The gokui touches everything which includes kata. Kata is combat if practiced properly with serious intent yet it is also an alternative to combative aspects of the fighting arts. Kata has a moral, philosophical, and symbolic meaning which are used to provide lessons to the practitioner as to their conduct, to their lives, and to the conduct of life through combat itself.
In-yo or Yin-Yang which in balance provides for the one much like the tomes of the gokui where the gokui ties itself to the singular physical that transcends the physical providing a connection to the non-physical which leads the physical in right behavior.
In is female or the moon while yo is male or the sun which cycles about the earth or humanity providing a balance of all that is connected by the energy of the Tao or what I call the "string" that binds In and Yo or Yin and Yang into the one great "Tai-Chi".
There are lessons to be learned that go far beyond the physical where the focal point of the non-physical leads to greater physical so to let go is to grasp the true balance of the mind-body-spirit into the "one".
All Bottles are Truly Good
Comment Reposted
I really like the comment George Breed of the "Warrior Notes" blog posted on the last post...to many posts :-). I am re-posting it again here because I feel it says a lot more than I could say on my own. Thanks George!
George's comment: We humans live in at least two major worlds. The slam-bang beef-on-beef world of physical action is the easier one of the two, we strut and fret and punch and kick and hate and fear and sometimes (shudder) show affection.
This psycho-slammo world is generally the entry level to the martial arts and where many folk seem to stay.
The other major world is one of calm and open reflection, of understanding of the energetic principles of martial arts and of life through BEING the energy. The Samurai put it this way: "The best defense is total vulnerability" -- a foreign way of being to our psycho-slammo self, which insists on total invulnerability (which is a myth of course).
One of my favorite Zen koans is "Who is it carrying this corpse around?" The beef-on-beef martial artist can be considered to be doing corpse dancing. What you are calling the philosophical side is the "who is it."
- George Breed, Comment on "Why is there no discussion on the Gokui?" blog posted at Kenpo Gokui - All bottles are good site.
physical vs. cerebral:
George's comment stirs up the post I did a long time ago that talks of the mind-body-spirit connection where I talk about the minds control over the body resulting in the spirit of the soul. George's eloquent comments give a down to earth no holds barred description of our dilemma as young vs. mature followers of the sport vs. way of the fighting arts practice.
It also falls into the three phases of life. The first is full of hell fire and brimstone which many beginning fighting arts aficionado's fall into with the second being a more balanced life where we understand that the slam-bang-beef-on-beef world of physical action is tempered by our growing maturity which is our transition point in practice and life. We feel and need the third stage yet we still cling to the first stage with the misconception that if we let go we lose something of great value. If you still consider this valid then take a look at Sensei Ueshiba of Aikido when he was much older and past the first two stages yet still emulated the ability of the first and second stage while fully enveloped in the third stage.
The third stage is where we have matured and taken the value hidden from us and allow it to flower and flourish. This is the stage we traverse to reach the ultimate stage of both life and practice.
Failure to let go of the first stage usually means they quit the fighting arts/martial arts as they feel there is no value in it if they can no longer hold onto the physical yet would find if they just let go that the physical is freed and the achieve far more in the mind-body(physical)-spirit becoming "one". They surpass!
Consider this thoroughly!
George's comment: We humans live in at least two major worlds. The slam-bang beef-on-beef world of physical action is the easier one of the two, we strut and fret and punch and kick and hate and fear and sometimes (shudder) show affection.
This psycho-slammo world is generally the entry level to the martial arts and where many folk seem to stay.
The other major world is one of calm and open reflection, of understanding of the energetic principles of martial arts and of life through BEING the energy. The Samurai put it this way: "The best defense is total vulnerability" -- a foreign way of being to our psycho-slammo self, which insists on total invulnerability (which is a myth of course).
One of my favorite Zen koans is "Who is it carrying this corpse around?" The beef-on-beef martial artist can be considered to be doing corpse dancing. What you are calling the philosophical side is the "who is it."
- George Breed, Comment on "Why is there no discussion on the Gokui?" blog posted at Kenpo Gokui - All bottles are good site.
physical vs. cerebral:
George's comment stirs up the post I did a long time ago that talks of the mind-body-spirit connection where I talk about the minds control over the body resulting in the spirit of the soul. George's eloquent comments give a down to earth no holds barred description of our dilemma as young vs. mature followers of the sport vs. way of the fighting arts practice.
