Karate Kata Champion Rika Usami

I recently ran across this interview with World Karate Kata Champion Rika Usami who had recently retired.  I found some inspiration as she spoke about her sensei and her training.  I have posted this article in hopes that it inspires you.  I have also added a video of her performing. Imagine this sound: 12,000 people giving somebody a 5-minute-long standing ovation.

Now, imagine this “somebody” is a tiny Japanese girl, performing kata in the middle of a huge arena!

Her name is Rika Usami.

At the 2012 World Championships in Paris.

That’s the incredible power of her kata!

Rika Usami is truly one of a kind when it comes to the technical execution of kata.

Her merits include gold medals from huge competitions such as the Japanese National Championships, Asian Championships, World Championships, Istanbul Open, Jakarta Open, Dutch Open, Paris Open, Salzburg Open and other events in the international tournament scene.

I’ve been filming her top-class kata performances for a long time.

You’ve probably seen her Bassai Dai, Seienchin, Koshokun Dai, Koshokun Sho, Tomari Bassai or Chatan Yara Koshokun many times if you follow my YouTube channel.

However, not until this weekend did I actually interview her!

And the result was epic…

J (Jesse): Okay, Usami-san! Let’s take it from the beginning: When, where and why did you start practicing Karate?

RU (Rika Usami): “I started Karate when I was 10 years old, by joining a Goju-ryu style dojo located near my family’s house in Tokyo. The reason was because one day I saw a cool female fighter on TV, which made me really curious about the martial arts. Back then, my older brother had already been practicing Karate for a while, even letting me wear his gi on occasions, so that helped me a lot when I decided to eventually start practicing Karate myself.”

J: And at what age did you start competing in kata?

RU: “My first tournament was when I had green belt. I was in elementary school at that time, 12 years old. It was a pretty small tournament though, consisting mostly of kids from nearby towns’ dojos. I actually did not participate in any bigger tournaments until I was 15 years old.”

J: So how long did it actually take before you started winning most of your tournaments?

RU: “I was 17 years old when I won a big tournament for the first time. That was the national high school championship. So, it actually took me 7 years to win my first tournament in Karate!”

J: And you’ve been winning a lot more since! Why do you think you’ve had such great success in tournaments anyway?

RU: “Probably because I truly love Karate more than anything else. Plus, I get a lot of support from people around me. Those are the reasons, I think.”

J: Speaking of people around you, can you tell me about your sensei? What is it about your master that makes him so special?

RU: “You mean Inoue sensei? Well, first of all, he teaches me not only the physical aspects of Karate, but he also helps me improve my mental abilities. It’s the spiritual aspect. Also, the main thing that separates Inoue sensei from other instructors is that, unlike many masters, he spends a lot of individual time together with me, to make sure I understand each ‘waza’ (technique) very clearly, practicing together with me for long hours.”

J: And apparently it’s working! So, before you won the female kata division at the WKF World Championships in Paris, how did your actual training/preparation schedule look like? I can imagine it was intense!

RU: “Yeah, in order to prepare for the World Championships, I naturally went to Tottori, where Inoue sensei’s dojo is located, for some very intense training. Around this time there were many other international students there too, training together to win in Paris, like Antonio (Diaz). Along with these dedicated athletes, I sometimes practiced from 10 am to 10 pm. Many times I practiced by myself too, even after finishing the group training sessions.”

RU: “Strength training is the starting point for my techniques, and it’s actually very important for this reason. You must do it. For any technique to be properly stabilized, basic physical strength is essential. Therefore, I perform strength training with the following philosophy in mind; great technique in kata can only be achieved with having a solid foundation of strength. That’s my opinion.”

J: And if anyone doubts that, you are living proof! So what about kumite? Do you practise kumite? A lot of kata competitors seem to shy away from it. Explain your thoughts on the relationship between kata & kumite.

RU: “After I started to seriously participate in kata tournaments, I started to train some kumite as well, to complement my basic (kihon) training. The main difference in the relationship between kumite and kata is that there is always a physical opponent in front of you in kumite, whereas in kata you are performing alone. But, you have to keep in mind that there is someone in front of you when you do kata too! So, kumite has really helped adjust my kata based on that conception.”

J: That’s an incredibly valuable insight. Now let me ask you a trickier question: What is your opinion about the difference between so-called “traditional Karate” (as a martial art), and “contemporary Karate” (as a sport)?

