I
am interested in
learning a martial art
with the objectives of
improving relaxation and
focus through
meditation plus improving subtlety
and strength. I already
run and mountain bike
regularly. How do I
choose which martial art
is most suitable, or for
these objectives will
any suffice? Richard -
UK
our
answer
mb0010
I
have been practicing the
art of tenshi goju kai
for about 10 years. I am
planning to test for my
black belt in December.
Do you think I should train more in
the mental or
physical aspect of my style to
prepare myself? Bobby -
USA
our
answer
mb0009
I
am an 18 year old
female. I have been
training in Tae Kwon Do
for about 1.5 years and
I had a testing today. I
missed my board many
times. I feel very
discouraged about
missing it. I train very
hard all the time. I go
to classes like 5 days a
week. Should I find
another art to train in
or should I do my best
to improve and not be so
discouraged? And, is being
discouraged a
normal thing? Loo -
USA
our
answer
mb0008
How
do we use meditation in the martial arts to
train the
mind?
our
answer
mb0007
What
is "beginner's
mind"?
our
answer
mb0006
I
am wondering, where do I
focus my mind during a repetitive routine?
our
answer
mb0005
How
does martial arts training affect me outside the
dojo?
our
answer
mb0004
How
can I acquire discipline by training in martial
art?
our
answer
mb0003
What
was the main purpose of
the inclusion of
non-fighting arts in the training of the samurai warrior?
our
answer
mb0002
What
is kiai?
Do I have to yell it
always in the same
manner? Can I change
it?
our
answer
mb0001
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to top
mb0001
What
is kiai? Do I have to
yell it always in the
same manner? Can I
change
it?
Kiai: union of
energy
... When
the tiger roars, the dog
barks, or the cat meows,
it is their kiai that awakens you. By
summoning the internal
energy of ki,
focusing it with our
mind and releasing it
with our spirit, we also
can create kiai.
The word literally means
a "union of energy," but
we are more familiar
with its external, vocal
expression. The kiai, or spirit
yell, is the loud
percussive shout that is
given off by martial
artists when they
train.
... Although
every kiai is
unique, it is formed by
the forceful expulsion
of air from deep within
the lungs. It is
propelled by the
diaphragm muscle and the
contraction of the
abdomen, and shaped by
the glottis and voice
box of the larynx.
Usually loud and
startling, the kiai is tempered
by the situation and the
"feel" of the moment.
Depending on the
technique being applied,
the kiai shout
may be short or long,
pitched high or low,
joyful or fierce. The
varied timbres of this
voice have been
described as having
seasons -spring, fall,
winter, summer- and are
modified according to
changes in internal
energy.
... The
real kiai, of
course, is the union of
energy itself; the shout
is only its
manifestation. Martial
artists sometimes forget
this, especially when
using a kiai in a kata to attract
attention and present a
particular image for the
performance in
tournament. Like the
"canned" kiai from the soundtracks of
martial arts movies,
these shouts sound fake
at best, and are usually
exaggerated to the point
of providing much fodder
for those who would make
fun of "kung fu
fighters." Imitation of
movie heroes or wild
animals, or yelling for
the sake of yelling does
not constitute a kiai. A real kiai must be
honest, uninhibited, and
a pure expression of
spirit; only then is it
useful to the martial
artist.
... As
we discussed in the last
chapter, it is by the
cultivation and
application of energy
that a martial artist
becomes truly powerful.
By improving the balance
of ki we become
healthier, and as a
source of energy when
training, ki allows our body fabric
to become strong,
limber, and tuned to the
demands placed on it by
our mental processes.
However, it is truly
when our spirit is
kindled, and integrated
with the physical and
intellectual elements of
the training, that ki begins to work
for us.
... Kiai is present always in the
martial artist. It
should not be identified
only with states of
excitement or exertion,
for it can be called
upon at rest to calm the
mind and body, and when
weak or injured, to
rejuvenate and
recuperate. The student
begins to learn kiai when
composing himself before
bowing at the dojo door,
and again when exhaling
the first breath in zazen. By
bringing himself in
union with the moment
and then with the
internal, ki has
been brought "on-line."
We have mentioned how
extraordinary situations
have forced individuals
to summon great energy
for survival or defense,
or the creation of works
of art. The martial
artist seeks to access
and utilize this
reservoir of power in
his training, and be
able to direct it in
meaningful ways.
