The illusion of purity is something that permeates the realm of many Traditional Martial Arts the world over.
Yes, proper technique and proper training are important, but not for the reasons we are constantly given.
'We do this like this' is a mantra I have heard for years and years, but the question remains, why? What is the purpose of punching six inches one way or six inches the other?
What is the purpose of making a fist a certain way as opposed to another? What are the strategic points for each thing? What are the mechanics of each seeking to promote in order to achieve what specific end?
Does any of that really matter in the long run? Yes, understanding does go a long way in order to utilize things to a certain degree of effectiveness.
The underlying mentality is important as well, but this is an attempt to intellectualize something that takes place on a baser level of brain function, a very savage level of operation that has more to do with taking out a threat to one's survival... The rest is more of an afterthought.
True purity is in forging a spirit through tremendous fire and discovering who we really are beneath all the crap that has been thrust upon us from the day we were born.
Coming into our own, standing on our own two feet, braving the storm no matter the outcome, success or failure, it will be seen through to completion.
In the Lincoln Dojo they have, in place of a Shomen, what they term a Shinzen, something more along the lines of a Religious Shrine.
This was an interesting observation, at least for me, because for me Shinzen, or Shinjin, is something within, it is the Faith/Mind of the Heart/Spirit of the individual. Not something you bow to outside of yourself.
Then there was the argument of the proper line of focus in the Ibuki Breathing of Sanchin Kata. The majority accepted one way of doing things because that had become the dogma of the Organization based on the lineage, while another had accepted an explanation given by their own Teachers based on their own lineage, again, Dogma.
No one really seemed to question it to any significant degree, they just gave explanations based on how they had been told to do it, nevermind whether or not that actually worked for them, that was just how it has been done for a long time... Although this is questionable by the very fact that multiple explanations even exist to begin with.
Which is the correct method? Which is the incorrect method? Why? What is the basis for any conclusion?
Maybe they are both correct? Maybe they are both wrong?
There are older ways that still exist today, but even despite this fact, these more modern Organizations still hold to their Dogmas and Methods, seemingly performing tremendous mental gymnastics to get around this fact and hold fast to their ways... Relying solely on faith rather than reason and logic... But real faith is found in reason and logic.
Much of what we know of the history of Karate is also questionable, again, there are older sources of knowledge, but despite this the majority cling to the Traditional Narrative as they completely ignore what is right in front of them.
It is said that, in the old days, Karateka would learn ONE Kata, yet EVERY school teaches twelve or more Kata that a Student MUST learn in an EXACT way specific to each School or Organization, no questions asked.
There is also a claim that Karate has a direct connection to Okinawan Ti and that Karate was once practiced in secret due to having been outlawed, but this does not seem to have been the case at all, at least only partially, yet the mainstream cling to this as Gospel.
It has always been my view that Karate was originally NOT a Kata-centric Art and, in fact, had no Kata of which to speak, these seemingly came later per the evidence and many other sources to which I have come into contact.
This has earned me outright scorn from some within the community, again, despite the evidence in support of my view (and the view of many others).
The whole of Karate, as it exists today, is modern, and is not Okinawan, but Japanese in its' spirit, it has really nothing to do with any historical connection to Okinawan Ti, but has a strong connection to Tode, or Chinese Arts, as they were brought to Okinawa from China... Many other forms exist that have a stronger connection to Japanese roots through the Satsuma Clan that invaded the Island.
What does all of this have to do with anything? Everything. In fact, it is the very heart of the matter. What we accept as true is not necessarily true, yet we are told to accept it without question as absolute and unquestionable fact.
Many view the Founders of their respective schools in a light that gives them absolute authority as though they could do no wrong and knew everything, nevermind the fact that at least some of them were barely in their early thirties when they founded said schools.
They were not the wise sages many have made them out to be and, some of them in fact, were propped up by an outside Government Entity due to their pro-Government views at a time when Imperialistic Ideals were popular.
One size does not fit all in any form of training and all things must be open to question, critical thinking must be the norm.
Tuesday, April 14, 2020
Worldwide Intensive.
Now is a time of reflection and inner struggle as we, each of us, have no choice but to face what is present.
This should be a time of Shugyo, of deep intense training, of self-improvement, overcoming our obstacles and limitations, rededicating ourselves to whatever it is we find truly important... Or discovering just what that really is and what it really means.
While this is not a new situation for me, as I seldom go out, it definitely has me noticing some things about myself in light of the fact that there is really no choice involved.
It forces me to realize things I do as an escape from the moment, to recognize these things for what they are, it forces me to rework my perspective in light of what I do and do not have control over. The situation may be outside my power to control, but internally, I have the power to change my perspective and utilize this for what it really is.
It has also shown me the limitations and weaknesses of society at large; who the real authentic people are in contrast to those merely flapping their mouths, not just in relation to training, but to every single aspect of life and society.
Many spend their time chasing after what they are TOLD is important without giving my thought to what is REALLY important.
In Martial Arts this has to do with chasing rank, recognition, and status. There is very little in the way of deep questioning or understanding. I am seeing many adapting to the current situation, some are groping around in an attempt to figure things out, others are diving in headlong with clear direction and clear goals.
I saw a beautiful thing take place in many MMA and Jujitsu Circles in response to this closure of the world... ALL OF THEM STARTED TO FORMULATE SOLO DRILLS AKIN TO KATA.
They did this without making a huge deal out of it, because it was necessary in order to impart what they sought to impart and they did it without much delay, and it worked.
When they go back to normal these things may fall by the wayside as they continue down the path they travel, but it is really an interesting things to behold and really made me think about how many Karateka view Kata in our modern day and age.
Something that may well have developed out of necessity has become somewhat of a sacred cow and the central defining feature of a 'style' or 'school' or whatever artificial label you give to whatever it is you do or claim to do.
These MMA Drills are not even the result of set two-person drills, but are meant to convey certain principles that each person found important. Not codified by an Organization, not meant to be anything more than what they are.
Coming full circle, we are witnessing this, in addition to many other things. The main take-away, I gather for myself, is viewing things just as they are, not getting caught up on anyone else's notions of what is important and what is not, unless it serves a purpose that is beneficial to you, then you work on things until these things become part of you and discard whatever helped you to that point in favor of formulating something more personal... Or better yet, learning and imparting by DOING until necessity dictates you can no longer do this in person.
I suppose it is fine to learn various Kata and various curricula of an Organization in order to pass a test, but in the end, most of these things are just repeats with trivial changes that make little to no sense in the explanations we have been given.
Most of it is simply repeating the same things over and over in different ways, at different angles, and two-person drills are often done with unrealistic applications and distances, no real explanation given for this.
They do not really produce the results they claim... Mind you they DO improve memory tremendously along with functionality of mental faculties and improved hand-eye coordination to an almost superhuman capacity, which are great benefits unto themselves, but one can do this with just a couple drills, there is no need to number them up to 100 and make them all requirements.
These are limitations in training. The other aspect of this is in how much of our lives we give up by way of obedience and subservience to others who may or may not deserve those elevated positions?