RU: “Hmm…. that’s very difficult [laughs]! *Long pause* Well, my thinking is that you shouldn’t consider those two – traditional/contemporary Karate – as separate things. Instead, try to find where the vital areas shared by both approaches converge, and focus on those. That’s very important, I believe. The most valuable aspects of Sports Karate and Traditional Karate are the ones that will overlap.”

J: That’s an important concept indeed, yet hard for people to grasp! Speaking of important; if you could choose the top 3 most important attributes a person needs to become really good at Karate, what would those be?

RU: “The first one is basic physical preparation. The second one is Karate strength/conditioning and the third one has to be technique. The fourth one is… Oh, sorry! I could only choose three, right? Okay. That’s it. Or, no, wait a second! Here’s a better answer: Body, mind and technique.”

J: Ah, you mean ‘Shin-Gi-Tai’ [Mind-Technique-Body]?

RU: “Yeah, exactly. Shin-Gi-Tai!”

J: Hah, I almost expected you to say that! So, if we flip the script: What are the top 3 biggest mistakes you see people making when practicing Karate?

RU: “Since I cannot speak for others, this answer is based on myself only, okay? The first mistake is, you lose against yourself. Secondly, you fail to properly listen to your master [laughs]. Finally, you just need to keep practicing, repeatedly, and not giving up too early.”

J: And 99% of those three mistakes are based on the mind! So, what kind of mental attitude do you think is actually required for somebody to perform a world-class kata? And how does one train to foster that mindset?

RU: “This answer is simple: To be able to perform your best at a tournament, it is important to simply act as normal as possible. And for that, you need to be very mentally focused during regular training time.”

J: That is indeed super important. Train as you compete, compete as you train. Now, let’s talk about your victory at the 21st World Karate Championships in Paris. A crowd of 12’000 people were giving you standing ovations before you had even finished your final kata. Unbelievable. Explain that feeling.

Rika is the Japanese Champion – several times in a row.

RU: “Yes. When I won the World Championships that was absolutely the happiest moment in my entire career. And then, when I realized that people around me were even more excited about my victory than myself… I became overwhelmed.”

J: I even remember your sensei crying of joy after that incredible final. Yet, you are not longing for an encore. Explain your recent decision to retire from Karate competition – what are your future plans?

RU: “Before I won the World Championship title, I had received an offer for advancement to Kokushinkan University. So, after achieving this major Karate goal of my life, I felt I was ready to retire as a competitive athlete and move on to my next goal – to become an instructor for the Karate club at Kokushinkan University. Right now, I’m studying real hard for this, and although a lot of people have different opinions about what I should, or should not, do with my career – I’d like to continue my education while sharing my experience as a Karate teacher in order to help the new generation.”

J: Commendable. Although a lot of people will miss seeing your kata performances! Lastly, what is your message for everyone who aspires to achieve your high skill level in Karate, and kata specifically?

RU: “Everyone has a goal. Whether that is to become a world champion or not doesn’t really matter. Although your goal may often look hard to achieve at first, if you continually make efforts toward your goal, then your time, energy and commitment will never have been wasted. So, keep it up as much as you can. Stay strong until you win against yourself. And at the end of the day, you will always be the winner.”

J: Wise words from a wise champ! Thanks a lot for your time Usami-san, and good luck with your new career!

*High five*

RU: “Thank you very much!”

Article source: http://www.karatebyjesse.com/rika-usami-karate-kata-queen-interview/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeCLSZMS69A

Chinese proverb

"An inch of gold can't buy an inch of time." - Chinese proverb Don't wait for tomorrow.  Tomorrow may never come.  We always think, "there is more time," but there is no time left.  "The moment has passed, "was something Sensei used to say to us often whenever we blew the chance to do something or tried to fix a mistake.

The hardest part about life is that sometimes we wait to long for the perfect opportunity to arise only to miss a descent opportunity laid at our feet.

Training is no different.  Right now, we have the opportunity to train and we are "able."  We are the youngest we will ever be, but if we wait too long the moment will pass.  When it does pass, we might not be "able" to train anymore and nothing is more painful than regret.

Life is to be lived.  Train hard.  Do what you want to do.  Go forth with the heart of a tiger.    Don't let the opportunities of life pass you by.

Kumano

The Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba was born in Tanabe which is in Kumano.  O Sensei said "I am the godsent child of Kumano" and "Aikido is the manifestation of the Divine Breath of the deities of Kumano." I found this short video on vimeo about Kumano.  It looks really spectacular.  I had the chance to go there a few years ago, but had to pass.  After seeing this video, I wish I hadn't.  Maybe someday I will get the opportunity to go.  Until then...

https://vimeo.com/131426603

ukemi

Ukemi - sometimes you just have to pick yourself up and carry on...