... The
audible expression of kiai is a tool
that can serve many
purposes. It is usually
first practiced as an
exercise to ensure that
the student is engaging
his diaphragm and
expanding his lungs for
abdominal breathing. By
using the voice and the
gentle contraction of
the throat to close off
the windpipe, a small
back pressure can be
created. The student
tries to coordinate the
release of this air with
the contraction of the
abdomen in a forced
expulsion. For a
beginner, shouting the
word kiai can
assist in this action,
because of the shapes
that the oral cavity
must form to say it; the
air builds up behind the
"k" and is
released with the
"yai." As the
student progresses, the kiai will become
more natural and
individual, and won't
necessarily be formed as
any particular word,
because the throat must
be relaxed to allow the
energy to come from
within. A kiai that is too high in the
throat is ineffective,
and results in soreness
and fatigue of the
voice. Senior students
and teachers are also
taught to use this
relaxed voice form of kiai when
counting and giving
commands to the group,
in order to convey
energy and establish
timing without fatiguing
the voice.
... When
the student learns to
coordinate the sound
with the exhalation of
air, he begins to use kiai when
strength or effort is
required, as in lifting
or striking. Most people
are familiar with a
martial artist using a kiai when
punching, kicking, or
breaking a board. The kiai is a common
tool used to assist in
the power and focus of
these techniques. In
this case he is
directing his ki toward a point in space.
He will focus this
energy using kiai, (verbally
as well) to create kime, which is
the maximum expression
of energy in the minimum
time.
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to top
mb0002
What
was the main purpose of
the inclusion of
non-fighting arts in the
training of the samurai
warrior?
... After
1603 Japan entered a
more peaceful era known
as the Edo period. The
establishment of the
Tokugawa Shogunate ended
much of the feudal
warfare of the past and
created at least the
facade of a stable
society, based on rigid
social classes and
isolation from the
outside world. There was
less demand for the
samurai warrior with
unswerving loyalty to
his master, and as a
result the diverse
fighting ryu began to develop
more into arts.
... As
the many weapons of
warfare fell into disuse
there was more interest
in the training of
unarmed techniques of
fighting, known as jujutsu. As well,
in the more cultured
society the samurai was
obliged to learn other
arts beside those of the
warrior. Calligraphy,
poetry, painting,
gardening, and the game
of go, were all
part of his daily life.
He honed his intellect
and creativity as keenly
as his sword. He
practiced these arts to
focus his mind and calm
himself before battle,
but more importantly to
remind himself of what
was good in life and
worth fighting for. The
exquisite formalities of
the tea ceremony were
much revered and
practiced as a display
of self-control, grace,
and simple beauty. This
change in Japanese
society and the
influence of the Zen and
Taoist teachings led to
the study of martial
arts as a "way" of life,
and they became known as budo.
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mb0003
How
can I acquire discipline
by training in martial
art?
... Martial
artists are usually
thought of as highly
disciplined, and most
people think this is due
to the strict
regulations of the dojo. Although it
is true that some
schools are more
militaristic than
others, the purpose of
such discipline is to
ensure a safe training
environment for
everyone. By adhering to
a code of behavior that
places appropriate
respect for the nature
of the training and an
environment conducive
for learning, great
strides can be taken.
This is the framework of
martial arts philosophy,
within which the
individual develops a
self-restraint that
results from enjoying
the activity and seeing
results.
... The
student still has to
find the will to come to
class, work hard, and be
open to the teaching. By
seeing progress in their
personal lives, outside
of the dojo as
well as within,
participants will make
changes because they
want to, not because
they have to. These are
the types of life-style
changes that can be made
permanent, because they
work, because they are
simple, and because they
are acquired gradually.
Most of us have
experienced the failure
of even the most
well-intentioned lists
of resolutions when we
have set out to improve
ourselves. Usually, the
will is there, but we
often attempt to make
all the changes at once,
and are miserable due to
our lack of success.
... The
martial artist's
interpretation of
discipline does not
require a rigid or
unnatural imprisoning of
emotion, desire, or
experience. Rather, it
is the bringing of these
elements into balance
with a well-rounded
physical framework and
an enlightened
moderation that provides
the practitioner with a
truly personal defense.
While one can take
inspiration from a Zen
monk and study long and
hard to discover and
illuminate the truth, it
does not necessarily
follow that one has to
choose the ascetic life
of the monk.
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mb0004
How
does martial arts
training affect me
outside the
dojo?
... The
martial arts are not
about going out and
attacking what appears
wrong in the world, nor
about passively waiting
for disaster to happen.
Martial artists are
engaged in studying how
to control and utilize
their bodies, thought
processes, and emotions,
in what appears to be
self-defense against
attack by others.