It also falls into the three phases of life. The first is full of hell fire and brimstone which many beginning fighting arts aficionado's fall into with the second being a more balanced life where we understand that the slam-bang-beef-on-beef world of physical action is tempered by our growing maturity which is our transition point in practice and life. We feel and need the third stage yet we still cling to the first stage with the misconception that if we let go we lose something of great value. If you still consider this valid then take a look at Sensei Ueshiba of Aikido when he was much older and past the first two stages yet still emulated the ability of the first and second stage while fully enveloped in the third stage.
The third stage is where we have matured and taken the value hidden from us and allow it to flower and flourish. This is the stage we traverse to reach the ultimate stage of both life and practice.
Failure to let go of the first stage usually means they quit the fighting arts/martial arts as they feel there is no value in it if they can no longer hold onto the physical yet would find if they just let go that the physical is freed and the achieve far more in the mind-body(physical)-spirit becoming "one". They surpass!
Consider this thoroughly!
Why is there no discussion on the Gokui?
Just a question that crossed my mind. I read a few different postings from a few different Yahoo Martial Art/Fighting Art groups where the discussions become very lively yet they seem to focus solely on this technique and that, how it can be applied, what kata is what compared to what kata is what and so on.
Is it because one must transition into another level where the philosophical side becomes more important. I don't feel this because I reached 55 and I can still get out there with the best of them and train hard on the dojo floor, but; makes me wonder why?
Don't get me wrong because the lively discussions do provide for different perspectives on the physical form of practice. I always find value because I have incorporated several of these views into my practice.
Why do you think most threads are about "how" you do something vs. a meaning behind the "how"?
Is it because one must transition into another level where the philosophical side becomes more important. I don't feel this because I reached 55 and I can still get out there with the best of them and train hard on the dojo floor, but; makes me wonder why?
Don't get me wrong because the lively discussions do provide for different perspectives on the physical form of practice. I always find value because I have incorporated several of these views into my practice.
Why do you think most threads are about "how" you do something vs. a meaning behind the "how"?
The Ego
# an inflated feeling of pride in your superiority to others.
# self: your consciousness of your own identity.
# Id, ego, and super-ego are the three parts of the "psychic apparatus" defined in Sigmund Freud's structural model of the psyche.
# The self, especially with overtones of self-importance.
# The most conscious part of the mind, which mediates with one's surroundings.
# In the well adjusted person the ego is the executive of the personality and is governed by the reality principle.
In spirituality, and especially non dual, mystical and eastern meditative traditions, the human being is often conceived as being in the illusion of individual existence, and separated from other aspects of creation. This sense of individual existence is that part which believes it is the human being, and believes it must fight for itself in the world, is ultimately unaware and unconscious of its own true nature. The ego is often associated with mind and the sense of time, which compulsively thinks in order to be assured of its future existence, rather than simply knowing its own self and the present.
The spiritual goal of many traditions involves the dissolving of the ego,[citation needed] allowing self-knowledge of one's own true nature to become experienced and enacted in the world. This is variously known as Enlightenment, Nirvana, Presence, and the "Here and Now".
Bibliography: Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Ego (spirituality). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ego_(spirituality). 18 January 2009.
The "ego" as such is something we are stuck with since those who have studied it extensively seem to believe that it is a "part" of us as humans. So when we say we must concur the ego in our practice are we really concurring it or are we simply learning to be in control of it vs. it controlling us?
If that part of us called the "ego" is a part of the mind that "is" and can not be removed entirely then reducing its influences on our thoughts and actions is all we can accomplish then that is enough. Think of it like static which with an effort can be filtered down to a very low, imperceptible, buzz so it is not so distracting is our actual goal of practice in following the Way.
Filtering the static of the "ego" will allow us to see through that curtain the ego continually tries to through up in front of what is and is sometimes called the "Tao", true nature, the Universe, the world as we experience it in this form.
The ego keeps telling us that we are individuals and are separate from everything yet the true nature is that we are not individuals or separate but a part of the whole, or the Tai Chi, that makes us the "one" with the Universe. It tries to hide us from the consciousness that is the Tao where everything comes from in this existence and where everything ultimately returns.
To achieve that connection to the myriad of energies or strings that connect everything to the one we have to lean to control our perceptions of time. We have to leave the past in the past. We have to ignore the thoughts of future for that is not written and is changed at each moment. We must concentrate on remaining in the present moment for that is the only moment that matters. This does not mean that we may need to deal with something of the past that is affecting the current moment nor what may be in the future but it does mean that we must put those past/future thoughts away until actually needed in the moment and focus our attention wholeheartedly in the present moment.
