeper level,
he or she will also break
free of the rigid instruction of the teacher and begin to question and
discover more through personal
experience. This can be a time of frustration for the teacher, as the student's journey of discovery
leads to countless questions beginning with "Why..." At the Ha
stage, the relationship between student
and teacher is similar to that of a parent and an adult child; the teacher
is a master of the art. and
the student may now be an instructor to the others.
Ri is the stage at which the student, now a kodansha (high ranking black
belt), separates from the
instructor having absorbed all that he or she can learn from them. This is not to say that the student
and teacher are no longer associated. Actually, quite the opposite should
be true; they should now
have a stronger bond than ever before, much as a grandparent does with
their son or daughter who is
now also a parent. Although the student is now fully independent, he treasures
the wisdom and patient
counsel of the teacher and there is a richness to their relationship that comes through their shared
experiences. But the student is now learning and progressing more through
self-discovery than by
instruction and can give outlet to his or her own creative impulses. The
student's techniques will bear
he imprint of his or her own personality and character. Ri, too, has a
dual meaning, the second part of
which is "to set free" As much as the student now seeks independence
from the teacher, the
instructor likewise must set the student free.
Shu Ha Ri is not a linear progression. It is more akin to concentric circles, so that there is Shu within
Ha and both Shu and Ha within Ri. Thus, the fundamentals remain constant;
only the application of
them and the subtleties of their execution change as the student progresses
and his or her own
personality begins to flavor the techniques performed. Similarly, the student
and teacher are always
bound together by their close relationship and the knowledge, experience,
culture, and tradition shared
between them. Ultimately, Shu Ha Ri should result in the student surpassing
the master, both in
knowledge and skill. This is the source of improvement for the art as a whole. If the student never
surpasses his master, then the art will stagnate, at best. If the student
never achieves the master's
ability, the art will deteriorate. But, if the student can assimilate all
that the master can impart and
then progress to even higher levels of advancement, the art will continually
improve and flourish. |
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| JAPAN KARATE DO HAKUA-KAI MATSUBUSHI DOJO |