However, the main
purpose of acquiring
these skills is to
enable them to deal with
other problems in their
lives. More importantly,
they want to just get on
with the activity of
living, not focusing on
problems, but rather on
solutions. Rather than
as defense against
potential armed
attackers; the keen
awareness of physical
sensations, developed
intellect, and the
spiritual awakening that
can result from the
study of martial arts,
is better put to use in
the appreciation of a
gentle sunrise, the
cultivation of a garden,
or as a volunteer in the
community.
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to top
mb0005
I
am wondering, where do I
focus my mind during a
repetitive
routine?
... Great
question! Repetition
also allows muscles to
be warmed, joints
lubricated, and oxygen
to flow freely. Tense
muscles become loose,
and as they tire other
muscles take up the
slack. These "secondary"
muscles often are not
exercised until this
changing of shift
occurs. As they become
strong, a better balance
is achieved within
muscle groupings, which
improves the overall
technique and fitness of
the practitioner. Once
the body and mind are
conditioned for these
movements, speed and
power can be developed.
Development of explosive
movement and work with
resistance, impact, and
weight are advanced
stages of this
progression, undertaken
only when the body is
fully prepared.
... Repetition
of a known combination
allows the mind to be
concerned with the
essentials of the
technique, the accuracy
of placement, the
movement of the target,
and the changing of
energy. In martial arts
the mind should be fully
engaged in the
technique rather than
dwelling on the
technique. This state of
mind is quite different
from other repetitive
exercise such as
aerobics, running, and
swimming. There the mind
is encouraged to become
detached and wander, to
avoid monotony while
allowing feelings of
euphoria, excitement, or
other emotions to color
the experience. Many
people participate in
these activities to
escape, problem solve,
or just think about
things. There is nothing
inherently wrong with
this, and many martial
artists enjoy such
activities for the same
reasons, but they
approach their own
training with a
different purpose. The
demand for absolute
attention in order to
avoid injury, the
philosophical principles
behind the discipline,
and the reality of the
self-defense
underpinnings of martial
arts, mitigate against
this kind of
"spaced-out"
participation. Without
the mental aspect, even
with health and fitness
goals as the priority,
much that is valuable
and special in martial
arts can be lost or go
unrealized.
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to top
mb0006
What
is "beginner's
mind"?
... One
of the most valuable
concepts of Eastern
instructional philosophy
is crystallized in the
Japanese word nyuanshin.
Commonly translated
"beginner's mind," it
refers to an attitude
that is receptive and
open to learning, one
that anticipates and
accepts what is being
taught throughout the
entire course of
training. "Receptive
mind," might be a
definition clearer than
the literal "beginner's
mind," because, as most
teachers will attest,
new students often have
preconceptions that need
to be dispelled before
learning can begin.
... It
is very natural for us
to file new information
into our previously
established categories
rather than revising our
way of looking at things
and what we think they
mean. Although
occasionally we are
asked to abandon what we
previously held to be
true, the principle of nyuanshin does
not ask the student of
martial arts to
relinquish judgment,
deductive reasoning, or
even intuitive insight.
Quite the contrary, it
demands that the martial
artist bring all these
faculties to bear on the
problem of learning
about a complex physical
system, while operating
within the context of a
mental and spiritual
awakening. It can be
challenging for the
teacher to answer the
questions of beginners
fully when they have yet
to develop a working
"vocabulary" of
principles. Sometimes
students just have to
accept, for the moment
at least, that things
are just the way the
teacher says. By
embracing and "just
doing," understanding
will often occur. The
Zen underpinnings of
martial arts poses these
learning situations as
philosophical dilemmas,
which have been
expressed historically
in storytelling and
myth.
... Students
of martial arts cannot,
however, subsume
themselves completely to
the Way of even the best
teachers, for ultimately
they still must "own"
the experience, do the
learning, and walk the
path (albeit one well
trodden by those who
have gone before).
Hopefully, they will
encounter something
unique along their own
way. One of the ways in
which the traditional
learning system benefits
the martial arts, is the
development of the
student as a teacher. A
successful school, or ryu, is one in
which the fundamental
principles and practices
can be passed on by the
senior students. In the
process of teaching,
advanced practitioners
have the opportunity to
examine their
understanding of the
basics at their own
level. Working with
partners and helping
with beginners is an
important part of the
training, and is the
reason for the formal
respect and titles
accorded more senior
... The
preparation of the body
must also be undertaken
with patience,
remembering that the
body has a beginner's
mind too. Its tissues
and systems must learn
and become accustomed to
changes in conditioning.