KCET to air programs from NHK Japanese TV

KCET will showcase a full week of new specials in July that explore the dynamic programming available from NHK, (Japan Broadcasting Corporation), Japan's sole public broadcaster, on http://www.kcet.org/schedule KCET and NHK WORLD Channel Monday - "Samurai Wheels" "Samurai Wheels" is an introduction to Japan-made automobiles, focusing on the advanced technologies and luxurious lifestyle that comes with owning one.

Tuesday - "Kabuki Kool" This special program dives into the world of Kabuki theatrics, exploring shows with modern themes that feature Kabuki's creative staging and highlights.

Wednesday - "Tokyo Eye 2020" Viewers discover the most impressive aspects of Japan's most exciting metropolis as it begins a new transformation in preparation for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Thursday - "Journeys in Japan" Reporters travel across Japan, discovering the charms of each place they visit including Azumino, Nagano Prefecture, which offers beautiful countryside with abundant water and rural scenery.

Friday - "Dining With The Chef" This program introduces the attraction of Japanese cuisine and contemplates the overall harmony of a variety of ingredients.

Make it smaller

 

毎日、ひとつずつおぼえよう。ちりもつもれば、やまとなる。 Mainichi, hitotsu zutsu oboeyou. Chiri mo tsumoreba, yama to naru. Learn one thing each day.  Because even specs of dust when piled up become a mountain.

Someone the other day gave me a great piece of advice.  He said, "When confronted with a seemingly insurmountable obstacle, chunk it down into smaller more manageable parts."  Reducing any task into smaller more manageable bites is called compartmentalization.

Compartmentalizing large things is a skill that has been taught to soldiers all over the world.  Usually when we are confronted with a huge problem that seems to big to overcome, we become overwhelmed that we either become so depressed, anxious or stressed out that we don't succeed.

When we compartmentalize the problem we break the problem down and put the pieces into manageable boxes.  Those manageable boxes have the tendency to have borders and those borders give us "space" to finish the part without thinking about the whole.  As one moves though and finishes the parts, the whole naturally comes into fruition.

Think about it like driving across the country.  One could drive straight across but the drive would be full of suffering.  The car, one's bladder and one's temperament will be put to the test.  By breaking the drive up into 500 mile parts with hotel stays, bathroom breaks and sightseeing stops, the drive becomes more manageable and quite possibly more enjoyable.

Learning Aikido is no different.  Don't think about how long it will take you to achieve black belt or how long to get good.  Just focus on the technique at hand and what the teacher is emphasizing.  From there try to add or do more like adding layers to a cake.  Before you know it, you'll start to get the hang of things and eventually become adept.

Just make it smaller.  Achieve it and move on to the next one.  Then the next one and the next one and so on.  Before you know it those small specs will pile up and you will be Mt. Fuji!

Good luck today on 7-7

The Japanese people of the past and for the most part of today are still extremely superstitious people and those of the warrior class were no exception.  This superstition held the number seven as their lucky number.  So a day like today would be considered auspicious. What is luck?  From a modern day standpoint sans superstitions, luck is the thing that is created at the pinnacle of one's efforts or as Seneca quipped, "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity."  At times, success almost seems ephemeral so many attribute it to some outside influence and thus, like the Japanese, believe it to be out of their control which is understandable.  However, rarely does the person with the least amount of concern or preparation come out victorious.  It is usually the person who puts the most care and concern into their preparation that comes out the winner.  Perhaps their success is the result of the Gods smiling upon them.  Who knows.

What we do know is that anything can happen, but as a martial artist those "anythings" that can happen are decreased with diligent and careful preparation.  One of my favorite quotes from Scientific American magazine is, "You fail to the level of your preparation."  The culmination of one's preparation finds its way to opportunity and either contributes to one's success or failure and that is why Seneca's admonishment about luck is so apropos for martial artists.

I hope 7-7 is your lucky day!  If not, maybe you need a little bit more training.  See you in the dojo.

Martial arts IQ: Seigo Yamaguchi - One of the few true masters of Aikido

Seigo Yamaguchi can be argued as one of the most influential Aikido teachers of all time.  A majority of the Aikido done today can be traced back to his style.  One can see his influence all over Hombu Dojo.  Some his personal students are Endo Sensei, Tissier Sensei and Yasuno Sensei and all are considered masters today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSOzgkF2RzI

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Fourth of July! I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful holiday.