It is fine to respect one's Teacher, it is proper to do so, even to the point that person is considered a part of one's family, so long as they are authentic and provide something meaningful, rather than a demand for subservience and unearned respect.
The more I look at the world of Karate the more I see how much of a culprit it is in regards to instilling a spirit of obedience and subservience to authority. In Okinawa one of the tenants promoted within Karate was that it makes a person into a Good Citizen, in Imperial Parlance this means complete obedience to the Emperor, without question.
Many of those who did not agree with this left Okinawa and lived in Exile, some of their families and those people still alive remain in Exile to this very day.
Do NOT speak out against Authority, you can stand against things that are clearly wrong so long as those wrongs are done by someone of equal or lesser stature, but never stand against wrongs perpetrated by those in positions of Authority because they are beyond question (and clearly all knowing according to the culture promoted in some circles).
This situation has cut us off from these houses of subservient training, they have forced us to look inside and all around us, what are we seeing?
I can tell you one thing, I am 37 years old... If I am to be treated like a subservient child in some instances where someone has assumed undue command over me, the way I act, the way I live, then I am NOT going to walk down that road... I WILL throw it by the wayside because it does not serve me, it does nothing to make my life better, nor does it set a good example for my children, who look to me for an example of how to live a good and whole life.
Yes, giving respect where respect is due is proper, yes, being kind and polite is necessary for society to get on, but when all is said and done, the ability and willingness to drop all the niceties and stand up against wrongs and injustices, no matter their source, is a MUST!
We are all sovereign individuals, therefor, we must take back that sovereignty.
My job does not consist of promoting a specific Organization or Lineage, it consists of providing for, teaching, and protecting my family and those of my friends whom I consider family.
I have a deep respect for my Teachers and their Teachers, but they are NOT GODS and I refuse to place them on more of a pedestal than anyone, including myself, deserves... We are all flawed.
That being said, I do not expect to gain anymore of a position within the Goju Ryu Organization to which I belong, nor does it matter to me.
I do not expect to learn any additional Kata, nor do I really wish to because what I have is enough to keep me busy for a lifetime, and it is enough to pass on to others to help them with whatever they seek to gain from training.
When things are back up and running I am not going to Teach to the standards of others, I will take their advice and, if they wish to offer some instruction and insight, I will graciously accept that, but I will not be teaching to anything but my own understanding, mainly because it is physically and mentally impossible to do otherwise, for anyone.
I am not my Teacher, he is not me, I DO have two arms and two legs, so many of the principles WILL carry over, but not all of them, just as my own Students will have to take what I give them and work it in a manner that helps them find their own ways to apply what is there, or discover something else that may not have been readily apparent to me.
My school will not be awarding ranks to adults... Ranks, in my view, are for children. It keeps children focused and interested, it gives them something to shoot for. For adults and some Teenagers I find this to be insulting and distracting from the real goal and spirit of training.
Everyone, except those able to teach, will be wearing white belts, and the ability to teach will be based on understanding of what a person knows, plus the amount of time they put in to exploring it, NOT based on how much of a curriculum they know, not how many Kata they know.
I honestly don't care what anyone thinks of this approach, it has nothing to do with them, they are welcome to criticize me, but the most important thing, for me, is to impart a pathway to understanding and discovery, not material.
This time is Shugyo, it should be used as such, to rediscover or discover for the first time what is within and bring that out to the benefit of the world around us.
In my view the world has lost sight of what is important. We have become too dependent on certain things, too dependent on certain people, certain Organizations and Businesses. We are told what we need, what to think, what to say, how to behave.
No underlying context... As a result, we have become slaves to those outer voices that compel us to consume, to obey, to march along in a slumber oblivious to reality as it is. We then wonder why we cannot get ahead, why it seems like the world favors some over others, without ever exploring our own potentials as sovereign individuals.
Stop mindlessly consuming, start looking inward, beyond all the brand names, all the things you are told are important, things you are told you should or should not do, and really delve deep.
Wake up.
This should be a time of Shugyo, of deep intense training, of self-improvement, overcoming our obstacles and limitations, rededicating ourselves to whatever it is we find truly important... Or discovering just what that really is and what it really means.
While this is not a new situation for me, as I seldom go out, it definitely has me noticing some things about myself in light of the fact that there is really no choice involved.
It forces me to realize things I do as an escape from the moment, to recognize these things for what they are, it forces me to rework my perspective in light of what I do and do not have control over. The situation may be outside my power to control, but internally, I have the power to change my perspective and utilize this for what it really is.
It has also shown me the limitations and weaknesses of society at large; who the real authentic people are in contrast to those merely flapping their mouths, not just in relation to training, but to every single aspect of life and society.
Many spend their time chasing after what they are TOLD is important without giving my thought to what is REALLY important.
In Martial Arts this has to do with chasing rank, recognition, and status. There is very little in the way of deep questioning or understanding. I am seeing many adapting to the current situation, some are groping around in an attempt to figure things out, others are diving in headlong with clear direction and clear goals.
I saw a beautiful thing take place in many MMA and Jujitsu Circles in response to this closure of the world... ALL OF THEM STARTED TO FORMULATE SOLO DRILLS AKIN TO KATA.
They did this without making a huge deal out of it, because it was necessary in order to impart what they sought to impart and they did it without much delay, and it worked.
When they go back to normal these things may fall by the wayside as they continue down the path they travel, but it is really an interesting things to behold and really made me think about how many Karateka view Kata in our modern day and age.
Something that may well have developed out of necessity has become somewhat of a sacred cow and the central defining feature of a 'style' or 'school' or whatever artificial label you give to whatever it is you do or claim to do.
These MMA Drills are not even the result of set two-person drills, but are meant to convey certain principles that each person found important. Not codified by an Organization, not meant to be anything more than what they are.
Coming full circle, we are witnessing this, in addition to many other things. The main take-away, I gather for myself, is viewing things just as they are, not getting caught up on anyone else's notions of what is important and what is not, unless it serves a purpose that is beneficial to you, then you work on things until these things become part of you and discard whatever helped you to that point in favor of formulating something more personal... Or better yet, learning and imparting by DOING until necessity dictates you can no longer do this in person.
I suppose it is fine to learn various Kata and various curricula of an Organization in order to pass a test, but in the end, most of these things are just repeats with trivial changes that make little to no sense in the explanations we have been given.
Most of it is simply repeating the same things over and over in different ways, at different angles, and two-person drills are often done with unrealistic applications and distances, no real explanation given for this.
They do not really produce the results they claim... Mind you they DO improve memory tremendously along with functionality of mental faculties and improved hand-eye coordination to an almost superhuman capacity, which are great benefits unto themselves, but one can do this with just a couple drills, there is no need to number them up to 100 and make them all requirements.
These are limitations in training. The other aspect of this is in how much of our lives we give up by way of obedience and subservience to others who may or may not deserve those elevated positions?
It is fine to respect one's Teacher, it is proper to do so, even to the point that person is considered a part of one's family, so long as they are authentic and provide something meaningful, rather than a demand for subservience and unearned respect.
