Patterns and Habits

Patterns, that which form the kata. Why patterns in lieu of just practicing combination which if you look closely are also smaller patterns of physical movement. Could it be that the ancients understood intuitively how the brain and human actions learned, retained and recalled specific actions without thought.

Looking at fundamentals of "habit or patterns" which both apply in this instance for the patterns tend to instill in humans those habits that become automatic, without though and are perceived as instinctive. The brain experts theorize that the part of the brain responsible for this is the "basal ganglia." A small nub of material located inside the brain near the top of the spinal column.

In laymens terms and from a total not a brain specialist/expert view all human habits and patterns everyone uses every single day of our lives comes from a neurological processes, i.e. "urges," in lieu of what most think are well-researched thoughts. The brain initially flares up in a variety of brain area's when we first encounter something but after a period of repetitive encounters and responses centralizes in the basal ganglia where the urges drive the actions.

Therefore my theory is that realizing that to achieve the kind of perceived instinctual actions in response to stimuli especially when the actual experience of combat is not available one must train the brain to respond and the best teaching method in lieu of actual experience, multiple experiences, is to train using patterns to achieve habits or urges that rise up faster than light speed when the basal ganglia receives signals already encoded, etc.

I can see why it is easier to develop a hand full of combinations for those patterns used repetitively in practice tend to come instinctually in a fight but the rub here is when someone wanders outside the patterns and habits of either attack or defense to freeze the brain while all the normal reasoning thoughts try to find an adequate answer.

It solidifies the understanding I have that learning the patterns and habits is necessary but once you achieve a certain level of proficiency you must change them dynamically to achieve a greater association that would either bypass the freeze or at least break it to survive the fight, combat or predatory attack. Now, the answer as to how that is done is a bit more involved and cannot be taught in a blog post.

Looking at the snapshot of the basal ganglia and its purpose in other area's you can see how it might be referred to as the "lizard brain."

Cultural Knowledge

Bunka chishiki[文化知識]: The first two characters/ideograms mean "culture; civilization." The second two characters/ideograms mean "knowledge; information." The combination of these characters/ideograms mean "cultural knowledge." The first character means, "sentence; literature; style; art; decoration; figures; plan," the second character means, "change; take the form of; influence; enchant; delude," the third character means, "know; wisdom," and the fourth character means, "discriminating; know; write."

This term/characters/ideograms are used to provide meaning in the martial arts regarding the need to understand the cultural knowledge that created the system, style or branch of martial art that is practiced. This seems an important aspect that actually provides a form of key to open the proverbial pandora's box but in a positive way.

Karate, or any martial discipline, is a body of cultural knowledge that helps the practitioner attain a certain state of being. In order to find that key to that state one must understand and cultivate the cultural knowledge that is the essence of the system, style or branch. In karate as in many other systems kata becomes a form of cultural and combative information that makes it work. This cultural knowledge does not change and is timeless much like the fundamental principles underlying all combative arts regardless of whether Asian or Western or European.

Cultural knowledge of the past coupled with that of the present is the means by which all martial system grow and prosper, it is what puts the relationship of the movement to the individual. It is a means of exploring the past with the present to create in time a future meaning of the system and this results in a metamorphosis of the original system.

Understanding the cultural belief system of the Sensei encompasses that of the past origins promoting a wholehearted holistically form of training and practice that becomes a descendent of the originally cultural knowledge. Nothing is lost but it does become different and the connectedness of past and present build a solid foundation in its entirety then a system that is newly created lacking substance, depth and breadth that comes from the ancient practices which by the way are as relevant today as they were then with small variations, differences and applications.

In Isshinryu and with other styles or branches there are keys, or karate koans, that are related to cultural knowledge of then and apply to those of the now, the present, named "ken-po goku-i" Goju and Shorin have a unique gokui that is derived, like Zen koans, from that system or branches origins or current master. It is a means to connect the mind and body through cultural knowledge so that one can achieve progress and maintain a line of connectedness in an ancestral way.

