Sequence Six

hand | time | empty | rule | enter

hand - the hand itself then how does it connect to time, empty, rule, enter...? we can see the relationship between the character hand and empty especially since we practice the art form of the empty hand. when we try to relate it to the time, rule, and enter is where this particular sequence becomes a bit convoluted. no where do I see the relationship between striking when an opportunity presents itself.

time - does this apply to the time of day, week, month, etc or to timing in life and/or in technique in living and/or karate-jutsu. how does time relate to hand, empty, rule, and/or enter. do we think of time as something that is empty as in fudoshin or time as in when something occurs. does time or timing hold for any particular rule of life or technique, etc. do we enter a time for a particular reason.

empty - fudoshin, zanshin, mushin or emptiness in the soul or with out a technique. is this a direct relation to the hand or feet in karate-do, i.e. empty hand or the foot/feet also being with out anything other than the foot/feet themselves. is there any particular rule as to how we enter an empty state for life or technique which relates to the time or timing...

rule - life is full of rules and some are of a nature that when we break them we unbalance nature or your natural connection to the universe. there are rules that follow as to that universe and its all encompassing energy that drives it all and that energy we have circulating within us called, "ki". when we break the rule of nature then we change our environment or how nature reacts around us but to keep in tune or with a rhythm of nature causes us to balance our internal nature which results in health and well being and in the world of karate it results in optimal strength and power with a flow of energy that invigorates and enhances our abilities...

enter - to enter into something or to enter into a state of being that is the moment or the present. this also brings about instinctual action with no action if we connect in a balance way with the universes energy that we draw from in our internal energy or "ki". do we enter into a particular technique because of what we perceive from another action. do we enter into action as a reaction to another action and how does this relate to the rule of the empty hand.

The time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself.

I believe the spirit of this statement is in the Funakoshi statement or "Karate Ni Sente Nashi" or no first strike in karate. The maxim follows in all aspects of life. One must be alert and focused with the appropriate training and education that allows them to respond appropriately. When we sense something we must take the opportunity to act so we can overcome...