The more I look at the world of Karate the more I see how much of a culprit it is in regards to instilling a spirit of obedience and subservience to authority. In Okinawa one of the tenants promoted within Karate was that it makes a person into a Good Citizen, in Imperial Parlance this means complete obedience to the Emperor, without question.
Many of those who did not agree with this left Okinawa and lived in Exile, some of their families and those people still alive remain in Exile to this very day.
Do NOT speak out against Authority, you can stand against things that are clearly wrong so long as those wrongs are done by someone of equal or lesser stature, but never stand against wrongs perpetrated by those in positions of Authority because they are beyond question (and clearly all knowing according to the culture promoted in some circles).
This situation has cut us off from these houses of subservient training, they have forced us to look inside and all around us, what are we seeing?
I can tell you one thing, I am 37 years old... If I am to be treated like a subservient child in some instances where someone has assumed undue command over me, the way I act, the way I live, then I am NOT going to walk down that road... I WILL throw it by the wayside because it does not serve me, it does nothing to make my life better, nor does it set a good example for my children, who look to me for an example of how to live a good and whole life.
Yes, giving respect where respect is due is proper, yes, being kind and polite is necessary for society to get on, but when all is said and done, the ability and willingness to drop all the niceties and stand up against wrongs and injustices, no matter their source, is a MUST!
We are all sovereign individuals, therefor, we must take back that sovereignty.
My job does not consist of promoting a specific Organization or Lineage, it consists of providing for, teaching, and protecting my family and those of my friends whom I consider family.
I have a deep respect for my Teachers and their Teachers, but they are NOT GODS and I refuse to place them on more of a pedestal than anyone, including myself, deserves... We are all flawed.
That being said, I do not expect to gain anymore of a position within the Goju Ryu Organization to which I belong, nor does it matter to me.
I do not expect to learn any additional Kata, nor do I really wish to because what I have is enough to keep me busy for a lifetime, and it is enough to pass on to others to help them with whatever they seek to gain from training.
When things are back up and running I am not going to Teach to the standards of others, I will take their advice and, if they wish to offer some instruction and insight, I will graciously accept that, but I will not be teaching to anything but my own understanding, mainly because it is physically and mentally impossible to do otherwise, for anyone.
I am not my Teacher, he is not me, I DO have two arms and two legs, so many of the principles WILL carry over, but not all of them, just as my own Students will have to take what I give them and work it in a manner that helps them find their own ways to apply what is there, or discover something else that may not have been readily apparent to me.
My school will not be awarding ranks to adults... Ranks, in my view, are for children. It keeps children focused and interested, it gives them something to shoot for. For adults and some Teenagers I find this to be insulting and distracting from the real goal and spirit of training.
Everyone, except those able to teach, will be wearing white belts, and the ability to teach will be based on understanding of what a person knows, plus the amount of time they put in to exploring it, NOT based on how much of a curriculum they know, not how many Kata they know.
I honestly don't care what anyone thinks of this approach, it has nothing to do with them, they are welcome to criticize me, but the most important thing, for me, is to impart a pathway to understanding and discovery, not material.
This time is Shugyo, it should be used as such, to rediscover or discover for the first time what is within and bring that out to the benefit of the world around us.
In my view the world has lost sight of what is important. We have become too dependent on certain things, too dependent on certain people, certain Organizations and Businesses. We are told what we need, what to think, what to say, how to behave.
No underlying context... As a result, we have become slaves to those outer voices that compel us to consume, to obey, to march along in a slumber oblivious to reality as it is. We then wonder why we cannot get ahead, why it seems like the world favors some over others, without ever exploring our own potentials as sovereign individuals.
Stop mindlessly consuming, start looking inward, beyond all the brand names, all the things you are told are important, things you are told you should or should not do, and really delve deep.
Wake up.
Sunday, March 22, 2020
The Principle of Harmonious Chaos.
Viewed a video of someone doing a drill, attempting to feel some principles at work, good stuff all around except one point where they stopped and said ‘no, that isn’t good because your hand is there and I would walk right into it.’
No. In reality the hand is not going to be there, it will not be hanging there for your convenience, nor will it remain there as an impediment just sitting in one spot.
Drills like these have flaws built into them for a reason. It is not necessarily important what the other person is doing or how they are standing because that is NOT reality. What IS important is what YOU are doing; how you are moving, getting a feel for it.
THAT is where one should reframe their focus, keeping in mind that, in reality, it will NOT be so clean and crisp either, but the mechanics will be there. Don’t get hung up on form, or how something should look, that is never the bottom line and anyone looking strictly at these things is missing the point entirely.
There is a lot missing from any given drill. Look at what is missing, take note, look at where your focus is, take note.
Remember that you are NOT fighting or defending against a technique, you ARE fighting or defending against a PERSON, complete with all their ferocity, aggression, and will.
That hand is going to move, come from another angle, a different hand will come at you from somewhere else, now a foot, now a head, grabs, pulls, pushes, knees, elbows, fingernails, spit, slobber, cuss words, derogatory statements... Maybe a weapon appears, maybe not.
Sometimes you need to close distance, sometimes you need to create distance... The latter is going to be your ultimate aim in order to escape and get to safety.
Maybe you have that option, maybe not.
My Teacher used to say ‘Don’t think, just do,’ and ‘No Mind.’ Going along with my previous post about hyper-vigilance and operating from the lizard brain, this is precisely correct.
Thinking about things in logical sequence, trying to make sense of these things from a higher brain standpoint is okay, it has its’ uses, but the aim is to sink into the lizard brain, to hone our ruthless survival traits, to focus them and, ultimately, act without thinking.
Some people call this second nature, but it is really first nature, innate to all of us, otherwise we would not be here.
This is not a philosophical journey in its’ primary aim, most of that is secondary stuff. The aim is always to seek advantage, to dominate or be dominated, so when I see people going through motions and thoughtfully considering things, but then getting hung up on things that don’t really matter, it is a wonder that things have degraded over time.
The proper aim of things has been lost.
It is easy to see the nature of a person by the way they move and their intent. One can pick the ruthless from the meek in just a few simple movements.
Now for the philosophical side. One need only know that peace is preceded by war, without conflict we would not have needed to invent two separate words to describe two concepts such as war and peace.
The truly peaceful are those capable of terrible violent things, yet choose not to do those things unless absolutely necessary.
I understand the idealistic views some people hold. The romanticized view of things as we would want them to be, but reality rarely confirms to our ideals and when we try to force it to conform then all sorts of things go wrong.
It is best to live in balance with nature, knowing full well what that actually implies. Harmony is an action word, it has nothing to do with pacifism, it has nothing to do with doing nothing when something must be done.
It has everything to do with seeing things as they are, without blinders, delusions, or personal idealistic opinions.
It is both ugly and beautiful at the same time. Great and terrible. Ordered and chaotic. It is a mess. Live with it or be torn apart by it.
Saturday, March 21, 2020
Recognizing Hyper-Vigilance.
The lizard brain reacts, it does not think critically, it does not think at all, it does not assess or try to make sense of anything... In other words, once activated, it cannot be reasoned with.