"Muscle memory" is
acquired after some
practice, and the rate
of learning is different
from one individual to
another. Coordination is
often difficult at the
early stages, but comes
eventually, and even
advanced students will
sometimes confuse
individual elements of
combinations. After a
period of inactivity or
injury, caution must be
exercised to retrain or
refresh the body and
assist its
re-integration with the
mind.
... The
martial artist needs to
be keenly aware of his
physical and mental
mechanisms and how they
are responding. He
should be willing to
change and improve, even
when he thinks a skill
has been acquired. It
can be much more
difficult to correct
even a subtle error
later, when it has
become ingrained. This
is another reason for
the strong emphasis on
continuous, repetitive
practice of basics. The
student hopes to achieve
a dynamic where constant
conscious correction is
not required, but where
there still exists an
automatic unconscious
feedback. A martial
artist wants an
autopilot that is alert
to change. Achieving
this requires that part
of nyuanshin that
is rooted in patience,
diligence, and
forgiveness for being a
beginner. It is always
hard to embrace one's
own errors, but this is
the only way to learn.
By extension, martial
artists who receive good
instruction will also
learn to forgive the
errors of their fellow
students (and even their
teachers) and help them
along the
Way.
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mb0007
How
do we use meditation in
the martial arts to
train the
mind?
... The
mind state that one is
trying to achieve in zazen (sitting
meditation) and
eventually to access in
all aspects of the
training is referred to
as hishiryo, or
"no mind." Like many of
the concepts that come
from Zen into the
martial arts, the idea
is simple but the
explanation complicated.
The understanding of it
is intuitive and comes
from practice, not
deductive reasoning. "No
mind" is a state of
being that is free of
conscious thought yet
very aware and
essential. In action it
is all action, at rest
it is pure rest. This
state is not something
that one can pursue, for
it flees from any
attempt to capture or
control it. For most
students it can be
glimpsed only
momentarily, but that
instant of satori, Zen
enlightement, in which
one is connected to the
universe, can be
tantalizing and
encourages renewed
effort to repeat and
extend the
experience.
... Zazen practice helps the
body, mind, and spirit
come into an intimate
awareness and harmony
that in turn allows for
this emptying of the
mind. The ego must be
met and undressed.
Thoughts and
distractions cannot be
avoided, but like each
breath, they are
encouraged to pass on as
they came, unaffected
and undiminished.
Beginners find it
difficult to let go of
their conscious
apprehension and
understanding of the
external world. Other
methods of meditation
use mantras,
repetitive sayings or
sounds, to focus the
mind in one direction
away from intruding
thoughts, but in zazen this
initial exercise takes
the form of
concentrating on the
breathing pattern and
the flow of energy
though the body.
... One
common traditional
metaphor for zazen and hishiryo is that of the mind
as the reflection of the
moon upon the water.
Although wind, waves,
and currents may act
upon the surface of the
water and diffract the
image, there is still
light being reflected,
the moon still exists,
the water exists, and
when calm returns, the
image again becomes
clear and
untroubled.
... We
have discussed how
controlled abdominal
breathing and correct
spinal alignment can
produce a physiological
state that supports the
flow of energy and
relaxes the mind. The
martial arts
practitioner learns as
well that these promote
the nurturing of shen, the
spirit-mind. This
integration of mental
and spiritual resources
is what martial arts
training seeks to
achieve.
... Students
attempt to identify and
connect with this energy
in all aspects of their
practice, and the more
they are able to do
this, the easier
technique becomes. As
training progresses, the
connection occurs more
often, and eventually
students understand that
this union, this kiai, is the true
objective. Kihon, kata, kumite and even zazen sitting are all in
aid of flow, balance,
and serenity, goals of
the simple directive to
breathe, relax, and
smile...
... It
is in this way that
martial artists can
bring full commitment of
body, mind, and spirit
to the moment that they
are in, the here and
now. Their goal becomes
expanding or stretching
that moment until it
flows directly into the
next, seamlessly and
without hesitation. The
martial arts master, in
action, is able to
project his or her
intention into the next
moment with such energy
that the body is pulled
into that space as if
sucked into a
vacuum.
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mb0008
I
am an 18 year old
female. I have been
training in Tae Kwon Do
for about 1.5 years and
I had a testing today. I
missed my board many
times. I feel very
discouraged about
missing it. I train very
hard all the time. I go
to classes like 5 days a
week. Should I find
another art to train in
or should I do my best
to improve and not be so
discouraged? And, is
being discouraged a
normal thing? Loo -
USA
... Clearly
you have reached one of
many junctions in your
training that will
become a landmark for
you. We are sorry that
you had difficulty in
your testing and yes, it
is natural to feel some
disappointment,
especially when you have
been training so
hard.
