Michael clocking a student
We warmed up with 体変術無刀捕型 taihenjutsu mutōdori gata using 十文字之構 jūmonji no kamae. There are many variations on this kihon. We did inside, outside, and with one cut, or evading two cuts.
We continue our study of 宝拳十六法 hōken juroppō, with 不動拳 fudō ken. Fudō means immovable or motionless. But a fist will always be in motion, so what does that mean?
The kanji suggest a firm or solid feeling. And this fist definitely has that. But it is also part of a broader strategy for martial arts and life.
It comes from a Buddhist idea of 不動心 fudōshin or immovable spirit. Imagine your mind is like a pond or a lake. When the water is still, the reflection is clear. But if there is a breeze, or someone throws a pebble into the water, there are many ripples and turbulence. Then the reflection is broken into pieces.
In a fight, or in life, these ripples are caused by fear and desire. We experience the fear of pain or losing. Or we have the desire to win or prove something. When our mind or spirit is moved this way, we do not think or see clearly.
You do not see your opponent’s attacks or strategy. You are blind to targets and opportunities. And the worst is you cannot see a solution or a way out because your mind is broken up like the surface of the pond.
When the water is still you see a clear reflection. And like any mirror, what is reflected is yourself. Our biggest enemy or opponent in life is ourselves. Even in a real physical fight, we fight with ourselves. Our own emotions blind us with rage or paralyze with fear.
Hatsumi Sensei says that there is no attacker or defender. It is all one. When you understand this, a fist like fudō ken will become very powerful.
After drilling the fist against focus mitts, I used the kata 天地 tenchi to explore this fist in its many facets. I used a 打拳受け daken uke against all attacks. Then I demonstrated a change to 金剛拳 kongo ken to penetrate the kicking leg. I finished by using all sides of the fist in an expression of 一拳八相 ikken hassō, one fist with many facets.
Of Note: stillness in motion
If you want folow me .. good job.
Would love to see a short video clip with instructions or philosophy too!
Hard to imagine following the text only.
Cheers.
I have posted quite a few video clips here on steemit, and very many on youtube. Check my other posts...
Thank you!
It would be nice to have a link at the end of each story though. When searching for the video separately, one may not find the right match. But all videos are very educational.
Cheers.