I tried to think of something to write today, but kept coming up blank.  I found something Sensei once wrote on freedom and thought that I might share it.  Enjoy!

Sensei originally posted this to the Daily Message on October 8, 2003.

Respect and Honor: What Modern Aikido Sorely Lacks!

Today, we live in a world where we can exercise our powers freely. What some people feel is that we can do and say anything we feel like. I think this is a good thing but like everything, we must look at it with the eye of goodness. Saying or doing anything I feel like and insulting or hurting another person is real freedom?

The other day on the internet, someone who knows not much about Aikido, after viewing a few videos of O'Sensei - declared that he was "clumsy" and inferred perhaps his Aikido is not very good - we must be much better today. I have been doing Aikido for 45 years and do not feel like I am even close to O'Sensei at all - I don't even know how anyone can dare think of such a thing. Aikido is not like the Olympics where we are trying to beat each other's records. Why do we call him "O'Sensei" meaning "Great Teacher?

Later someone referred to his teachings as "rambling, unintellegible overkill," and I am very insulted and hurt by this. I don't know computers as everyone knows and when my students try to explain it to me - I can only think of it as "rambling, unintellegible overkill" but I don't blame computers, it is only my inadequate brain which cannot understand it. When I was in my calculus class in high school, I thought of it as "rambling, unintellegible overkill" but this is only because I couldn't understand it at all, I do not think that calculus is a bunch of hooey! I don't blame computers and calculus for my lack of understanding, just myself for not having the brain to grasp it. Actually, I don't have that much interest in computers and calculus at all and don't wish to pursue it. Perhaps, this person doesn't really like Aikido at all and perhaps should take up wrestling or grappling which may be easier for her to understand - just hurt each other.

Just the other day, I received a letter from some Aikido friends who practiced in Viet Nam many years ago where they were not even able to bow to O'Sensei's picture before practice. They could only bow to the picture of the then president of their country. Now, in America, they can have the freedom to show their respects to O'Sensei - who would dare to demean and belittle this to exercise their own rights of freedom? Is true freedom the freedom to demean and belittle the freedom of others?????

The first lesson in Aikido is that martial arts begins and ends with respect.

This person's freedom of expression which contains not on ounce of respect for others and indeed tramples on the beliefs of others and belittles the name of a Great Teacher whom we are thankful to in giving us this wonderful art of Aikido should not be allowed the priviledge of practicing Aikido in my opinion.

I suppose this is my "freedom" to express my opinion about this person so it must be okay - I feel very bad about this, because I don't have such time to waste and there are much more important things to discuss in Aikido than this poor person's problems. It is just so frustrating that such a subject would ever be brought up among Aikido people - I am in shock and disgusted that people do not have the proper education and training in Aikido. It is unexcusable.

If this person had any sense of respect or honor, she would not have said it just to save the face of her dojo and her teacher.

Please enjoy all of the freedom you want, but if this is at the sacrifice of your self-respect, the respect of others and your personal honor. . . .I find it a very high price to pay!

Martial arts IQ: Kisaburo Osawa - one of the great masters of Aikido

Kisaburo Osawa Sensei (1910-1991) was a great Aikidoist and one of O Sensei's most loyalist followers.  After O Sensei's passing, he could have run off and started his own organization or martial art and become wildly rich and famous.  Instead he chose to stay at Hombu Dojo and support, Nidai Doshu, Kisshomaru Ueshiba with his burden of carrying on Aikido after O Sensei's death.  Can you imagine just for a moment what that must have been like for not only the students of O Sensei, but for Kisshomaru Ueshiba too at that funeral?  It must have been a heavy burden as everyone expects you to either "be" O Sensei or that you will fail because you are not him.  I am completely sure that he felt a heavy burden and that load was made just a little bit lighter knowing that Osawa Sensei was going to stay and help you. Here is a great video showcasing Osawa Sensei's skill.  Sensei spent time with Osawa Sensei in 1969 in Japan just after O Sensei passed away.  Sensei credited Osawa Sensei as being one of his greatest inspirations and one of the main the reasons he became a priest.  You can also see from this video his enormous influence on Sensei's Aikido too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVliEgcY-b4

Time is not our friend

2015 is half over...where has the time gone?  The hardest part of growing up is to realize that there is no time left.  This concept of "the end" is the reason why some teachers or great masters seem to be so impatient.  Their impatience lies in the fact that there is so much to learn and truly so little time.  The concept that time is not our friend is embodied in the cherry blossom  or sakura.  The Japanese love this motif because it encompasses everything that one

needs to know in order to understand what it means to be a warrior.  The cherry blossom is a flower that doesn't wither and die.  Instead at the peak of its beauty it falls from the branch.  To the samurai it is reminiscent of a head falling after being chopped off and thus the fleetingness of life.