In hyper panic mode this is the area of primary operation and, in hyper panic, overrides everything else with the ‘thinking’ side, our conscious, rational, and reasonable side constantly playing second fiddle catch-up as it justifies all actions of the lizard brain after the fact.
It helps to know what we might be dealing with, both in ourselves AND in everyone around us. The panic buying with no seeming rhyme or reason behind the items bought and hoarded; signs the lizard brain is in a hyper-vigilant State (and a bit rusty with no experience due to psychic atrophy, which can make it all the more dangerous, albeit not necessarily more unpredictable).
A person operating in a constant hyper-vigilant state will justify anything so long as their survival is guaranteed, even accepting less freedom, more tyranny, and justifying acceptance of any information from sources perceived to be most conducive to survival (due to prior perceived status) without question.
These sources, and their agents, assuming a high status point in a perceived dominance hierarchy with the lizard brain forcing the individual into a subservient role.
This explains what has already been happening, but the trajectory is not good over an extended period of time as things further erode and survival is constantly in question.
People will often be shocked by what they are capable of doing, furthermore, what others are capable of and willing to do to them... Mob Mentality is one manifestation of a collective lizard brain, tribal mindsets are another.
People, desperate, breaking windows, kicking in doors, invading homes to get at the goods within (and likely much more, to the horror of the victims unprepared).
Attacks in stores and store parking lots are only the tip of the iceberg if things continue down this road and fear porn is spread around continuously like candy.
‘Worry about this,’ and ‘why aren’t you worried about that?’ Memes literally State by end of the world messages in the midst of it all, stuff we would normally find ridiculous. Amidst all this, individuals not necessarily operating from honest places of concern seeming to stoke the fire and fan the flames because they want to make a statement at the expense of everyone else who are genuinely afraid.
(I had to block two people in such a category a couple days ago because of statements in public... And contradictory statements in private from one - this is not a political issue and to assume it is whilst approaching it like that is dangerous considering the level of panic).
Knowing is more than half the battle. Remaining aware, taking the hyper-vigilance down a few notches, being mindful in all situations, of yourself and others, this does go a long way. When the lizard brain enters go time, however, all bets are off.
Others will try to take what you have, and more, you cannot approach that in the same mindset you normally would, can you defend what you have? Where are you willing to go? It is not a pretty picture and there is time to change some of it, at least with those around you, your neighbors, friends, and family, strength in numbers is a good deterrent, but the picture still sucks.
Sticking together and staying positive is the optimal plan of action, but being aware of the worst within will prepare for the worst as it comes from the outside to tear you apart and take everything that is yours.
Gloom and doom? No. Just realism should things go this way for an extended period of time. Get yourself out of your state of sheer panic and recognize when you are dealing with the lizard brain in other people.
In hyper panic mode this is the area of primary operation and, in hyper panic, overrides everything else with the ‘thinking’ side, our conscious, rational, and reasonable side constantly playing second fiddle catch-up as it justifies all actions of the lizard brain after the fact.
It helps to know what we might be dealing with, both in ourselves AND in everyone around us. The panic buying with no seeming rhyme or reason behind the items bought and hoarded; signs the lizard brain is in a hyper-vigilant State (and a bit rusty with no experience due to psychic atrophy, which can make it all the more dangerous, albeit not necessarily more unpredictable).
A person operating in a constant hyper-vigilant state will justify anything so long as their survival is guaranteed, even accepting less freedom, more tyranny, and justifying acceptance of any information from sources perceived to be most conducive to survival (due to prior perceived status) without question.
These sources, and their agents, assuming a high status point in a perceived dominance hierarchy with the lizard brain forcing the individual into a subservient role.
This explains what has already been happening, but the trajectory is not good over an extended period of time as things further erode and survival is constantly in question.
People will often be shocked by what they are capable of doing, furthermore, what others are capable of and willing to do to them... Mob Mentality is one manifestation of a collective lizard brain, tribal mindsets are another.
People, desperate, breaking windows, kicking in doors, invading homes to get at the goods within (and likely much more, to the horror of the victims unprepared).
Attacks in stores and store parking lots are only the tip of the iceberg if things continue down this road and fear porn is spread around continuously like candy.
‘Worry about this,’ and ‘why aren’t you worried about that?’ Memes literally State by end of the world messages in the midst of it all, stuff we would normally find ridiculous. Amidst all this, individuals not necessarily operating from honest places of concern seeming to stoke the fire and fan the flames because they want to make a statement at the expense of everyone else who are genuinely afraid.
(I had to block two people in such a category a couple days ago because of statements in public... And contradictory statements in private from one - this is not a political issue and to assume it is whilst approaching it like that is dangerous considering the level of panic).
Knowing is more than half the battle. Remaining aware, taking the hyper-vigilance down a few notches, being mindful in all situations, of yourself and others, this does go a long way. When the lizard brain enters go time, however, all bets are off.
Others will try to take what you have, and more, you cannot approach that in the same mindset you normally would, can you defend what you have? Where are you willing to go? It is not a pretty picture and there is time to change some of it, at least with those around you, your neighbors, friends, and family, strength in numbers is a good deterrent, but the picture still sucks.
Sticking together and staying positive is the optimal plan of action, but being aware of the worst within will prepare for the worst as it comes from the outside to tear you apart and take everything that is yours.
Gloom and doom? No. Just realism should things go this way for an extended period of time. Get yourself out of your state of sheer panic and recognize when you are dealing with the lizard brain in other people.
Friday, March 20, 2020
The True Path.
It is not how much you know, but how much you train, how deep you question, and how much of yourself you put in (and take away) from it all.
There is no such thing as a ‘black belt’ or a ‘white belt’ and titles are meaningless when they are given based on WHAT you THINK you know.
There is no such thing as ‘advanced,’ just things repeated in different ways, or often the same ways in different sequences, in different places, and these things are only illustrated to teach something... The only way to learn is in doing, in training, and in questioning.
Take NOTHING at face value, nothing whatsoever... Pick something. Spend a lifetime on that, all other things will fall into place and the results will flow out into every other aspect of life if you keep the right focus and mindset.
Good character, however, is not the goal, but a side effect. The goal is in defeating enemies, which turns to defeating obstacles, ultimately defeating yourself and, as a result, revealing yourself.
This is not a sport or a game. This is not some fancy philosophy about living in some romanticized ideal of harmony and balance.
True balance comes through struggle, constant pushing and pulling, bending and swaying, all upon a center point, the eye of the storm.
Harmony is an illusion as most everything in nature seeks to kill and dominate everything else, so true nature is brutal, living in harmony is accepting the brutal nature of reality. Peace is ever dependent on War just as up is dependent on down and right on left.
White pajamas, colored belts, prim-and-proper etiquette and form? Etiquette is important within our social circles, but the notion of form does not carry itself into reality and if it cannot readily serve this purpose then it is utterly useless... Stop calling it what it is not.
If it leads to weakness and calls for dependence and approval then, at the end of the day, it serves no one except those whom it serves and THAT IS NOT YOU.