An underlying theme is here that speaks to "respect" for the cultural past while creation of a cultural present is possible. In a way, we learn only through the efforts of those who passed so that we may learn and compensate for the present. It is balance of yin-yang.

Ki [気], what is it .... really.

True ki, my theory. There are stories and posts on "ki" as an energy. A term for the martial arts that is most often thought of as a form of energy with no real definition to attach but here in this post I will try to convey my theory, my perception, as to what "ki" is.

Ki is a combination of things with the three main essentials being "spirit, mind, and body." This is insufficient to convey a meaning understandable to all who practice martial arts.

So, lets start with spirit. How does one develop and strengthen spirit and how does that add to ki in the overall fundamental meaning of energy? Mind-set, attitude and intestinal fortitude to name a few. Development of the spirit through these and other traits that strengthen the mind and by that strengthen the body.

Have you ever witnessed a person of large size with an appearance of great strength who when confronted by the unknown huddles and sniffles like a new born scared baby? When you defeat an opponent who outweighs you is it strength of body, mind or spirit - try spirit, that attitude and belief of self that allows you to do amazing things.

Ki is composed of spirit.

Now, how about the mind. The level of strength within the mind governs how the body acts, reacts or takes actions. It can make the difference in whether one can move mountains or simply roll up on the floor in a ball and become like a child. Tasking and straining the mind can be done by confronting your greatest fears and by physically taking your body, thus your mind, to beyond its perceived limits into exhaustion - shugyo.

Witness how masters of marital arts in the late or winter years of life can still take on young strong athlete type martial artists with apparent ease or stop an attacker by their mere presence.

Ki is composed of mind.

Third, lets talk about body. This one is last but important for it has effects and affects all three for it is how we handle our bodies that brings about a stronger spirit and mind. It is tasking the body to do things that are perceived as far and above individual capability to demonstrate that there are no limits of the body thus the spirit and mind that cannot be reached if all three are wholeheartedly and holistically practiced, trained and applied in both martial arts and life.

The body needs a variety of things to become strong and to be able to endure and act at its absolute peak. Mental attitude is first for it feeds a stronger chemical dump from the brain and other chemical body producing areas for maximum body efficiency in everyday activities to combat modes. Then there is its yin of fuel, the foods that are burned by the body to give the cells, muscles, bones, mind and spirit the fuel to generate the fire that is energy - ki.

What you put in for fuel is also a determinate as to energy levels and how well that energy is dispersed to the body, mind and spirit. The body also needs a mixture, like fuel and air for the combustion engine, so proper breathing methods are necessary to get the right mixture's to burn the fuel that runs the body, mind and spirit.

Mix in a bit more mechanics so the body is at its best, i.e. learning and applying fundamental principles that maximize the bodies functioning in all area's of physical movement, etc. Things like economic movement, body alignment and posture are but a few directly affecting the body and its efficiency. This efficiency also determines the amount of energy applied in movement and in the final technique application. The more the body or fundamentals are deviated from in application the greater the drain of energy internally that will not be applied externally and efficiency drops burning fuel inefficiently taking away maximum energy consumption and use.

Ki is composed of the body.

This explanation is far from complete. Ki is not some mystical energy that is like magic but a completely physical and psychological manifestation of efficiency that promotes what can be perceived as magical actions. Ki is what is generated and used when the mind perceives a great danger that allows small petite women to lift a car to save a child, their child. The difference is spirit and mind because the body when treated and used justly, correctly and efficiently can already do wondrous things.

Knives

It is interesting that when something is brought into the light by some event you tend to perceive a lot of the same kind of thing. This week focus seems to be on knives. In a nutshell knives are second only to guns in avoidance, i.e. avoid any conflict where a gun or knife are involved. This is my first line of defense regarding these two dangerous weapons.

I was indirectly exposed to an incident that resulted in a death and trial for murder. My wife was a juror in a trial where a former lover got really pissed and attacked his lover with two knives that resulted in many slashes and stab wounds. This was so ferocious he actually broke off the first knife leaving the blade protruding from a wound to go to the kitchen for a larger sturdier knife to resume the attack. He was hell bent on killing this guy.

