Okinawan Fighting Art "Ti": Koi in Martial Arts

When you begin to feel like you are a tough guy, a warrior, a master of the martial arts or that you have lived a tough life, just take a moment and get some perspective with the following:

I've stopped knives that were coming to disembowel me

I've clawed for my gun while bullets ripped past me

I've dodged as someone tried to put an ax in my skull

I've fought screaming steel and left rubber on the road to avoid death

I've clawed broken glass out of my body after their opening attack failed

I've spit blood and body parts and broke strangle holds before gouging eyes

I've charged into fires, fought through blizzards and run from tornados

I've survived being hunted by gangs, killers and contract killers

The streets were my home, I hunted in the night and was hunted in turn

Please don't brag to me that you're a survivor because someone hit you. And don't tell me how 'tough' you are because of your training. As much as I've been through I know people who have survived much, much worse. - Marc MacYoung

WARNING, CAVEAT AND NOTE

The postings on this blog are my interpretation of readings, studies and experiences therefore errors and omissions are mine and mine alone. The content surrounding the extracts of books, see bibliography on this blog site, are also mine and mine alone therefore errors and omissions are also mine and mine alone and therefore why I highly recommended one read, study, research and fact find the material for clarity. My effort here is self-clarity toward a fuller understanding of the subject matter. See the bibliography for information on the books. Please make note that this article/post is my personal analysis of the subject and the information used was chosen or picked by me. It is not an analysis piece because it lacks complete and comprehensive research, it was not adequately and completely investigated and it is not balanced, i.e., it is my personal view without the views of others including subject experts, etc. Look at this as “Infotainment rather then expert research.” This is an opinion/editorial article/post meant to persuade the reader to think, decide and accept or reject my premise. It is an attempt to cause change or reinforce attitudes, beliefs and values as they apply to martial arts and/or self-defense. It is merely a commentary on the subject in the particular article presented.

Note: I will endevor to provide a bibliography and italicize any direct quotes from the materials I use for this blog. If there are mistakes, errors, and/or omissions, I take full responsibility for them as they are mine and mine alone. If you find any mistakes, errors, and/or omissions please comment and let me know along with the correct information and/or sources.

“What you are reading right now is a blog. It’s written and posted by me, because I want to. I get no financial remuneration for writing it. I don’t have to meet anyone’s criteria in order to post it. Not only I don’t have an employer or publisher, but I’m not even constrained by having to please an audience. If people won’t like it, they won’t read it, but I won’t lose anything by it. Provided I don’t break any laws (libel, incitement to violence, etc.), I can post whatever I want. This means that I can write openly and honestly, however controversial my opinions may be. It also means that I could write total bullshit; there is no quality control. I could be biased. I could be insane. I could be trolling. … not all sources are equivalent, and all sources have their pros and cons. These needs to be taken into account when evaluating information, and all information should be evaluated.” - God’s Bastard, Sourcing Sources (this applies to this and other blogs by me as well; if you follow the idea's, advice or information you are on your own, don't come crying to me, it is all on you do do the work to make sure it works for you!)

“You should prepare yourself to dedicate at least five or six years to your training and practice to understand the philosophy and physiokinetics of martial arts and karate so that you can understand the true spirit of everything and dedicate your mind, body and spirit to the discipline of the art.” - cejames (note: you are on your own, make sure you get expert hands-on guidance in all things martial and self-defense)

“All I say is by way of discourse, and nothing by way of advice. I should not speak so boldly if it were my due to be believed.” - Montaigne

I am not a leading authority on any one discipline that I write about and teach, it is my hope and wish that with all the subjects I have studied it provides me an advantage point that I offer in as clear and cohesive writings as possible in introducing the matters in my materials. I hope to serve as one who inspires direction in the practitioner so they can go on to discover greater teachers and professionals that will build on this fundamental foundation. Find the authorities and synthesize a wholehearted and holistic concept, perception and belief that will not drive your practices but rather inspire them to evolve, grow and prosper. My efforts are born of those who are more experienced and knowledgable than I. I hope you find that path! See the bibliography I provide for an initial list of experts, professionals and masters of the subjects.

Koi in Martial Arts

Blog Article/Post Caveat (Read First Please: Click the Link)

When I was exposed to one of the meanings of the koi watching a program it inspired me to seek out more information for I found, as you can imagine, many symbolism and myths that represent many of the traits and concepts we aspire to achieve and absorb through the practice of our disciplines in martial arts and karate.

In the next section I present both excerpts from the source, see bibliography at the end, along with my comments in red on how I am able to connect these symbolism to our training making it possible to teach, practice and apply certain virtues necessary to balance out, as you already know, our disciplines between the spiritual/philosophical/psychological and the physical.

SECTION ONE —————————————————————————————————————————

Mythology of Koi

According to Chinese and Japanese myth, there was once a giant school made up of thousands of koi fish swimming up the Yellow River in China. As they swam, they gained strength by pushing against the current. However, on the Yellow River, there is a waterfall. Once the fish reached the waterfall, most turned back and just went with the current because it became too hard. The ones who remained continued to try to reach the top of the waterfall. These koi kept trying for one hundred years. At last, one koi successfully leaped to the top of the waterfall. To reward this dedicated koi, the gods turned it into a beautiful golden dragon.

My Comment/Theory: my first thought was all the symbolic meanings that do, can and would apply to at least my core karate practice through Isshinryu where the creator of the system used the dragon along with having a nickname that symbolizes and means dragon. It presents other symbolic meanings that could be the impetus behind his using it and creating Isshinryu from it along with suing it in his Isshinryu-no-megami. It doesn’t stop there because as you will read as you continue there are other philosophical aspects to the symbolism of the koi that do and would represent the moral humble aspects along with other concepts that make up the fundamental principles of all disciplines.