... However
do not be discouraged
and do not forsake your
practice because of what
appears to you as a
setback.
... Remember
that the real purpose of
belt testing is to allow
you to see and reflect
upon where you need more
work or where your
previous work is
allowing you to
progress. It is
imperative that you pick
yourself right up,
breathe, smile, relax
and jump back into your
training.
Board breaking is an
exercise of mental
focus, accuracy and
speed. Sometimes it
presents a situation
where less effort rather
than more is what is
required to be
successful. Perhaps this
is now what you must
concentrate on in your
practice: control,
precision and mental
calm. This does not come
naturally and requires
as much of a work out as
endurance and strength.
Missing the board with a
technique, or worse,
hitting it and not
breaking it (ouch!) is
simply a matter of
correctly placing the
target and then passing
through it rather than
stopping at it. Often a
video replay will show
that you did not place
your strike in the
center of the board, or
that in your mind and
thus in your body you
pulled back at the
moment of impact.
Exercises in
visualization and work
with a focus glove will
help you to overcome
these common faults in
your technique.
... Congratulate
yourself on your
dedication to your
training and your
potential to improve.
The fact of you reaching
out to askSensei.com shows
that you don't intend to
give up even though you
might feel like it at
times. We can guarantee
that this will not be
the last time you feel
this way. What sets the
martial artist apart is
how you deal with
challenges and obstacles
and what lessons you
carry forward from such
experiences.
... Martial
Art is the original Mind
& Body exercise
system and your question
speaks to the heart of
the matter. It is still
early in your program
and you are young and
keen. This is a very
powerful combination! Go
back to class and enjoy.
With kiai...
... For
more insight into what
we are discussing here
you may wish to read our
book "Martial Arts Mind
& Body" published by
Human
Kinetics.
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mb0009
I
have been practicing the
art of tenshi goju kai
for about 10 years. I am
planning to test for my
black belt in December.
Do you think I should
train more in the mental
or physical aspect of my
style to prepare myself?
Bobby -
USA
... This
is not a question of
either/or. Seek to unite
the mental and the
physical by working on
the spiritual. Your
training by now should
have brought you to a
state of technical
preparation. What will
ensure your "Success" in
the grading is if you
are prepared to fully
accept that you do not
yet know everything. You
will be faced with many
areas where improvement
is needed and in fact
one of the purposes of
the Black Belt testing
is to push you to a
point where you will
want to give up. How you
react to these types of
challenges is the true
test here. Remember that
traditionally the Shodan level is
just a beginning again
on a path of much
learning and self
awareness. You must be
prepared to lay down
pride and arrogance or
it will become an
impossible burden when
you train wearing the
Black Belt.
... Try
doing some reading and
meditation about the
steps you are about to
take. Becoming a Black
Belt is a great
responsibility not a
reward for your hard
work.
... You
may find our book
"Martial Arts Mind &
Body" helpful. Also try
some traditional texts
of the founder of Goju and the
first generation of
students. Ask your
teacher for
recommendations.
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mb0010
I
am interested in
learning a martial art
with the objectives of
improving relaxation and
focus through meditation
plus improving subtlety
and strength. I already
run and mountain bike
regularly. How do I
choose which martial art
is most suitable, or for
these objectives will
any suffice? Richard -
UK
... You
should find the pursuit
of your objectives
through Martial Art
quite fulfilling. Be
aware however that there
are many styles, schools
and approaches that are
loosely grouped under
the Martial Art banner.
Much will depend on the
individual teacher and
the learning philosophy
they follow. Take the
time to acquaint
yourself with what is
available in your
community. Visit some
schools and ask some
good questions. Avoid
those situations that
are dominantly sport or
combat oriented. The
school need not be
rigidly traditional if
they are prepared to
embrace the "Do" (or Tao) aspect of
the path to learning.
Martial Art is the
original Mind & Body
exercise system with an
integration of the
mental physical and
spiritual. Many
different schools can
offer this training
although on the surface
their techniques may
vary. Also we recommend
you our books "The
Secret Art of Health
& Fitness" -
Weatherhill Inc., New
York / Tokyo, and "Martial Arts Mind
& Body" - Human
Kinetics, Champaign -
Illinois. You may want
to buy them online or
order them from your
local bookstore. Through
them we provide a more
expanded educational
material that indeed
will help you in your
choice of your Martial
Art Program.
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