This singular practice we call the fighting arts of Okinawa is our means of achieving that level of comfort with our "ego's" as we practice we experience the achievement of being in the present moment or what some athletes call being in the "zone". This is where you are actually dealing with what is happening in the present moment with no thought of past or future. What we strive to achieve in every day life for health and well-being.
Sometimes even those who are not consciously seeking the way through their practices find the present moment. They find the "zone" and those who truly go beyond their practice find that this experiences carries over into their daily lives. Maybe this is why so much is through of our "coach". A coach is like a Sensei who through the practice of their "sport" helps us to achieve the same goal tho it may not be expressed outwardly.
This is the true meaning of life; it is the true meaning of following the "way"; it is the true meaning!
# self: your consciousness of your own identity.
# Id, ego, and super-ego are the three parts of the "psychic apparatus" defined in Sigmund Freud's structural model of the psyche.
# The self, especially with overtones of self-importance.
# The most conscious part of the mind, which mediates with one's surroundings.
# In the well adjusted person the ego is the executive of the personality and is governed by the reality principle.
In spirituality, and especially non dual, mystical and eastern meditative traditions, the human being is often conceived as being in the illusion of individual existence, and separated from other aspects of creation. This sense of individual existence is that part which believes it is the human being, and believes it must fight for itself in the world, is ultimately unaware and unconscious of its own true nature. The ego is often associated with mind and the sense of time, which compulsively thinks in order to be assured of its future existence, rather than simply knowing its own self and the present.
The spiritual goal of many traditions involves the dissolving of the ego,[citation needed] allowing self-knowledge of one's own true nature to become experienced and enacted in the world. This is variously known as Enlightenment, Nirvana, Presence, and the "Here and Now".
Bibliography: Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Ego (spirituality). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ego_(spirituality). 18 January 2009.
The "ego" as such is something we are stuck with since those who have studied it extensively seem to believe that it is a "part" of us as humans. So when we say we must concur the ego in our practice are we really concurring it or are we simply learning to be in control of it vs. it controlling us?
If that part of us called the "ego" is a part of the mind that "is" and can not be removed entirely then reducing its influences on our thoughts and actions is all we can accomplish then that is enough. Think of it like static which with an effort can be filtered down to a very low, imperceptible, buzz so it is not so distracting is our actual goal of practice in following the Way.
Filtering the static of the "ego" will allow us to see through that curtain the ego continually tries to through up in front of what is and is sometimes called the "Tao", true nature, the Universe, the world as we experience it in this form.
The ego keeps telling us that we are individuals and are separate from everything yet the true nature is that we are not individuals or separate but a part of the whole, or the Tai Chi, that makes us the "one" with the Universe. It tries to hide us from the consciousness that is the Tao where everything comes from in this existence and where everything ultimately returns.
To achieve that connection to the myriad of energies or strings that connect everything to the one we have to lean to control our perceptions of time. We have to leave the past in the past. We have to ignore the thoughts of future for that is not written and is changed at each moment. We must concentrate on remaining in the present moment for that is the only moment that matters. This does not mean that we may need to deal with something of the past that is affecting the current moment nor what may be in the future but it does mean that we must put those past/future thoughts away until actually needed in the moment and focus our attention wholeheartedly in the present moment.
This singular practice we call the fighting arts of Okinawa is our means of achieving that level of comfort with our "ego's" as we practice we experience the achievement of being in the present moment or what some athletes call being in the "zone". This is where you are actually dealing with what is happening in the present moment with no thought of past or future. What we strive to achieve in every day life for health and well-being.
Sometimes even those who are not consciously seeking the way through their practices find the present moment. They find the "zone" and those who truly go beyond their practice find that this experiences carries over into their daily lives. Maybe this is why so much is through of our "coach". A coach is like a Sensei who through the practice of their "sport" helps us to achieve the same goal tho it may not be expressed outwardly.
This is the true meaning of life; it is the true meaning of following the "way"; it is the true meaning!
Letting Go!
We as human beings find comfort and solace in the familiar. When that familiar changes, regardless of the reasons, we tend to resist. We speak of the kenpo gokui in that change is good and all bottles are the same. We discuss such lofty ideals as discovering the others in their beliefs and customs yet we still resist any changes. What I mean is when we do learn about the customs and beliefs of others we see it from our unique perspective and try to change that perception to meet our expectations.