Education is meant to bring out what is within and refine it, understand it, mold it in a way that improves its’ functionality and expression.
Uniquely human, but not entirely. That manner of brutality already exists inside of you in its’ raw form, now to couple that raw energy with a true manner of education... Rather than telling you WHAT to do it will shed light on the thing and show you HOW.
No Teacher can truly do this for you, they can point towards whatever it is based on what worked for them (questionable in this day and age with most), but only you can make any sort of headway towards understanding as you walk the path.
There is no such thing as a ‘black belt’ or a ‘white belt’ and titles are meaningless when they are given based on WHAT you THINK you know.
There is no such thing as ‘advanced,’ just things repeated in different ways, or often the same ways in different sequences, in different places, and these things are only illustrated to teach something... The only way to learn is in doing, in training, and in questioning.
Take NOTHING at face value, nothing whatsoever... Pick something. Spend a lifetime on that, all other things will fall into place and the results will flow out into every other aspect of life if you keep the right focus and mindset.
Good character, however, is not the goal, but a side effect. The goal is in defeating enemies, which turns to defeating obstacles, ultimately defeating yourself and, as a result, revealing yourself.
This is not a sport or a game. This is not some fancy philosophy about living in some romanticized ideal of harmony and balance.
True balance comes through struggle, constant pushing and pulling, bending and swaying, all upon a center point, the eye of the storm.
Harmony is an illusion as most everything in nature seeks to kill and dominate everything else, so true nature is brutal, living in harmony is accepting the brutal nature of reality. Peace is ever dependent on War just as up is dependent on down and right on left.
White pajamas, colored belts, prim-and-proper etiquette and form? Etiquette is important within our social circles, but the notion of form does not carry itself into reality and if it cannot readily serve this purpose then it is utterly useless... Stop calling it what it is not.
If it leads to weakness and calls for dependence and approval then, at the end of the day, it serves no one except those whom it serves and THAT IS NOT YOU.
Education is meant to bring out what is within and refine it, understand it, mold it in a way that improves its’ functionality and expression.
Uniquely human, but not entirely. That manner of brutality already exists inside of you in its’ raw form, now to couple that raw energy with a true manner of education... Rather than telling you WHAT to do it will shed light on the thing and show you HOW.
No Teacher can truly do this for you, they can point towards whatever it is based on what worked for them (questionable in this day and age with most), but only you can make any sort of headway towards understanding as you walk the path.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
Some Things to Impliment.
This is not something that was on my radar to write about and not something I wanted to write about particularly, considering the negative vibes people are putting off in regards to the coverage of it, but here we are.
No, I am not going to write about what a state we are in and what hopelessness surrounds the situation, but what CAN be done to combat this thing along with what people might find useful in safeguarding their families.
Livelihoods may be lost, but in the Philosophical School of Stoicism, we tend to suffer more in imagination than in reality. That is not to make light of the situation, but to put it in a different perspective.
A positive mindset can overcome just about anything, not everything, mind you, but just about anything.
Yes, when it is our time to go, it is our time, not much can be done about that, but at least we can face it knowing full well it is our time; as they say, an old Tiger knows when its' time has come. For most of us we are not there yet and, despite the panic, we know that deeply.
Take heart and forge your spirit to push forward. On the other side is wisdom. Yes, things may be different, they likely will be, but what are YOU going to do with that knowledge NOW?
If you are exposed, or even if you are not, bolster your immune system with some Ibuki Breathing, or Kokyo Ho (as they call it in Aikido), learn to put yourself through discomfort with a mind to push through it by taking cold showers, switch to hot at the very end, then step out, dry off, and go about your day.
Make a game plan, have non-negotiable activities, like Meditation, exercise is good to follow this, stretch, keep in good shape, in good health, but most of all, take your mind back and keep it positive.
Don't go out an buy in a panic, panic and fear COMPROMISE THE IMMUNE SYSTEM if you are in such states for extended periods of time and this will lead to becoming ill, this will lead to negative mindsets, this will lead to further doubt, fear, even anger.
Anger is one thing that can go either way, uncontrolled and it will hurt you, controlled and reigned in, coupled with a positive mind (sounds weird) it can see you through almost anything. You will be a force of nature at that point and someone not to be trifled with.
Stock up on canned food, whole food, staple food, a little bit at a time, don't buy in bulk. Toilet paper? Not really a big deal, napkins are available, a bit at a time.
Crime is about to go up in response to measures that are being taken, mainly because people do not think in their panicked state and some come to things too late so they will seek what others have. Don't show what you have, not entirely, and be prepared for people to confront you, even violently. Make sure your homes are secure, look for weaknesses in security, stay vigilant, but never lose your mindset, never allow that to carry you away.
I have recommended practicing Sanchin Kata three times a day. That is one way of doing things. I also recommend taking a walk around your house or apartment each day when you wake, and each night when you go to bed, make sure things are secure.
Also, get to know your neighbors, never discount your community. In this whole thing, never allow yourself to be alienated from those around you. Fear can set in if someone we know comes down with the infamous virus, but look at them as a person and put yourself in their shoes. Most of us will fight off the virus, so we need not worry in the slightest, while those that are most at risk might depend on our help, never fail to give it if you can.
I do NOT agree with social distancing, as most of us will overcome the virus, it is not Ebola, it is not Swine Flu, so build immunity, the same way we used to do with Chicken Pox.
Even in an Ebola outbreak I would likely help those that needed it, yes, it is scary, but I am comfortable with my own mortality, and one person's last moments can be made better with some simple acts of kindness.
Don't give in to fear. Take your time. Even here, Shihan's teaching rings true, do a little, but do it often.
Wake up.
No, I am not going to write about what a state we are in and what hopelessness surrounds the situation, but what CAN be done to combat this thing along with what people might find useful in safeguarding their families.
Livelihoods may be lost, but in the Philosophical School of Stoicism, we tend to suffer more in imagination than in reality. That is not to make light of the situation, but to put it in a different perspective.
A positive mindset can overcome just about anything, not everything, mind you, but just about anything.
Yes, when it is our time to go, it is our time, not much can be done about that, but at least we can face it knowing full well it is our time; as they say, an old Tiger knows when its' time has come. For most of us we are not there yet and, despite the panic, we know that deeply.
Take heart and forge your spirit to push forward. On the other side is wisdom. Yes, things may be different, they likely will be, but what are YOU going to do with that knowledge NOW?
If you are exposed, or even if you are not, bolster your immune system with some Ibuki Breathing, or Kokyo Ho (as they call it in Aikido), learn to put yourself through discomfort with a mind to push through it by taking cold showers, switch to hot at the very end, then step out, dry off, and go about your day.
Make a game plan, have non-negotiable activities, like Meditation, exercise is good to follow this, stretch, keep in good shape, in good health, but most of all, take your mind back and keep it positive.
Don't go out an buy in a panic, panic and fear COMPROMISE THE IMMUNE SYSTEM if you are in such states for extended periods of time and this will lead to becoming ill, this will lead to negative mindsets, this will lead to further doubt, fear, even anger.
