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”.