The coroner, forensic scientists and police all testified over three weeks as to the minutest details of this knifing with video's (oh how neat those video phones are), 911 recordings, witnesses and photo's at the scene and in the morgue. It was well documented and presented to the juror's.

Now, a lot of blogs are discussing knives and knife fighting. Why now after this indirect exposure, wife describes in detail all she witnessed, does it suddenly appear that everyone is discussing knives.

Don't really know the answer but it is like the first time I say a "Smart Car" where now they appear everywhere. I believe the only defense against a knife is to avoid any conflict. You never know if the guy or gal you are arguing with has a knife in their belt, back pocket, or even in the hand if your anger and adrenaline dump disallows your awareness of this guys hands. Too late.

I have no real experience with knives other than the bayonet in the Marines. That was simple and direct for those who would use it in a combat environment but often most Marines would never have to resort to a knife except for the special forces or Recon. In the martial arts nothing I was taught or trained was reality, all of it is "fiction" as Marc MacYoung has said in his knife video's and books. I recommend you really listen to his stuff, it could save your life.

Realistically, what are the chances you or anyone you know having an encounter with a knife or even a gun? Like fighting, most of us who train and practice this stuff in all likelihood will never, never encounter a fight let alone a knife fight but then again it depends on your lifestyle, your attitude, your mind-set and in some cases the work you do be it police, jail officer, fireman or EMT not to forget those who enter the military.

If your dojo teaches self defense for the gun and knife you really do need to find out the facts about such attacks especially the ones that would be instant, surprise and predatory in nature. You can avoid it all but if you don't does the training really have meaning and is it really going to be there for you when it hits you?

I am not advocating any one method but I do say you really should take it seriously as to knives and even guns. The tactics and strategies you use will really be a life and death decision in my perceptions. Don't assume just because I wear a black belt or have done martial arts since god was born, it is your life and not mine in the a real live knife attack - then it is too late.

Read also HERE and HERE.

evolved defensive mechanism

We all as humans are imbued with defensive or survival mechanisms, i.e. adrenaline dump, fear, etc. Long ago it may have been enough then things evolved so that the human learned various things to enhance or piggy-back those defensive mechanism for survival to coincide with changes in the environment. This is the evolution of defensive mechanisms.

This works if the new information is somewhat easily attached or associated with those inherent instinctual defensive mechanism the human has encoded for survival. This is how is is and always will be and will work as we evolve and progress.

This theory speaks to how we should train to provide enhanced and evolved defensive mechanisms and at no other time in history has this been more difficult and convoluted - simply because of technological advancements and a slow process of human evolving.

Recognizing those physical and mental defensive mechanisms allows us to achieve success in developing more up to the times defenses and protections. It is this simple method that achieves great results as long as the whole is taken into the learning processes, i.e. sense modes, physical characteristics of fight/combat mode, instinctual defense mechanism of humans, the mental defense mechanisms that contribute to success or discord in defense mechanisms, and so on.

The wonderful thing about all this is that these methods, the essence of martial arts, can be used in daily living. Knowledge is power. Putting that knowledge into actions is truly powerful.

Creating Bunkai

First, each system, style and branch of karate has its fundamental bunkai. This bunkai is unique according the the creator of the system, style or branch. It comes from a combination of combat experience passed down to succeeding generations and usually evolves into a personal unique fundamental bunkai of the individual practitioner.

In this bunkai may not be exact as it was originally intended - traditionally/classically. This is good. Bunkai in kata are the blueprints of combat and the best means of conveying such things especially in today's cultural societal times - relatively peaceful.

We can create bunkai ... BUT, should we. In most cases in today's karate world and relative to karate as budo we don't actually create bunkai. We will take the bunkai that is passed down to us and create a variant that works for the individual. A simplistic example or explanation but that is all we should do.

There are criteria for bunkai, simplicity and natural. Bunkai must be efficient and fit well within the fundamental principles of martial systems. They should follow closely natural movements and connect to the natural instinctual moves the body is already encoded with for survival. Training and modify what the brain draws on and this closeness to natural instinctual physical movement is critical to "make it work" in an adrenaline flood of chemicals hell bent on turning you into a drooling curled up baby hoping to survive.

