See All and Hear All

7. The eye must see all sides. 8. The ear must listen in all directions.

When we reflect on these two kenpo gokui tomes we tend to think in regards to combat. It is best to think outside the box and reflect on what these two and other kenpo gokui mean in relation to every facet of life be it in the dojo or out in the world.

A good example is the eye must see all sides can be interpreted in practice as the practitioner focusing on his/her Sensei and/or Sempai when receiving guidance in waza.

We first must use our "ears" to focus and actively listen to what is being said. We learn this way but in order for it to stick we must couple that learning with other forms such as the "eyes." This means once the Sensei/Sempai finishes telling you something they will then demonstrate it for you where you must actively focus on what is being performed.

You then couple that or connect that with what was said. Then then next phase after seeing all facets of the waza with the "eyes" ; hearing the details of what is said with the "ears"; we then get to actually put it all into action which reinforces what was said and seen.

Just an example of what we can get from the study of the kenpo gokui and karate-do. To actively listen and see coupled with demonstration/self-demonstration binds it all into "one".

The practitioner studies diligently to polish the waza while continuing to hear, see, and do each time Sensei/Sempai provides additional guidance on that waza.