Anger is one thing that can go either way, uncontrolled and it will hurt you, controlled and reigned in, coupled with a positive mind (sounds weird) it can see you through almost anything. You will be a force of nature at that point and someone not to be trifled with.
Stock up on canned food, whole food, staple food, a little bit at a time, don't buy in bulk. Toilet paper? Not really a big deal, napkins are available, a bit at a time.
Crime is about to go up in response to measures that are being taken, mainly because people do not think in their panicked state and some come to things too late so they will seek what others have. Don't show what you have, not entirely, and be prepared for people to confront you, even violently. Make sure your homes are secure, look for weaknesses in security, stay vigilant, but never lose your mindset, never allow that to carry you away.
I have recommended practicing Sanchin Kata three times a day. That is one way of doing things. I also recommend taking a walk around your house or apartment each day when you wake, and each night when you go to bed, make sure things are secure.
Also, get to know your neighbors, never discount your community. In this whole thing, never allow yourself to be alienated from those around you. Fear can set in if someone we know comes down with the infamous virus, but look at them as a person and put yourself in their shoes. Most of us will fight off the virus, so we need not worry in the slightest, while those that are most at risk might depend on our help, never fail to give it if you can.
I do NOT agree with social distancing, as most of us will overcome the virus, it is not Ebola, it is not Swine Flu, so build immunity, the same way we used to do with Chicken Pox.
Even in an Ebola outbreak I would likely help those that needed it, yes, it is scary, but I am comfortable with my own mortality, and one person's last moments can be made better with some simple acts of kindness.
Don't give in to fear. Take your time. Even here, Shihan's teaching rings true, do a little, but do it often.
Wake up.
Thursday, February 27, 2020
Methodology Madness.
The paradigm shifted a long time ago... Those who achieve the highest of heights are those that tend to step outside the box, outside their comfort zone, risk criticism, risk ridicule, being the outcast for asking the tough questions and really looking at what they were doing.
You know what they found? Most of it was a joke. A huge joke. It is when we stop taking things so seriously or personally that we can actually get the work done and start enjoying what we are doing a bit more.
A quote I just heard on a show my children watch went something like this...
'How are we going to get out of this one alive?' One character asked another as they are being chased by a giant Dragon, chained and mistreated, the other character was laughing the whole time and responded, 'When you realize that we don't, then you can start having more fun!'
A pretty deep quote for a kids show, I laughed my ass off for a while over that one because the character was funny, but also because it made sense to me.
The point, here, is this... We spend all of our time worrying about who to please, what to do to get that next promotion, keeping our job so we can pay the bills, maintaining self images even in our home lives, doing what is expected... Saying and thinking what is expected... Expected of us by our bosses, our peer groups, our political affiliations, even our Martial Arts Organizations (or other hobbies).
Recognition or a place in the hierarchy is held over our heads to keep us in check, keep us on the path that has been determined for us... At the end of the day it is not something of our choosing, our words, our actions, our very thoughts and feelings tend not to be our own.
What do we do this for? A bit more money? A little time at the top before we die? A plaque or piece of paper with a title that is only good for as long as there are still people alive who remember you when you're gone? Yes. You can't escape death, so all the people pleasing in the world might get you a comfortable tomb at the end of the road, but what good is comfort to those too cold and brain dead to enjoy it? Then you die.
The previous post was regarding Methodologies... I do not propose anything new. What I propose is a return to the Classical way of doing things, the real way.
Cast off the shackles that tell you what you should do and do what you MUST do! Get into it. Make it your own, take back that passion, put your heart into it, go deep, get uncomfortable, come out the other side so much better, stronger, and wiser... Others will follow suit, many will not. Those that don't WILL put you down in so many vicious ways; and THAT is how you KNOW you're on the RIGHT TRACK.
In the beginning keep it on basics, if you are teaching, because you want to instill a solid foundation in your students.
What constitutes basics, though? That is not quite an easy question because you have to ask if it means walking up and down the floow endlessly, memorizing stances, specific ways to step, specific ways to turn.
Ultimately each of these has principles they are meant to impart, the mechanics are there, but the way they are trained does not illuminate what is actually going on, nor proper use of those mechanics, nor even explain the mechanics whatsoever.
It is often an endless line of 'just do this because this is how we do it.' That is a feature of Organizations, of group think, which is something outlined above... People pleasing. WHY are we doing these things? What PURPOSE do they serve? At what point do we drop these and start looking at flows rather than specific points along the line of the flow?
There is no such things as a stance or a technique anywhere in Karate, this is all beginner stuff, like training wheels on a bike, to be used in order to help the learner on their way, then tossed aside in favor of just riding... Although beyond this point it goes without saying the learning does not cease, but you get the point.
Karate is a modern art, having taken root in Okinawa as a combination of their indigenous fighting arts and Chinese Quan Fa (Kung Fu).
As a modern art it has barely even gained traction on its' own two feet, at least in its' modern form, and can barely lay claim to what came before it.
The stories we hear about the effective technical prowess of the old Masters, these were not referring to Masters of Karate... No... THOSE 'Masters' came after the fact, during the period when Okinawa was trying to seem more Japanese.
As previously stated, the forms, or Kata, are to be understood according to certain principles known as Kaisai, yes, but they are further understood in the context of Chinese Calligraphy. As a flow, not as specific lines. The WHOLE is greater than the some of the artificially created parts... Parts that were created to fit specifically within a certain mindset that breaks things down and labels them.
Takuan Soho said that the Mind should not 'stop at specific points,' it should not stop anywhere. The mind that is ever moving is the mind that is immovable, it cannot be trapped, it is unbeatable.
The mind that fixes on the cutting sword of the opponent has been defeated by the cutting sword, but the mind that ceases on nothing has defeated the opponent with their own sword.
Here you have a Japanese Monk pointing out the exact same thing in the prevalence of mindsets in his day and illustrating how a few great swordsmen remained unbeatable for so long, one that I know of even undefeated for his entire life until death finally took him from old age.
These were a rare breed, but this is exactly the same type of thing within Okinawan Arts that made their Masters so great, something that has been lost in Modern Karate, something that seems to have never truly carried over, save for a few individuals, and even then, they likely were training something far older.
The goal is to stop at points and study, then to forget points altogether, but when do we do this? Again, that is something to think about as a Teacher.
Do you want to instill some effective skill from the start? Or do you want your students to take the long road? It certainly IS possible... The way is in how things are done.
Start with instilling principles first, and NOT in endless line drills either. Work some partner drills, maybe do what the old ones used to do and start with some posture training in order to set up a good power transfer system through the body.
Study what muscles are naturally activated in each instance and what muscles are more relaxed. Where each instance seems to be flowing; forward? Backward? Up? Down? Sideways? Twisting? Twisting and Rising? Twisting and Sinking?
Chudan Uke is a prime example for this. There is a HUGE difference between Open Hand with palm facing away and Closed Fist with palm facing towards you. First, one utilizes a different part of the forearm than the other, one is more of a backward/sideways flow, the other is more of a forward/sideways flow.
Different muscles groups are activated in one as opposed to the other... All of this comes together to show that they are two entirely different sets of mechanical principles that imply two entirely different things, even though they look the same.