Some people often comment that the samurai "love death."  Nothing could be farther from the truth.  In all actuality, the warrior embraces life and truly lives it unlike the people of today.  In each and every moment one is born, lives and dies.  The true warrior does not cast off life, but lives it fully within each breath.  Only having truly lived can one meet their death with a poised calmness and a sense of happiness. This is all captured in the symbol of the cherry blossom.

Now that the year is half over, what will you do or rather how will you live the rest of your days?  The choice is yours.  Life is worth living.

Funny graphic

"The brochure didn't say anything about folding each other into little cranes!?"

How will you use your extra leap second?

Someone once told me a story that Bruce Lee used to have a mini makiwara (striking target) set up in his car so he could practice hitting while driving.  Regardless if you like Bruce Lee or not, the fact of the matter is that Bruce Lee was someone who would do or try just about anything to improve himself.  That is the difference between being a winner and a loser. Even if a student came to class everyday that would only yield them seven to thirteen hours of training per week.  That number pales in comparison to the 168 hours there are in a week. With that being said, in order to get a head one must put in some time outside of class in order to improve faster.

There is a Japanese saying, chiri wo tsumoreba yama to naru which means "Even specks of dust if piled up can eventually become a mountain."  There is always something to improve upon or something that needs to be done to stave something off.  The infographic above shows what someone could do despite the fact that they are sequestered behind a desk all day to maintain or improve themselves.   All one would have to do is use their imagination to find ways to create opportunities to either improve or maintain themselves.  It doesn't matter if it is Aikido or knitting, "Idle hands are the devil's hands" - just do something.

Today as we are blessed with one more second, what will you do with that extra precious moment?

One of the three historic deaths in battle

This Kuniyoshi woodblock print depicts Morozumi Masakiyo or Morozumi Torasada committing suicide.  Masakiyo Morozumi was a famous General under Takeda Shingen.  His death is chronicled in this woodblock titled as San Uchijini No Uchi or or One of the Three Heroic Deaths in Battle.  Supposedly at the time Morozumi was in his eighties and had served three generations of the Takeda family in many different battles.  This famous General was killed in the fourth battle between Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin.  From what little I have found on this print, Morozumi committed suicide by thrusting his sword into his mouth just as a cannonball lands and kills him and all his followers.  

If you don't know this...you someday will

Every person has talent.  Every person can learn Aikido.  Always, always remember...

How do you sit?

The chair in Japan can be traced back to the Kofun period (ca. 250-538 AD), but it didn't really come in to favor until the Meiji era (ca. 1868-1912 AD).  Even after the Meiji era, Japanese people still tended to sit on the floor.  Nowadays in Japan as with everywhere else, there are chairs available everywhere.  Traditionally, how one sits in Japan is based on the situation and the level of formality required.  Here are some of the traditional ways Japanese people sit based on the formality of the situation.

Seiza (正座) is the politest and most formal way to sit for a man or a woman.  Seiza is a difficult way for Westerners to sit and is becoming especially so in Japan as well most likely due to sitting in chairs.  One sits with their legs folded underneath their thighs with their buttocks resting on the heels.  The ankles turn outward to for a V with the toes touching.  It is considered bad form and a sign of uncouthness to have the feet overlap.  In Japan depending on the situation and level of formality, one might be required to sit in seiza.  For instance, in Doshu's office there are chairs and tables and there is no need to sit in seiza because the atmosphere or context might not warrant any formality, but if Doshu were to be scolding you or if you were to be receive something official like rank then you might want to sit in seiza as sign of respect.

Yokozuwari or side sitting is an appropriate formal alternative to seiza for women.  This is the way Disney's Princess Ariel sits with her tail wrapped behind her.  Therefore a man who sits in yokozuwari might seem effeminate sitting this way.

Agura (胡座) or sometimes called anza translates as barbarian sitting is a more relaxed posture a man might take when they cannot sit seiza any longer or have a injury.  It is formally known as cross legged.  Generally, anza is an informal posture and not appropriate for formal occasions or for when a gesture of respect is need to be given.  Women are not supposed to sit in anza, but that is changing in Japan.