The falls have become known as the "Dragon's Gate.” And legend has it that to this day, any koi that has the strength and perseverance to complete to journey up Dragon's Gate will become a heavenly dragon.

My Comment/Theory: This reminded me to go back and open the book recommended to me many years ago, “Opening the Dragon’s Gate,” with new perspectives, perceptions and concepts that have changed and evolved over the many years of study, practice and applications. When I consider how our efforts are about strength, of body and mind and character, and perseverance, necessary to not just win but to survive the spears and arrows of the self-defense defense, I see how it can remind us through understanding the koi symbolism and upon viewing it along with others how we can achieve our goals and objectives in both the dojo and life.

Since the legend states that the koi became a dragon at the end of its long, difficult journey, the two together can represent a transformation.

My Comment/Theory: Transformation is how we use our practices to change ourselves such as change and growth from the practice of “mokuso” or what is a form of Zen Buddhism meditation breathing done at the start and finish of dojo activities. It symbolizes all the obstacles, obstructions and other lessons we will encounter in and out of the dojo that build our character and create personalities best fit for social reality and our very survival.

The dragon koi symbolizes overcoming difficulties, alluding to the koi’s climbing of the Dragon Gate. The dragon koi shows strength and will, the will to go against all odds to reach its destiny. A dragon is also a representation of power and ferocity, along with mystery. It represents a re-birth, new start, or beginning. It indicates the ability to move on and begin with a clean slate.

My Comment/Theory: Where else has one heard things like overcoming difficulties through will power and our psychological/philosophical and physical strengths against often odds never before experiences keeping our true power and a ferocity of determination so as to move on safe, secure and within the boundaries of social and legal realities to keep our slate clean and free. This is the very essence of why we take on such disciplines as karate and martial arts, to create a sound mind and body that connects with character to ourselves, our families and our social constructs. The following describes some of the reasonings symbolic to what it is we do and why:

SECTION TWO —————————————————————————————————————————

Koi Swimming Direction

Upstream

You are currently in a battle or struggle and are still fighting obstacles but won’t give up.

You have overcome obstacles and have now gained the strength you need to continue against the current.

Downstream

You don't yet possess the strength to make it against the obstacles and move towards success.

You have already achieved your goals and overcome your obstacles, and you are no longer fighting the current.

It is also said that if a koi is caught, it will await the cut of the knife without a quiver with the bravery of a Samurai warrior facing the sword in battle. This clearly portrays the cultural beliefs in the strength and courage of the koi.

My Comment/Theory: This seems to symbolize what we as karate-ka already know and imagine in practice and training, it is about developing the kind of strength and courage of mind then body that contributes to our evolution in life to better character, personality and abilities in peace and conflict. Hallmark concepts to develop and create that which speaks to the Way or Path of karate and martial arts.

SECTION THREE ———————————————————————————————————————

The Strength of Koi

Koi fish are capable of adapting to many different climates and water conditions and can symbolize strength. It is inherent in a koi's nature to swim upstream. Through the koi fish legend, you can see that they show great determination, dedication, perseverance, and success. Here are some of the things that they can symbolize:

My Comment/Theory:

Overcoming obstacles and reaching a goal

Completing a transformation in life

Worldly aspiration and advancement

Prosperity, good luck, and a long life

Power

Independence

Masculinity

Passionate love

Friendship

My Comment/Theory: Koi symbols along with the others found in martial practices are all most excellent tools for the sensei/senpai as can be seen above and most of us already know to help mentor and guide those who follow to achieve shifts and growth in their already considerable traits and concepts. We in our training and practice enhance the traits so that when extreme obstacles and goal arise we have the intestinal fortitude and mental strength to transform and overcome. This is the corner stone that drives our species and our social constructs.

SECTION FOUR ————————————————————————————————————————

Black Koi

The black koi is associated with successfully overcoming an obstacle. This symbol is great for those who have gone through a tough battle in life and have finally made it to a place of strength.

Blue Koi

The blue koi is often very masculine and can be associated with reproduction. Blue and white koi are symbols of the son of a family. As with anything blue, it also represents peace, tranquility, and calmness.

My Comment/Theory: In my considerable understanding and studies I find that a combination of the blue and black koi, as represented in one yin/yang symbol, represent the duality and balance we strive to achieve every day as we follow the path we chose through our imagination to foster the way we travel the “Way or Path called Do.”

Koi fish are often paired with the yin-yang symbol. The sides of black and white are said to resemble a female and a male koi swimming together, representing the harmony of two opposite energies coming together as one, creating a perfect balance. In Taoism, yin and yang further symbolize the dueling sides of all things and the perfect balance and harmony of them. The circular movement of the fish represents the belief that all things in life are connected.

My Comment/Theory: black and white represents one thing and the blue and black koi are closer to the symbolism we seek out and train for in karate and martial arts. Regardless, as demonstrated above the symbolism benefits the practitioner as a reminder and guide in their efforts to transcend into a greater mastery of themselves and their disciplines.

CLOSING ——————————————————————————————————-————————

Including both fire and water with koi fish can further exemplify the balance and harmony in life, much as the yin-yang does. It symbolizes opposite powers coming together.

Bibliography

https://tatring.com/tattoo-ideas-meanings/Japanese-Koi-Fish-Tattoo-Meanings

For reference and sources and professionals go here:

Bibliography (Click the link)