This is exactly what breaking things down to specific points is for, study, then forgetting.
An entire class COULD be focused on this, taking various portions of Kata and looking at them from this type of perspective in an effort to understand what is going on... I have done so myself and continue to do so (because I enjoy it).
Every class based on this, however, is a waste of time... One needs to be able to break away from this and start thinking about strategic flows and how to apply what they have learned. Even when breaking things down in a class focused on understanding these things it is going to be more useful to do so from a partner work and drill standpoint than it is from a specifically solo based Kata-centric approach.
Working conditioning is another way to spend some class time, some Daruma Taiso, some Hojo Undo (done properly), and some Makiwara work.
Incorporate some more modern things like heavy bags, make this stuff, along with partner work, a mainstay of the time in the Dojo. Punching air and listening to someone talk does NOT yield skill. Giving a lecture is fine every once in a while in order to get specific points across, but should be avoided for the majority of the time because this type of work is physical work, it needs to be felt and experienced... You can't talk an assailant to death... Well, maybe you can, but chances are very low that THEY will die before YOU.
Okinawan Arts were originally void of Kata. Kata are NOT to be viewed as the be all, end all, or even the primary source of anything.
THEY ARE A TEACHING TOOL LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE! Kata should be taught a bit at a time, it should be shown to a student how they can break things down and focus on specific principles utilizing movements from Kata for solo training outside the Dojo, in between classes, at the ending of class, and before class starts.
This will actually be done in the process of teaching Kata bit by bit, but later a Student should be shown how to string things together in different patterns and NOT conform ONLY to the basic pattern which they have been given to start with.
Principles of Kaisai should be given during every session and reinforced with every session, these are the primary principles from which we draw. Not necessarily Kata.
It is said, also, that each Kata is a complete fighting system unto itself, while others state that each Kata teach different strategies unique to that specific Kata.
Then there is the body type theory. I find all of this to be complete non-sense. No fighting system is complete unto itself, there is always something missing that can benefit from more training in another area unrelated to the first.
That being said, I also do not believe that each Kata teaches different strategies... They might teach different tactics, but the strategy remains the same. Most don't even teach different tactics, however, most are the same tactics repeated in different ways, sometimes even the same ways.
Each Kata contains the other, there are NO advanced Kata and NO secrets under the sun that one Kata is lacking which another might possess. These, again, are not the be all, end all, they are merely training devices.
That being said, one really does ONLY NEED ONE OR TWO because it is pointless, absolutely pointless to know twenty or thirty different Kata, unless that is something one enjoys doing, collecting Kata, or collecting Kata in order to collect Rank Certificates rather than actual skill... More people pleasing and ego stroking.
Finally, break away from the 'sparring' mindset. Point Sparring is a sport. So is fighting in a cage, albeit the cage has a lot more risk and realism than point sparring... Karate has done well in the cage by the way...
The idea is that this is NOT a sport, it is NOT about mutual combat. Utilize some drills that do work timing, distancing, fighting at various ranges, yes, but also work in some blitzkrieg stuff, where a person takes the initiative and trains to KEEP it in order to end the confrontation with a goal of getting the hell out of there.
Work in some situational stuff, some scenario training that might take you outside the Dojo for something that feels a bit more real world with varying terrain and environments. Work in utilizing the environment itself as a make-shift weapon to get the job done.
Work in some mindset training, switching from no-go to go, some focus drills, etc., along with situations where a student might start at a disadvantage... Like getting sucker punched from behind. Work on how to recover and TAKE the initiative, if possible.
Build the spirit from the start, the indomitable will. This is NOT a sport and it is NOT fighting. Fighting is a mutual thing between two people that ends up messy.
Break out of that shell, throw off those chains. It is NOT about loyalty to one specific Organization over another in an effort to preserve an Art (considering the Art has been changed, subtracted from, added to, over and over again in such a short period of time with no real explanation as to why), it is about passing on something valuable that might help others, and yourselves, when things go wrong.
It is also about enjoying what you do, which is not something that can be done if one is cow-towing and vying for a place in some imaginary hierarchy.
In the end, once those chains are broken and one becomes free they are ultimately in a better position to TRULY honor their Teachers and those who came before by actually breathing life back into what they are doing.
Ultimately another side effect is that one stops taking themselves so seriously and really starts to enjoy... That is when the real insights happen, then it is up to you, as a Teacher, to figure out how to impart that stuff, which is all sorts of fun unto itself.
You know what they found? Most of it was a joke. A huge joke. It is when we stop taking things so seriously or personally that we can actually get the work done and start enjoying what we are doing a bit more.
A quote I just heard on a show my children watch went something like this...
'How are we going to get out of this one alive?' One character asked another as they are being chased by a giant Dragon, chained and mistreated, the other character was laughing the whole time and responded, 'When you realize that we don't, then you can start having more fun!'
A pretty deep quote for a kids show, I laughed my ass off for a while over that one because the character was funny, but also because it made sense to me.
The point, here, is this... We spend all of our time worrying about who to please, what to do to get that next promotion, keeping our job so we can pay the bills, maintaining self images even in our home lives, doing what is expected... Saying and thinking what is expected... Expected of us by our bosses, our peer groups, our political affiliations, even our Martial Arts Organizations (or other hobbies).
Recognition or a place in the hierarchy is held over our heads to keep us in check, keep us on the path that has been determined for us... At the end of the day it is not something of our choosing, our words, our actions, our very thoughts and feelings tend not to be our own.
What do we do this for? A bit more money? A little time at the top before we die? A plaque or piece of paper with a title that is only good for as long as there are still people alive who remember you when you're gone? Yes. You can't escape death, so all the people pleasing in the world might get you a comfortable tomb at the end of the road, but what good is comfort to those too cold and brain dead to enjoy it? Then you die.
The previous post was regarding Methodologies... I do not propose anything new. What I propose is a return to the Classical way of doing things, the real way.
Cast off the shackles that tell you what you should do and do what you MUST do! Get into it. Make it your own, take back that passion, put your heart into it, go deep, get uncomfortable, come out the other side so much better, stronger, and wiser... Others will follow suit, many will not. Those that don't WILL put you down in so many vicious ways; and THAT is how you KNOW you're on the RIGHT TRACK.
In the beginning keep it on basics, if you are teaching, because you want to instill a solid foundation in your students.
What constitutes basics, though? That is not quite an easy question because you have to ask if it means walking up and down the floow endlessly, memorizing stances, specific ways to step, specific ways to turn.
Ultimately each of these has principles they are meant to impart, the mechanics are there, but the way they are trained does not illuminate what is actually going on, nor proper use of those mechanics, nor even explain the mechanics whatsoever.
It is often an endless line of 'just do this because this is how we do it.' That is a feature of Organizations, of group think, which is something outlined above... People pleasing. WHY are we doing these things? What PURPOSE do they serve? At what point do we drop these and start looking at flows rather than specific points along the line of the flow?