Their simplicity should enhance and shorten the learning process. The bunkai then can be used to continually support and strengthen that encoding so it will always be fresh and available to the lizard brain when things go hinkey.

Bunkai that are complicated are not bunkai but merely a tool of interest to keep paying customers interested and coming to the training hall. Karate as budo is not meant to be a sport and complicated instant gratification type teachings are not conducive to karate as budo for fighting, defense, protection or combat scenario's.

The question then arises in western martial arts, is bunkai necessary? In most cases it is not necessary because our western culture tends to label karate as sport, not budo. As a sport the combative aspects conveyed by bunkai for that purpose are not allowed in the sport arena. Even when you label it a combat sport it is not a budo or combative in reality or real world violent encounters of predatory nature. This point can be argued until the cows come home but in my view it is factually accurate in a more traditional/classical aspect of conflict.

Creating bunkai for the "test" is also a waste of time. Bunkai should never be "created" to test one for a black belt of any level. Testing or evaluating the application of bunkai learned as one progresses is absolutely a good thing but creating for a test is a waste of time. First, it impresses only the uninitiated. Second, it is always a tool used to build up a quantity that impresses the uninitiated or ignorant they are actually "doing something useful or cool." Third, they created bunkai after testing is always forgotten and therefore serve no useful purpose in karate as budo, i.e. karate goshin-do.

In closing, bunkai and kata as in martial arts is misunderstood in the west and it can only be truly understood by looking to the cultural belief systems of the past and present of the origins - Okinawa, China and Japan culture and beliefs that influenced karate as budo, i.e. karate goshin-do.

Women vs. Men in Martial Arts

I recently read a forum post that is for women where one comment, taken away from the context, gives me a discussion or post. The comment was on strength, mens vs. women's, in training. I began to wonder why and have this theory that maybe the training is geared toward development of strength. The woman stated that when she looked around she noticed the other women in the hall struggling. The epiphany for this person was the discovery that karate, martial arts, is not about strength yet it appears that the competitive atmosphere was unconsciously pushing the women to compete with the strength of the men.

Why is this? I suspect, my theory, that it speaks to the western culture of sport and competition. I also might step into the danger zone by saying it may be due to the movement where we speak of equality. I agree with equality but with the differences of the person's as an intricate part of that maxim. Don't go flaming me out because I am not being a sexiest.

Women and men are different yet should be viewed as equals. It is not a bad thing to provide training suited to the individual be they male, female, large, small, strong or not so strong. It comes down to training and practicing the traditional martial arts where strength is not paramount and of considerable focus. The focus should be teaching and practicing with the individuals strengths and weaknesses, a whole person concept where strength and how it is applied are governed by martial systems fundamental principles, not strength alone or as a dominant feature.

Men rely heavily on strength and women don't. Women, truthfully, have the advantage here and we can learn from them to attain true budo proficiency in applying all the martial principles. After all, most men quit when the age and strength diminishes thinking they don't have it anymore but those who do have it wholeheartedly can keep on going until late in their winter years.

I see it as an advantage for women to gear their training and practice toward utilizing the full spectrum that is the fundamental principles of the martial systems where strength is not an issue but the mind-body principles are applied.

It speaks to why some smaller and not so strong antagonists can and do defeat the protagonists in conflicts and/or sparring, etc. They learned to apply the principles of martial systems as a whole and let go of the ego driven desire and need to be "strong." Take it as a strength of a different type that does not rely exclusively on muscles, size and aggressive attitudes that males seem to naturally drift toward in life.

In closing, if this seems sexist it is not my intent but if you feel this post could improve to remove any misunderstandings let me know in the comments.

Focus on the fundamental principles in practice and training and forget gender; forget strength; forget not so strong; forget size; forget weight both large and small - focus grasshopper!

Muto

Muto is a term that explains the strategies and tactics necessary for one who is unarmed, empty handed, who has to deal with a sword armed Samurai. It begins by the requirement to acquire a method by which one is prepared to fight empty-handed against an armed opponent.

