Class Review – Kihon and Life

What is the kihon of life? Some would argue this pointless word and some would acknowledge the essential qualities or skills needed to survive and live. In my opinion this is what Hatsumi sensei is conveying via budo taijutsu to those whom have the capacity (life tools -  respect, humility, honesty, integrity, willingness, passion, etc).  Without these “tools” it is virtually impossible to challenge yourself further then needed to progress from a taught perspective. At the dojo the motto is “we’re training leaders, not followers”. Everyone is responsible for their training, meaning to progress like anything else in life, requires dedication, determination most importantly effort. Simply stated.

Our class structured have changed a bit since my last entry. We now hold two classes a week. A beginners class on wednesdays and an open class on fridays which I lead. Friday classes consists of three parts, as in the sanshin, tenchijin, etc. The first hour is geared for beginners, much of the material is takened from the “ten ryaku no maki” .  In addition to that, our primary aim is to explore the “distance” (DAT) concept – the kihon within the kihon of life. The second hour is dedicated to distance and angling principles. Usually I take from the ten and chi ryaku no maki with henka. The last hour we put together the three (DAT) with material learned in Japan. So in essence we cover the tenchijin (basics) with emphasis on the kihon (DAT).  It works so far. This past friday everyone seemed really focused and determined to better their taijutsu. Love classes like this because everyone is on the same page, therefore get alot done.

Everyone is encouraged to communicate with eachother while training and give honest feed back to one and other. This is kind of training benefits the two in a way they teacher can’t do. What better way to self explore. The key here is to move slow, be patient and honest with yourself, partner and training. Respect is of equal value considering the alternative. If you don’t respect your partner and take feed back as a medium to help in your personal progress, then in my opinion your not utilizing your capacity to its potential.  Anyway I’m going to end this at that. More to come.

An appropiate quote – “I’ll play it first and tell you what it is later”.

 

Innate connection of all things

This rope Sensei speaks about from my interpretation is a metaphor or mirror of an innate awareness. Perhaps we went to sleep knowing and woke with no recollection of how things, people and places are/were connected, yet separated. It’s the duality of the consciousness and subconsciousness where  both claim leadership. The role of the two are of equal value. While I was in Japan it was apparently clear how this metaphor or rope (string) consist of things, people and places are united. Some disturbing truths I was faced with upon my return was the necessity for some people to partition, separate, or divide off, by means of this rope, so as to exclude themselves from the majority. Another aspect that emanates from the conscious mind – is the “ego”.  It must be understood that when life is looked at from the perspective of the soul (tamashii) everything is seen as a lesson or challenge . Every interaction is seen as an opportunity to respond from a mindset of that which connects all things “Shiiki” consciousness or for lack of a better word adhesiveness to the principles of nature (i.e . respect, humility, trust, love). It bewilders me to learn of how many can be tainted by the vanity and lush of propaganda. These are the very poisons  that deter one from fully developing the Shin Gi Tai. While in Japan Hatsumi sensei said that the unification of “Shin Gi Tai” is the ultimate quest for the martial arts, thus person. Again I emphasis the rope to bind (friendship/buyu/people), fasten (things,material, books) and tie with a cord of connecting the past, present and future (Japan, structural elements). The fabric of our existence (arteries) is linked to everything. Make it a point in your daily lives to acknowledge your being in the moment, this in turn will link you to all “shikii” and bind you to the wonders of the magnificent self that you are.  

                                                              

 

Since returning from Japan I’ve found many paradoxes of my psyche that generally has taken me to know highs. Assimilating the material  and experience has been an ongoing purpose challenge. Sainou Kon Ki comes to mind simultaneously as the experience filters through my conscious mind. This past trip I had the fortune to train, serve and uke for Noguichi Sensei and learned some essential lessons that has assist me in better understanding of how much I really don’t know. Anyone who claims to “know” in my opinion don’t know, they are such unfortunates. Some would be considered pompous, better, arrogant.  Noguichi sensei at my request taught a class on “ten & chi ryaku no maki” that has shifted (consicousness), changed my interpretation and understanding of the basics. Noguichi sensei also said that bout time your sandan you should haved mastered “ganseki nage”. Assuming he meant the basics / kihon. At the beginning of class there were lots of kaiten (front, back, side), ukemi, kamae, sanshin no kata, kihon happo to list a few that Noguichi sensei suggested that those of us who teach do for a warm-up prior before class. How does one master the basics? Uh by doing the basics, simply put.  Also congratulations to Blaise Barron and Merridith Allen on their promotions to Godans and Bobby Mcfarland to Shodan.  The three of them for the most part trained almost 3 classes a day and tons of notes later to help facilitate the process. I mostly recorded my notes which is easier and conducive to my plan. We now have 4 godans including myself at the Koteki dojo. It’s been a month since our return, we have visit two dojo’s and had the fortune to share a class with another dojo at our place last weekend. The plan is continue to connect with other practitioners of likeness and establish a strong line as in when pulling together on a rope, the unity binds from the beginning, middle and end.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 “The qualities in Budo relations which I consider important – always – beauty, simplicity, originality, discrimination, and sincerity”.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Quote by ~ Anthony Lucas ~