"All bottles are good!" and I mean to live by that maxim as best I can which means that I will sometimes have to "let go" of some things in order to make room for new things.
The transition is most difficult considering our comfort zone for the familiar. This is evident in the practice of our own style of fighting art, Isshinryu. We receive from Sensei and through practice and training over a long period of time become familiar with that "way" of training and practice. What happens then is when we move off from Sensei and his/her dojo we find "differences" that challenge our familiar.
If we follow the way then we know that "All bottles are good" means that change is good but change just for the sake of change is not recommended. Change is good when it has meaning. It has form. It has function. It is found to be a part of the "Way" of the empty hand, or tea, or flower arranging, etc.
I firmly believe that the reason Tatsuo Sensei gave out the Kenpo Gokui with the hopes that those in receipt of this tome would study it and discover on their own its value to us as not only karate-ka but as humans. He felt that we should discover others value and transition from one level to another in reaching "that" level of spirituality not to be confused with religion and its doctrines.
There are ways to overcome that instinctual urge to remain in the "familiar" so change can come naturally. We must be open minded to what ever we encounter then we must allow it to flower showing its capabilities then allow it to influence us in a positive manner; to become a part of us. This may mean we have to "let go" or if I may "accept" the loss of something to grow with something else.
Life is a matter of seeding, growing, flowering, wilting, dying, and returning to the Earth. As we travel the "Way" of life and the fighting arts we will find many different seeds that will be planted within us, that will grow, flower and become something new only to wilt at the meeting of new things so it will die away and allow the Earth to let something new grow combining with the remains of the old.
This transitional phase is most difficult and tests us more than anything. Those who find the strength to allow this "letting go" to allow "growth and flowering of the self" is true strength while anything else results in early decay and death.
Study this thoroughly!
"All bottles are good!" and I mean to live by that maxim as best I can which means that I will sometimes have to "let go" of some things in order to make room for new things.
The transition is most difficult considering our comfort zone for the familiar. This is evident in the practice of our own style of fighting art, Isshinryu. We receive from Sensei and through practice and training over a long period of time become familiar with that "way" of training and practice. What happens then is when we move off from Sensei and his/her dojo we find "differences" that challenge our familiar.
If we follow the way then we know that "All bottles are good" means that change is good but change just for the sake of change is not recommended. Change is good when it has meaning. It has form. It has function. It is found to be a part of the "Way" of the empty hand, or tea, or flower arranging, etc.
I firmly believe that the reason Tatsuo Sensei gave out the Kenpo Gokui with the hopes that those in receipt of this tome would study it and discover on their own its value to us as not only karate-ka but as humans. He felt that we should discover others value and transition from one level to another in reaching "that" level of spirituality not to be confused with religion and its doctrines.
There are ways to overcome that instinctual urge to remain in the "familiar" so change can come naturally. We must be open minded to what ever we encounter then we must allow it to flower showing its capabilities then allow it to influence us in a positive manner; to become a part of us. This may mean we have to "let go" or if I may "accept" the loss of something to grow with something else.
Life is a matter of seeding, growing, flowering, wilting, dying, and returning to the Earth. As we travel the "Way" of life and the fighting arts we will find many different seeds that will be planted within us, that will grow, flower and become something new only to wilt at the meeting of new things so it will die away and allow the Earth to let something new grow combining with the remains of the old.
This transitional phase is most difficult and tests us more than anything. Those who find the strength to allow this "letting go" to allow "growth and flowering of the self" is true strength while anything else results in early decay and death.
Study this thoroughly!
Exploring the Gokui
Final link to the data I have compiled on the gokui as it relates to Isshinryu.
Bibliography:
Advincula, A.J. "Chinkuchi". Isshinkai Group Thread: February, 2007
Advincula, Arcenio J. Isshinkai Yahoo Group; isshinkaiKarate@yahoogroups.com: April, 2007
Advincula, Arcenio J. Isshinkai Yahoo Group; isshinkaiKarate@yahoogroups.com: May, 2007
Advincula, A.J. "Chinkuchi". Isshinkai Group Thread: February, 2007
Advincuala, A. J. http://www.isshinkai.net/
Bibliography:
Advincula, A.J. "Chinkuchi". Isshinkai Group Thread: February, 2007
Advincula, Arcenio J. Isshinkai Yahoo Group; isshinkaiKarate@yahoogroups.com: April, 2007
Advincula, Arcenio J. Isshinkai Yahoo Group; isshinkaiKarate@yahoogroups.com: May, 2007
Advincula, A.J. "Chinkuchi". Isshinkai Group Thread: February, 2007
Advincuala, A. J. http://www.isshinkai.net/
Four Corners of the Kenpo Gokui
Boyd Sensei submitted his short version of what is only one translation of the gokui. His curt version is, "Harmony, Balance, Adaptability, and Awareness".