To fight samurai the Okinawan's had to develop this mind-set, i.e. achieving the ability to gain close proximity, i.e. where the opponents sword is past the body and unable to cut, to the sword wielding samurai and the Okinawan has to develop techniques that put him and his empty hands below the opponents wrist.

In a nutshell, find the void of the swordsman to gain entry into and close so that the sword wrist is high and the Okinawan is below the wrist allowing for wrist locking techniques that will allow removal of the sword from the opponents hands. If the swordsman's resists then the tactic is to control the sword hand to prevent being cut, etc.

The Okinawan must act quickly, smoothly and appropriately. He must have mastered both the physical and mental ability necessary to apply muto. The techniques must be down to the minutest details.

Walking the Shadows

Walking the shadows is where many martial artists reside. This is that shadow that borders the world of the professional who deals with violence in the protection of society and the world of sheep. Those who walk the shadows are not sheep and yet not the sheep dog protecting sheep from the viciousness of violence that is the wolf, the human predator.

Those who walk the shadows have touched the darkness of predatory violence but choose not to be the sheep dog. Those who walk the shadows tend to stay away from the world of the sheep so they tend to balance between the two so as to provide mentoring. Mentor the sheep so they don't stray past the shadows and into the darkness.

It is necessary for those who walk the shadows to learn from their limited experience by merging the knowledge and experience of the sheep dogs who willingly walk into harms way to protect and serve the sheep. It is a symbiotic relationship only because there are few sheep dogs who can take time to teach both the shadow walkers and the sheep but tend to mentor the shadow walkers to supplement the limited experiences into a whole system adequate to keep the sheep from succumbing to the violence of the predator's.

Seek the knowledge if you walk the shadows, speak to the sheep dogs and gain what is there. Be the shield that allows the sheep to remain in society in safety and allow the sheep dogs to keep the wolves at bay. Don't cross the line unless you willingly desire to leave the shadows and embrace the darkness - to be a professional.

p.s. remember, if you walk the shadows you have made the decision that if things get hinkey you will gladly walk into the dark and become the sheepdog.

p.s.s. Read also Cook's Kitchen: Sheep, Sheepdogs and Wolves If you walk the shadows it is good to give yourself a reminder every now and then. Rick, thanks for the link to your article/post.

Perfection

In martial arts there are legends, in the martial arts there are stories and often those stories speak to the efforts toward perfection. Perfection is ephemeral like the mist of early morning. It remains only in a moment and as quickly as it is, it is no longer.

Perfection is not that something you can gain and attain and retain. It is something to work for in every single moment of life and experienced only in a single moment. The moments can be one, a few or many but they are moments that are experienced only in the present and quickly pass into the past.

The way to perfection is repetitive practice, practice, practice. Not just the mindless movement's we often experience but a mindful practice that is constant, diligent and repetitive. It also takes a mind-set for the present moment. This too is something ephemeral, elusive yet attainable. To become a budo practitioner these are some of the many moments in the present we must acknowledge as an essence to the martial arts.

Why Posts have Lessened

 You may be wondering why the sudden drop off of postings here at this blog. I have felt that teaching comes in many forms. You have to discover, know and understand those forms to reach the greatest number of interested like-minded people if you wish to influence their thinking and discovery of martial arts.

I have written a lot on teaching/instructing/mentoring martial arts, i.e. being a good Sensei, like sense modes, i.e. sight, hearing and touch, but also needed to find methods that are written as well to reach more via a blog or book or what ever means that would "strike a cord" on the receiving end.

A new method came to me not long ago so I have focused a lot of effort on this "form" or "method" of conveying thoughts, idea's and other knowledge of my views, experience and knowledge of martial arts in all its forms, the terms/phrases blog site.

If what I am doing here can be viewed as another path to follow that strikes a cord and makes the reader interested and thinking then it works - as I hope it does.

So, if you find my lack of posting here as such please do me the honor of going to the "Martial Art Terminology/Phrases" blog and take a look. I would be interested in thoughts and idea's on the form and function of this method.

