Shinsa and the Events Encountered

Shinsa, I believe a term used to denote a "grade test" where it in my past has been used only for the initial black belt testing of practitioners. Yes, it is a grade test so it reflects all grade testing, i.e. kyu and dan, but I prefer to use it just for the Sho-dan/Yudansha grading.

Now, Shinsa to me does not necessarily mean a "test" but rather a "state" where one achieves a state of proficiency that results in the award of a black belt. It is  a transition point in the way of a martial system. A significant pivotal point in martial arts so it warrants a special place for both the individual and the dojo.

I have been asked, "How should I prepare and what should I do when I encounter events that are less than stellar?" Preparation is really in individual thing so I can only say that if you have reached this pivotal state then you already know what you need to do. When I discuss events that are less than the person is capable of in the shinsa, i.e. that date where the dojo brings the entire past of the practitioner into that one moment of truth, theirs and not anyone else's, then I tell them if they encounter that event just let the moment drift past just as quickly as the technique or what ever is done.

As an example if doing a kata and you miss something, skip something, turn the wrong way, etc. just keep going. Do not stop, do not start over again, do not apologize, do not make excuses ... don't attach any story to it, experience it in only that exact moment and move on as if nothing happened. Remember ... if this were a real life encounter you can't stop and correct any mistakes, errors, or omissions; to late. If you just continue on to the next thing, that next thing may save your bacon. Shinsa is a better place to display this trait than in combat.

So, go from moment to moment in the shinsa. Do not let your mind, your monkey brain, go to the past or the future or to any stories of oh shit I made a mistake. Keep the monkey in its cage and just experience each moment for that moment only and keep the moments moving. Remember, everything comes and goes, everything is on its way somewhere and once it leaves the present moment it is gone and best forgotten.

Shinsa is your moment, your state of change, change is inevitable and you can embrace it or let the monkey take it away. The choice is yours, always has been and always will be, embrace it for what it is, your moment to achieve the stars. I was given a quote once I like. Don't just reach for the moon, go for the stars!