To achieve harmony one must endeavor to bring heaven, earth, and humanity into "one" which results in harmony. We achieve this by first practicing the physical or training the mind so they body will unite with it into perfect balance creating "spirit".
The world as we know it in this dimension or sphere consists of the hard and soft or the Yin and Yang or the In-Yo which when in harmony balances with slight shifts either yin or yang with a result of returning to equilibrium or balance. This is life as we strive to achieve through this one singular practice of "karate-do".
To achieve harmony we must teach ourselves to remain in the present moment for to remain in the moment is heavens "present" to us in our human form. We achieve flexibility in our thoughts and actions when remaining in the moment of practice thus allowing us to learn and achieve that same adaptability in life's ever changing encounters.
Harmony is awareness of our spirit and the spirit is our soul or that which we connect directly into the universe or the "Tao". We must be aware of our ego's, our actions, our thoughts, our spirit, our bodies, our intake of air | sustenance | Tao so we may also be aware of the less important things we encounter in life such as life, death, pain, suffering, joy, and so on.
The gokui provides us the links to the many strings of energy that directly or indirectly effect our aura's, spirit, and physical beings until we return to the Tao.
Study the gokui and connect to the ultimate energy through our practice and training.
Bibliography:
Boyd, Charles. Kenpo Gokui. Isshinkai Yahoo Group Post 2009.
To achieve harmony one must endeavor to bring heaven, earth, and humanity into "one" which results in harmony. We achieve this by first practicing the physical or training the mind so they body will unite with it into perfect balance creating "spirit".
The world as we know it in this dimension or sphere consists of the hard and soft or the Yin and Yang or the In-Yo which when in harmony balances with slight shifts either yin or yang with a result of returning to equilibrium or balance. This is life as we strive to achieve through this one singular practice of "karate-do".
To achieve harmony we must teach ourselves to remain in the present moment for to remain in the moment is heavens "present" to us in our human form. We achieve flexibility in our thoughts and actions when remaining in the moment of practice thus allowing us to learn and achieve that same adaptability in life's ever changing encounters.
Harmony is awareness of our spirit and the spirit is our soul or that which we connect directly into the universe or the "Tao". We must be aware of our ego's, our actions, our thoughts, our spirit, our bodies, our intake of air | sustenance | Tao so we may also be aware of the less important things we encounter in life such as life, death, pain, suffering, joy, and so on.
The gokui provides us the links to the many strings of energy that directly or indirectly effect our aura's, spirit, and physical beings until we return to the Tao.
Study the gokui and connect to the ultimate energy through our practice and training.
Bibliography:
Boyd, Charles. Kenpo Gokui. Isshinkai Yahoo Group Post 2009.
The Conduit
A passage through which something, i.e. water or wires or electricity, passes. The kenpo-gokui is that conduit that takes the singular practice of karate-do from the purely physical to the metaphysical. It is that pathway the allows us to re-connect the strings of energy to and through us from the heavens to the Earth.
It is the "Way" to the "one". Think of the conduit as leading to better health, well being, and the balance necessary for acceptance of that cosmic energy or the "one" which is sometimes referred to as the "Tao".
The Kenpo Gokui is the tome used to lead us beyond our combative nature. Anyone can learn in a fairly short time span how to hurt others but to truly overcome the trials and tribulations we humans inflict upon ourselves takes true courage.
The fluidity of the gokui allows each individual to reach an understanding beyond the ego. Karate-do helps us to develop our balance thus teaching us the techniques of practice to find balance in the Universe so we can bring all the separateness of ego into the "one" of the universe which is "Tao."
I-Ching and Isshinryu: My Mindless Meanderings
Take this link to a posting on the I-Ching as it "may" apply to Isshinryu. Remember, this is mine and mine alone as to the connections. Just trying to grow and learn :-)
Tao of Gokui
Here is another link to further my knowledge of Tatsuo Sensei Gokui...Isshinryu...Fighting Arts of Okinawa...