Dismissing or Lost Bunkai

How often in the last fifty to one hundred years has bunkai or technique been discarded, dismissed or forgotten simply because of the transition of budo from combative to stylistic interest in posture and purity of technique often developed on smooth floors of the training hall or dojo?

How many of today's bunkai are a direct result of this "smooth floor" syndrome. Is one's ability to protect and defend not hindered by a lack of reality based training conducted in the actual environments where it is needed most? Do the martial artists of smooth floors and bare feet understand and acknowledge this disparity?

In karate of Okinawa practice and training were not conducted indoors, in dojo with smooth floors but rather outdoors in the natural Okinawan environment of villages, etc. The style of "stepping" that is smooth and remains in tender contact with the smooth floor will not be adequate if the terrain you encounter an attacker or opponent is uneven, unstable or broken ground with debris all over of varying consistencies from sharp to hard blunt.

How many techniques are thrown out that are effective in combat and replace with others that are inappropriate to combat and appropriate for sport, often on smooth gymnasium floors, etc.?

How often do you ask yourself these questions when seeking, learning or practicing self defense systems? Fighting is never governed by rules and fighting terrain is never even, consistent or smooth.

Is it possible as well the reasoning behind the lost art of kata is due to a lack of understanding of them in regards to combat in lieu of what is perceived as required for competitions?

Why do martial artist focus on specific targets, i.e. the trunk of the body and the head?

Targeting in may systems tends toward the trunk of the body followed closely by the head and I always felt this was troublesome. When I strike, punch, kick, etc. I tend to target whatever is in my path, i.e. the hands, forearms, biceps, etc. or the ankles, side of shins, legs in general and so on.

I believe we focus on the two main area's because we perceive those as the targets that will one, get us the tournament point or two, disable the attacker. Not always true especially if the blow, strike, etc. is direct. The body is armored or protected from direct impacts. One who is well developed can absorb strong blows or strikes directly applied to the trunk of the body. If one takes the counter attack off center line and comes in at an oblique angle along with a strike or blow that is angled in lieu of direct the body loses its natural armor significantly.

Example, I sparred with a fellow practitioner of equal ability and skill. It was a blow that came in a downward angel into the floating ribs with what seemed little or no power that dropped him to the floor. Interesting ....

Is it possible that we have point tournament targeting mixed up as combat targeting? If I can attack the legs and/or arms immobilizing them, making them ineffective and useless does that give me some advantages to gain safety with minimal damage? Something to consider, contemplate and study .... maybe.

One Step Beyond and into the Twilight Zone - a tribute to those who take the step!

There is this place, a place of not only sight and sound but of mind. It is a journey into a dangerous land whose boundaries are beyond what most people can imagine. There is a signpost with all the warnings and information for you to read. Failure to heed those signs makes your next stop: the Twilight Zone!

You diligent studies to gain the knowledge of the zone is the key to your avoidance and survival. Beyond the safety of your life lies the zone: a zone of sights, a zone of sounds, a zone of mind; a zone of shadows and substance, of things beyond normal perceptions. You have crossed over the edge of society into .... the Twilight Zone.

There is this predatory zone of violence and conflict beyond what is know to man. It is vast and dangerous as infinity. It is that zone between light and dark, a shadow that is between safety and reality but is real. It lies in a pit of man's worst fears and beyond the summit of his knowledge. This zone is a dimension only entered in imagination. It is an area I will call the twilight zone - a world of predatory violence and conflict.

We stand as martial artists on the edge of this zone. Only those who dare to work the zone take that first step, that one step beyond normalcy taking them deep into the zone. We may step over the edge to the peripheral of the zone and experience the conflict and violence but we will quickly step back into that safety of normalcy. It is those who dare to step across the edge and continue to walk deep into the zone, this twilight zone, this one step beyond and assume the role of professional - in the Twilight Zone.

What we must learn from those who take one step beyond is the truth, the dangerous world of our unknown, the danger of taking "One Step Beyond." Then we may understand the heart, courage and determination of those few, proud and professionals who live, breath and work in "The Twilight Zone."