There is no such things as a stance or a technique anywhere in Karate, this is all beginner stuff, like training wheels on a bike, to be used in order to help the learner on their way, then tossed aside in favor of just riding... Although beyond this point it goes without saying the learning does not cease, but you get the point.
Karate is a modern art, having taken root in Okinawa as a combination of their indigenous fighting arts and Chinese Quan Fa (Kung Fu).
As a modern art it has barely even gained traction on its' own two feet, at least in its' modern form, and can barely lay claim to what came before it.
The stories we hear about the effective technical prowess of the old Masters, these were not referring to Masters of Karate... No... THOSE 'Masters' came after the fact, during the period when Okinawa was trying to seem more Japanese.
As previously stated, the forms, or Kata, are to be understood according to certain principles known as Kaisai, yes, but they are further understood in the context of Chinese Calligraphy. As a flow, not as specific lines. The WHOLE is greater than the some of the artificially created parts... Parts that were created to fit specifically within a certain mindset that breaks things down and labels them.
Takuan Soho said that the Mind should not 'stop at specific points,' it should not stop anywhere. The mind that is ever moving is the mind that is immovable, it cannot be trapped, it is unbeatable.
The mind that fixes on the cutting sword of the opponent has been defeated by the cutting sword, but the mind that ceases on nothing has defeated the opponent with their own sword.
Here you have a Japanese Monk pointing out the exact same thing in the prevalence of mindsets in his day and illustrating how a few great swordsmen remained unbeatable for so long, one that I know of even undefeated for his entire life until death finally took him from old age.
These were a rare breed, but this is exactly the same type of thing within Okinawan Arts that made their Masters so great, something that has been lost in Modern Karate, something that seems to have never truly carried over, save for a few individuals, and even then, they likely were training something far older.
The goal is to stop at points and study, then to forget points altogether, but when do we do this? Again, that is something to think about as a Teacher.
Do you want to instill some effective skill from the start? Or do you want your students to take the long road? It certainly IS possible... The way is in how things are done.
Start with instilling principles first, and NOT in endless line drills either. Work some partner drills, maybe do what the old ones used to do and start with some posture training in order to set up a good power transfer system through the body.
Study what muscles are naturally activated in each instance and what muscles are more relaxed. Where each instance seems to be flowing; forward? Backward? Up? Down? Sideways? Twisting? Twisting and Rising? Twisting and Sinking?
Chudan Uke is a prime example for this. There is a HUGE difference between Open Hand with palm facing away and Closed Fist with palm facing towards you. First, one utilizes a different part of the forearm than the other, one is more of a backward/sideways flow, the other is more of a forward/sideways flow.
Different muscles groups are activated in one as opposed to the other... All of this comes together to show that they are two entirely different sets of mechanical principles that imply two entirely different things, even though they look the same.
This is exactly what breaking things down to specific points is for, study, then forgetting.
An entire class COULD be focused on this, taking various portions of Kata and looking at them from this type of perspective in an effort to understand what is going on... I have done so myself and continue to do so (because I enjoy it).
Every class based on this, however, is a waste of time... One needs to be able to break away from this and start thinking about strategic flows and how to apply what they have learned. Even when breaking things down in a class focused on understanding these things it is going to be more useful to do so from a partner work and drill standpoint than it is from a specifically solo based Kata-centric approach.
Working conditioning is another way to spend some class time, some Daruma Taiso, some Hojo Undo (done properly), and some Makiwara work.
Incorporate some more modern things like heavy bags, make this stuff, along with partner work, a mainstay of the time in the Dojo. Punching air and listening to someone talk does NOT yield skill. Giving a lecture is fine every once in a while in order to get specific points across, but should be avoided for the majority of the time because this type of work is physical work, it needs to be felt and experienced... You can't talk an assailant to death... Well, maybe you can, but chances are very low that THEY will die before YOU.
Okinawan Arts were originally void of Kata. Kata are NOT to be viewed as the be all, end all, or even the primary source of anything.
THEY ARE A TEACHING TOOL LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE! Kata should be taught a bit at a time, it should be shown to a student how they can break things down and focus on specific principles utilizing movements from Kata for solo training outside the Dojo, in between classes, at the ending of class, and before class starts.
This will actually be done in the process of teaching Kata bit by bit, but later a Student should be shown how to string things together in different patterns and NOT conform ONLY to the basic pattern which they have been given to start with.
Principles of Kaisai should be given during every session and reinforced with every session, these are the primary principles from which we draw. Not necessarily Kata.
It is said, also, that each Kata is a complete fighting system unto itself, while others state that each Kata teach different strategies unique to that specific Kata.
Then there is the body type theory. I find all of this to be complete non-sense. No fighting system is complete unto itself, there is always something missing that can benefit from more training in another area unrelated to the first.
That being said, I also do not believe that each Kata teaches different strategies... They might teach different tactics, but the strategy remains the same. Most don't even teach different tactics, however, most are the same tactics repeated in different ways, sometimes even the same ways.
Each Kata contains the other, there are NO advanced Kata and NO secrets under the sun that one Kata is lacking which another might possess. These, again, are not the be all, end all, they are merely training devices.
That being said, one really does ONLY NEED ONE OR TWO because it is pointless, absolutely pointless to know twenty or thirty different Kata, unless that is something one enjoys doing, collecting Kata, or collecting Kata in order to collect Rank Certificates rather than actual skill... More people pleasing and ego stroking.
Finally, break away from the 'sparring' mindset. Point Sparring is a sport. So is fighting in a cage, albeit the cage has a lot more risk and realism than point sparring... Karate has done well in the cage by the way...
The idea is that this is NOT a sport, it is NOT about mutual combat. Utilize some drills that do work timing, distancing, fighting at various ranges, yes, but also work in some blitzkrieg stuff, where a person takes the initiative and trains to KEEP it in order to end the confrontation with a goal of getting the hell out of there.
Work in some situational stuff, some scenario training that might take you outside the Dojo for something that feels a bit more real world with varying terrain and environments. Work in utilizing the environment itself as a make-shift weapon to get the job done.
Work in some mindset training, switching from no-go to go, some focus drills, etc., along with situations where a student might start at a disadvantage... Like getting sucker punched from behind. Work on how to recover and TAKE the initiative, if possible.
Build the spirit from the start, the indomitable will. This is NOT a sport and it is NOT fighting. Fighting is a mutual thing between two people that ends up messy.
Break out of that shell, throw off those chains. It is NOT about loyalty to one specific Organization over another in an effort to preserve an Art (considering the Art has been changed, subtracted from, added to, over and over again in such a short period of time with no real explanation as to why), it is about passing on something valuable that might help others, and yourselves, when things go wrong.
It is also about enjoying what you do, which is not something that can be done if one is cow-towing and vying for a place in some imaginary hierarchy.
In the end, once those chains are broken and one becomes free they are ultimately in a better position to TRULY honor their Teachers and those who came before by actually breathing life back into what they are doing.
Ultimately another side effect is that one stops taking themselves so seriously and really starts to enjoy... That is when the real insights happen, then it is up to you, as a Teacher, to figure out how to impart that stuff, which is all sorts of fun unto itself.
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