Isshinryu no Gokui
Another link to some comments on the gokui in regards to Isshinryu.
Bibliography:
Advincula, A.J. "Isshinryu no Gokui." Online Posts. 13 April 2001 to present date. IsshinKai Yahoo Group.
Bibliography:
Advincula, A.J. "Isshinryu no Gokui." Online Posts. 13 April 2001 to present date. IsshinKai Yahoo Group.
My Personal Interpretation
This post takes you to a web page where I wrote my "initial and personal" interpretation of the Kenpo Gokui.
Relentless Intent
A phrase coined in the book, "Embodying Spirit: The Inner Work of the Warrior" by George Breed, first generation student of Tatsuo Sensei Isshinryu.
If I understand his intent, no pun here, I believe that this is the process we train in daily when we do kata with visualization or Tatsuo Kumite, etc. It is to focus on a particular action with extreme intensity so that by the time you are confronted by an antagonist the battle is already done and finished.
I quote from the book, "The mission is accomplished before it is accomplished." I firmly believe that this is why we train seriously, diligently, and continuously in karate-do and life.
We train in karate-do in such a manner that we develop that relentless intent for combat. If we take it a bit further as we discover in our study of the gokui we then can apply this type of ability to our every day lives.
This warrants considerable discovery through full attention and concentration!
If I understand his intent, no pun here, I believe that this is the process we train in daily when we do kata with visualization or Tatsuo Kumite, etc. It is to focus on a particular action with extreme intensity so that by the time you are confronted by an antagonist the battle is already done and finished.
I quote from the book, "The mission is accomplished before it is accomplished." I firmly believe that this is why we train seriously, diligently, and continuously in karate-do and life.
We train in karate-do in such a manner that we develop that relentless intent for combat. If we take it a bit further as we discover in our study of the gokui we then can apply this type of ability to our every day lives.
This warrants considerable discovery through full attention and concentration!
Success in the Fighting Arts
In order to be successful in the fighting arts or anything in life for that matter takes balance. To achieve balance may seem simple but through the study of a singular physical/mental/metaphysical form involves a great deal.
We must develop our balance. The gokui as interpreted by Tatsuo Sensei spoke frequently of achieving balance. The entire gokui refers to the balance we must achieve to remain in the proper posture so the head reaches the heavens and the feet remain rooted in the earth while the cycles of "ki" in our bodies circulate as the moon and sun travel in unison around us, Earth, and within the heavens.
To achieve proper balance we must find that rhythm and energy level that sits at the mid point like that mid point between hard and soft, positive relaxation, that allows us to move about freely and unencumbered by the weight of our ego's, environment, bad diet, lack of effort or to much effort, thinking beyond the moment to either the past of future which all create either to much or to little energy so the frequencies are radical causing us to be unbalanced, unhealthy, and subject to many things.
We must contemplate our gokui as it infuses within the fighting arts to achieve not just balance in the physical manifestations of karate but the "one" that balances the Universe itself.
Success in the Fighting Arts should equate to success in LIFE!
We must develop our balance. The gokui as interpreted by Tatsuo Sensei spoke frequently of achieving balance. The entire gokui refers to the balance we must achieve to remain in the proper posture so the head reaches the heavens and the feet remain rooted in the earth while the cycles of "ki" in our bodies circulate as the moon and sun travel in unison around us, Earth, and within the heavens.
To achieve proper balance we must find that rhythm and energy level that sits at the mid point like that mid point between hard and soft, positive relaxation, that allows us to move about freely and unencumbered by the weight of our ego's, environment, bad diet, lack of effort or to much effort, thinking beyond the moment to either the past of future which all create either to much or to little energy so the frequencies are radical causing us to be unbalanced, unhealthy, and subject to many things.
We must contemplate our gokui as it infuses within the fighting arts to achieve not just balance in the physical manifestations of karate but the "one" that balances the Universe itself.
Success in the Fighting Arts should equate to success in LIFE!
The Eight Precepts of the Quanfa
This blog is to express my personal take on the gokui (also referred to as the "marital art precepts", "the eight precepts of the quanfa", and "the code of karate". So what you read here on this blog is my view, my perception, my personal understanding, and mine alone on the gokui as it relates to both karate-do and my life.
The possibilites are unlimited. What I mean is this is a tome that is fluid. It changes with each passing moment so it is a living document; a living tome; a living precept of both karate-do and life.