Ancient Pathway

The characters/ideograms mean "from time immemorial; ancient; time-honored." The first character means, "old," the second character means, "come; due; next; cause; become." The third character means, "path; route; road; distance."

This new martial term means "ancient pathway." The below picture first viewed on the Cook Dings Kitchen blog written and posted by Rick inspired me toward the symbolism I detected within the photo. I will try to convey all or some of those symbolic meanings I perceive within this korai michi photo.

It is representative of the yin-yang concept as seen by the stones along this ancient pathway. The stones themselves are yang while the space between the stones in the yin. It reminds me of the garden pathways leading to the ancient tea ceremony where each stone is representative of some action to be taken by the follower of the path. It direction and placement often causes pauses and positions that best display the garden itself and the garden displays represent some symbolic or natural view of the larger nature around us in this world.

The raised stones and the void between are meant to symbolize that one must not stray from the path chosen. The path itself that lays under one's feet as they travel the korai michi provide lessons to learn along the way, they provide a means to step in correct ways, and it helps the follower of korai michi to determine by the placement, shape, and void between how to approach, step onto and then set kamae before immediately stepping past it and on to the next lesson. Any fault in the step or kamae will cause instability and often a fall like a great weight to another stone giving unexpected lessons before, during and after the loss of balance and weight falling.

The long grass waving on each side of the path are similar to the rough seas that are both yin-yang where the turbulence of the air moving the grass is yang and the underlying roots that grasp the earth are yang but the flexibility of the grass that bends to the will of the winds is yin. The winds flowing like a cool breeze barely ruffling the grass is yin while great gusts that bend the grass almost to the earth are yang. This represents the yin-yang of life's encounters from moment to moment where the will of the wind is indeterminable until experienced in the present moment and speaks to the korai michi follower the chaos of each moment and its ability to teach us about the unknown of each next moment.

The rough setting of the stones along the entire korai michi symbolize the practice of martial systems in that each determines a new lesson on stance, direction, body positioning, technique applications, type of technique, body alignment, principle applications, etc. Each is unique and requires applying something unique and different as determined by the step, the stone, the space or void between the stone, the stability of the stone when weight is applied, balance and equilibrium - to name but a few.

The fact that the stone korai michi was built by human's upon the earth under the heavens above through effort, diligence and discipline symbolizes that a martial artists must apply effort, diligence and discipline toward building a martial path to follow. It is a rocky road we follow requiring focus and determination to build, follow and leave behind for others.

The change or transition displayed by the darkness entering under the moons glow from the light provided by the sun or the sun setting its light below the horizon allowing the glow of the moon for night to enlighten the korai michi, the path of martial systems, so we may see, hear, and feel our efforts and results as we walk the korai michi along the martial systems path, road or way.

The lone staff is symbolic that one must discard things that are used to support the martial artists so they must stand alone, walk the path alone and unaided to achieve mastery of their system, style or branch/art. Its placement at the first of the path is symbolic that all who first step upon the rocky path of martial systems must adhere to the basics but soon must allow the steps taken to become balanced and unaided by the basics so that one can travel the remaining path with assurance, dependability and determination.

The symbolism of the korai michi bending around the earth gives credence to the fact that the path is symbolically entering into a void or the unseen, the unexpected and the unknown. It also symbolizes that no matter how far we travel on the korai michi we can never know what lies ahead and reminds us that we must remain open-minded to possibilities. It reminds us that no matter how much we learn along the path that nothing is set, everything is open to change and that we must remain flexible to self-reflect to self-transmutation according to each new stone encountered.

The korai michi also reminds me of the Shinto Shrines. The shrines are built within any environment but the environment of the shrine proper remains in a natural state as the korai michi here is resident within nature by the grasses growing out of the earth's soil under the natural heavens or skies above it. The korai michi, like the shinto shrine, is constructed from natural materials and does not obstruct the natural surroundings of the settings within it resides. It is utter simplicity like the Shinto Shrines. It contains not man made materials, all materials are found naturally occurring on the earth. It holds true to the Shinto concept of simplicity in materials and construction. No nails or other materials are used to combine the stones, each stone fits snugly to the next, a part of Shinto naturalness. As can be seen it also holds true to Shintoism that also drives the martial arts.