Taiiku suwari is an alternative form for both men and women to sit.  It is an informal style of sitting and can be seen in a physical education class where children are sitting on hard floors.  One might use it as a rest position between seiza or anza to give their buttocks, knees or ankles a rest.

Obachan suwari or grandma sitting is where you sit in a modified seiza position where you don't sit on your ankles but sit between them.  This style of sitting is often seen in Yoga class and is called Hero's pose. This is a seated position only for women unless of course one is taking a Yoga class.

Tatehiza (立て膝) can be for men and women but has grown into an informal way to sit.  Tatehiza translates as standing knee and was designed as a way for warriors to sit on the battlefield in armor.  So it is kind of weird gray area when it comes to formality.  Sitting in tatehiza in a formal situation might come off as an affectation of politeness and thus seem disingenuous and rude especially since it came from the battlefield and might be misunderstood as a sign of contrariness or readiness to attack.  Today we see this posture in casual settings and at the higher levels of Iaido techniques.  It is actually not that easy to get into or get out of in a pinch.

All learning is predefined and predetermined

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAA-6f0x1Vc Most martial arts exist on the platform of "If this, then that."  When they are attacked like this, then they will act with that.  From this basis, one can see why almost all martial arts at their core contain sets of kata or predetermined and predefined movement.  One might be asking themselves "Why?" and "Isn't it fake then?"  The answer to both of those questions is yes and no.  It all comes down to learning or, rather, "How does one learn to act in any given situation?"

How we act is a function of pattern recognition.  Our brains recognize a pattern then act appropriately.  The brain has the uncanny ability to adapt to any situation.  It adapts based on similarities.  For instance when you are driving a car and someone cuts you off, the circumstance isn't the same as the last time nor did you train defensively to maneuver out of the way, but you steered out of harms way successfully nonetheless.  How did you do this?  Through imprinting.  All of ones driving experience and training becomes imprinted into their mind.  From there our minds take that imprinting and lay it over the current situation and hence you came out safe.  This is also why younger and newer drivers get into accidents far more often than older or more experienced drivers.

With the kata practice, the practitioners are trying to imprint scenarios into their minds so that they may act appropriately when they are confronted.  It won't be the same each time out but our minds are extremely capable of picking out the similarities and acting appropriately like when swerving out of the other car's path.  Also, all of this needs to be done in the blink of an eye.

To say that kata or form is meaning less is to not understand how human's learn.  From the moment we are born, we are copying down patterns of movement.  I don't think any baby came out of the womb walking or talking and thus needs a form to copy.  Based on this knowledge we can see that predefined movement is how we as humans learn and are thus able to act accordingly within a blink of an eye.

Color video of O Sensei

Here is a rare color video of Morihei Ueshiba demonstrating Aikido about nine years before his passing. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7mxPWyb9q0

Wonderful calligraphy and poem

Tori naite yama sara ni shizuka nari.

With the cry of a bird - the serenity of the mountains deepens.

A phrase by Chinese poet Wang An-shi (1021-1086).

Art has a way of expressing what the heart cannot.  These lines of poetry really speak to me.  As I read them I could feel its meaning without explanation.  That is what good art does.  It took me back to my childhood spent camping in the boy scouts and my fond memories.

The Power of Tenkan

Why do we do the tenkan exercise every class?  At its highest level, tenkan is an old technique that was designed to bring about or teach us how to use our ki (氣) or energy.  On another level, tenkan is a diagnostic tool which can demonstrate exactly where we are in our technique and where we are as human beings.  Tenkan brings about so many questions and answers on so many different levels that it is almost unfathomable that a human being created it. Here are but a small number of questions one can ask their tenkan:

Where are my feet? What are my feet supposed to be doing? What are my hands and arms supposed to be doing? Did I fight with the person on the way in? Did I give in to the person on the way in? Did I place too much emphasis on turning? Did I use my hips? Where did my mind go during the movement?Did I hold my breathe? Do I lean in when I irimi? Did I fall asleep for just a moment? Am I getting bored? What emotions am I experiencing? Were my steps too short or too shallow? Where are my hips and what are they aligned with? Can I get longer? Can I stretch more What am I supposed to be thinking about during the technique? What did the teacher just say? What did the teacher just correct?

The list could go on and on...

In this post we are just taking about tenkan from the standpoint of the nage.  We didn't even get into it in terms of being the uke, but the questions are pretty much the same.  The next time you are in class, please pay closer attention to tenkan or all the other techniques for that matter.  They really do say a lot about you and where you are in your technique.