With that said I would like to recommend that you find as many sources of the gokui and its meaning as you can so you may learn. The blog site by George Breed, a first generation student of Tatsuo Sensei, a warrior Marine, and a Author, Martial Artist, Psychologist is now discussing the martial art precepts on his new blog site, "Warrior Notes."
I have also listed it on my "Favorite Blogs - List" so you can get there at any time for he is also discussing various subjects about the spiritual warrior fighting arts/martial arts to include Isshinryu.
Kanpai Karate-ka!
The possibilites are unlimited. What I mean is this is a tome that is fluid. It changes with each passing moment so it is a living document; a living tome; a living precept of both karate-do and life.
With that said I would like to recommend that you find as many sources of the gokui and its meaning as you can so you may learn. The blog site by George Breed, a first generation student of Tatsuo Sensei, a warrior Marine, and a Author, Martial Artist, Psychologist is now discussing the martial art precepts on his new blog site, "Warrior Notes."
I have also listed it on my "Favorite Blogs - List" so you can get there at any time for he is also discussing various subjects about the spiritual warrior fighting arts/martial arts to include Isshinryu.
Kanpai Karate-ka!
Interconnections
Consider this: The universe holds the heavens above such as the stars, the moon, the sun, and other "heavenly" bodies which includes "Earth". The sun is "energy" and it radiates onto every heavenly body within its influences, our solar system.
The energy that comes from the sun touches the moon giving us the moons reflections upon still waters of the Earth. The suns energy touches and is connected to the atmosphere, through it to the living creatures of Earth providing us with sustenance.
The trees and plants receive the energy as they reach toward the heavens taking that energy and connecting to those animals that drink of their nectar and also through the roots connecting the plant to the Earth transferring the suns energy as the plants energy into the Earth. The animals that drink of the energy from plants carry that energy within themselves to other plants across the surface of the Earth.
We humans reach toward the heavens to receive the suns energy and by our rooting to the Earth we make that connection between Earth and Heaven.
The Earth follows an elliptical path around the sun which is the symbol of infinity or a never ending cycle or path as does the moon around the Earth thus connecting the Earth, Moon, and Heavens.
What I am trying to convey in this post is that all things are connected by strings of energy. We are not separate entities but "one" great entity that provides the meridians of the Universe. It carries that "one" energy to all things as the "one" great energy forms the Tai Chi and thus connects further into the myriad of strings of energy connecting all of us and all things.
We as humans are caught up with past, present, and future which blocks the energies of our own meridian lines or strings. If we train and practice to create the "one" in our singular practice of karate-do it will teach is to balance ourselves thus creating a balance between the jodan, chudan, and gedan within. Once we balance our bodies then we open ourselves to the possibilities of all other connections in the Universe. We do this by changing the past, present, and future into the "one" or the "present moment" or the "Now".
There is nothing else in the Universe but the present moment and through the rigors of Karate-do or any other art, martial art, fighting art, we develop the qualities that give us the discipline, focus, and experience to achieve present moment being.
Present moment being achieves a myriad of things not the least is the re-connection to our Universe which equates to the balance of Humanity, Earth, and Heaven (Universe: sun, moon, and earth).
The energy that comes from the sun touches the moon giving us the moons reflections upon still waters of the Earth. The suns energy touches and is connected to the atmosphere, through it to the living creatures of Earth providing us with sustenance.
The trees and plants receive the energy as they reach toward the heavens taking that energy and connecting to those animals that drink of their nectar and also through the roots connecting the plant to the Earth transferring the suns energy as the plants energy into the Earth. The animals that drink of the energy from plants carry that energy within themselves to other plants across the surface of the Earth.
We humans reach toward the heavens to receive the suns energy and by our rooting to the Earth we make that connection between Earth and Heaven.
The Earth follows an elliptical path around the sun which is the symbol of infinity or a never ending cycle or path as does the moon around the Earth thus connecting the Earth, Moon, and Heavens.
What I am trying to convey in this post is that all things are connected by strings of energy. We are not separate entities but "one" great entity that provides the meridians of the Universe. It carries that "one" energy to all things as the "one" great energy forms the Tai Chi and thus connects further into the myriad of strings of energy connecting all of us and all things.
We as humans are caught up with past, present, and future which blocks the energies of our own meridian lines or strings. If we train and practice to create the "one" in our singular practice of karate-do it will teach is to balance ourselves thus creating a balance between the jodan, chudan, and gedan within. Once we balance our bodies then we open ourselves to the possibilities of all other connections in the Universe. We do this by changing the past, present, and future into the "one" or the "present moment" or the "Now".