The stone path gives us the impression that it emerges from within the earth naturally pushing aside the grasses to make way for the path of human's. It also speaks to the ken-po goku-i as the stones represent heaven, earth, sun, moon, hard and soft, balance, direction changes to reach, step on and pass stones of various unique shapes, sizes and instabilities, opportunity, and the need to see the path, to hear the path and to feel the path beneath our feet up into the body-mind.

It remains open to clear view and acoustic vibrations while giving a feel for the roughness of the stone, the varying stones and the void or spaces between the stone. Symbolic of the very essence of life and the practice of any art discipline including martial arts.

The stars of the heavens are alluded to and known to exist regardless of the night/day sky be it open and lit or closed in darkness with only the glow of the moon directly or indirectly shining from the heavens as indicated in this photo.

It is symbolic of how we work diligently to walk the true path so that the enlightening light of the sun can shine through guiding us to mastery. It is stone so it has a hard permanence that symbolizes how one should view and practice martial arts for life.

Although inadequate, this post attempts to convey the importance of the path and the importance of symbolism as a means to open our eyes, ears and allow us to feel, both tactually and spiritually, the path or the way or the korai michi of martial systems.

Use vs. Need and Other Excellent Stuff .....

Rory Miller once again speaks volumes in a subject few have any true knowledge of and especially lacking in experience. This includes most  of the martial artists who profess to teach self-defense. I just wish I had been on the receiving end of his knowledge and experience at the beginning of my life as a martial artist and not the winter years (regardless of my winter years I do feel of use still in my practice and preaching).

Use vs. Need: Mr. Miller, in another complete context, speaks to the use and need of the student. Most martial artists will not need what the practice and often than not, never "use it" either in real life violent encounters. I feel this may affect the quality of the teachings because it may mean a "sense" of what a practitioner needs and will use is left to the glorification of the media toward "selling" instruction on self-defense. Another whole topic of separating the economics from the use and needs of a person.

There are so many variables in every single aspect of this thing we loosely call self-defense that I am becoming more aware of what it truly takes to achieve success in being smart enough, stubborn enough and to take all that is offered out there and separate the chaff from the good stuff to understand, adapt and utilize it both in instruction and in it usage in today's complex society where legal and medical ramifications are astronomical.

I can kind of feel Mr. Miller's frustrations because he understands better than most just how important this can be and discovered once again just how much more he has and wants to learn about this subject that it is impressive that he has not fallen into a false sense of expertise or mastery on this that he can find more to learn and understand from others experts in their respective fields .... read his latest post here. You will understand a bit better what I am trying to say here :-)

Self-defense Strategies in Court

I am not any type of attorney/lawyer or expert on court cases involving self-defense defenses but a recent post by Marc MacYoung on the Animal List group drives home some additional information that should be addressed by all folks who profess to teach "self-defense."

Knowledge is so important "before" you train for physical altercations it isn't funny and this one is especially important to know and understand "before" you face a judge and jury.

You need, you neeeeeeed, you NEEEEEEEEEEEEED to make sure your lawyer/attorney is well versed in self-defense, the production of evidence and producing proof to support your claim that it WAS self-defense.

I won't take Marc MacYoung's thunder for the post he provided was enlightening and since I am not an expert in this I don't want to speak for him as to what he is conveying to all of us out here in the martial arts world or any other world where we might have to defend ourselves. It also speaks volumes for the need to learn and apply avoidance techniques at all times in conflicts of ever level and nature.

He has a blog site here and he may reproduce this one there so check on it and read the whole thing, it is important. Just when you think you have a handle on self-defense, violence and other force things the things get thicker and deeper making for a good case to avoid trouble unless it is a part of the job.

Marc MacYoung's Blog (MacYoung's Musings), it may be on his other web site "NoNonsense Self-Defense" as well ....