There is nothing else in the Universe but the present moment and through the rigors of Karate-do or any other art, martial art, fighting art, we develop the qualities that give us the discipline, focus, and experience to achieve present moment being.
Present moment being achieves a myriad of things not the least is the re-connection to our Universe which equates to the balance of Humanity, Earth, and Heaven (Universe: sun, moon, and earth).
Sequence Five
Ops, forgot sequence five...sorry
This sequence when compared to the gokui provided by Tatsuo Sensei may not be as clear as we would like in translation.
body - by itself it could be almost anything. It leads this sequence so we as Americans may see something other than what was intended when we see the translations of follow and time. could it be that this particular character must be coupled with adapt and change first but then how does it equate to follow and time. With out the gokui translation we currently use it could have remained a mystery.
follow - what follows what in this instance. do we follow the changes by adapt our responses to them using proper timing. this could be the coupling of follow - adapt - changes in our bodies as appropriate. no where does the idea of strike first seem to appear here so do we assume that the body changes and adapts and then follows up with an appropriate response...
time - time could be the time of day; the time of year; the time of month as it relates to the body in optimal use of its muscles and breathing although these terms are not mentioned by may be implied. time could be related to the other characters so we interpret it as "timing" for proper timing when adapting to changes in our lives and/or with opponents is critical so we follow that line of timing - adapting - changing the body to follow the strings that attach it to the environment or universal connectivity all things have in the Earth.
adapt - adaptation to changes in our bodies or adaptation to changes in our opponents bodies so we may follow training to counter appropriately or is this some other reference to the connection of your training to that of life itself.
changes - these may be in reference to the changes that occur naturally and instinctively in nature or the universe where we need to adapt and follow what it may have to teach us or tell us by its effects on the universe and our place in it. changes may also be those we encounter in a conflict yet I believe we should not limit the teachings as the I-Ching is somewhat vague until you start connecting all the adjoining strings into the "one" so understanding is discovered.
This could be interpreted many ways both literal to our practice or to the way we act in life. We encounter a good deal in life that sometimes causes us to view it from a different perspective while in training we learn to adjust our movements to those we encounter be it an opponent or training partner. This one can lead us down a path that is never ending for it may refer to those characteristics we must master in order for out bodies to perform optimally. This is also a reference to how we condition and maintain health for with out it we would be unable to respond to life or an attack adequately.
body | follow | time | adapt | changes
This sequence when compared to the gokui provided by Tatsuo Sensei may not be as clear as we would like in translation.
body - by itself it could be almost anything. It leads this sequence so we as Americans may see something other than what was intended when we see the translations of follow and time. could it be that this particular character must be coupled with adapt and change first but then how does it equate to follow and time. With out the gokui translation we currently use it could have remained a mystery.
follow - what follows what in this instance. do we follow the changes by adapt our responses to them using proper timing. this could be the coupling of follow - adapt - changes in our bodies as appropriate. no where does the idea of strike first seem to appear here so do we assume that the body changes and adapts and then follows up with an appropriate response...
time - time could be the time of day; the time of year; the time of month as it relates to the body in optimal use of its muscles and breathing although these terms are not mentioned by may be implied. time could be related to the other characters so we interpret it as "timing" for proper timing when adapting to changes in our lives and/or with opponents is critical so we follow that line of timing - adapting - changing the body to follow the strings that attach it to the environment or universal connectivity all things have in the Earth.
adapt - adaptation to changes in our bodies or adaptation to changes in our opponents bodies so we may follow training to counter appropriately or is this some other reference to the connection of your training to that of life itself.
changes - these may be in reference to the changes that occur naturally and instinctively in nature or the universe where we need to adapt and follow what it may have to teach us or tell us by its effects on the universe and our place in it. changes may also be those we encounter in a conflict yet I believe we should not limit the teachings as the I-Ching is somewhat vague until you start connecting all the adjoining strings into the "one" so understanding is discovered.
The Body should be able to change direction at any time.
This could be interpreted many ways both literal to our practice or to the way we act in life. We encounter a good deal in life that sometimes causes us to view it from a different perspective while in training we learn to adjust our movements to those we encounter be it an opponent or training partner. This one can lead us down a path that is never ending for it may refer to those characteristics we must master in order for out bodies to perform optimally. This is also a reference to how we condition and maintain health for with out it we would be unable to respond to life or an attack adequately.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)