Falling Down the Rabbit Hole

If we as martial artist take that leap into the rabbit hole we are acknowledging failurs, loss of power and control or a failure toward casutiousness. As we fall we get a feeling of flying providing a real sense of independence. It denotes we are regaining real control by the process of falling into the rabbit hole. We also sense a feeling of freedome and release that relate to attaining a transcendant state.

The hole itself represents a start of a change or transformation. It also represents our deepest most transcendent wisdom or information about our unconscious. It is seeing into our depths, what does this reveal.

We could also accept the well to represent our deep seated unconscious information about our wisdom. It can mean our effort to look deep down into the depth of ourselves to see what we can reveal.

In the Matrix trilogy they used another symbol that is merely a vertical shaft vs. a horizontal one, i..e cave vs. well, where the cave is about our inner most or hidden issues. Those we covered up unconsciously to feel good about ourselves and to alleviate pain and suffering. We enter the rabbit hole or cave to see just what we can find, what we keep hidden and to find out where discovery leads.

Wells, rabbit holes, caves, etc. are all under ground. Underground symbolizes that hidden side of self. It is that shadow that lies in the depths of experience. It is that otherworld, that matrix, - the mystical world beyond the veil of reality. It is our soul where reside our spirits. It represents who we are and where that comes from as to our past.

The rabbit hole symbolizes a hallway as well. Another vertical well or tunnel. Entering into and following the path of a tunnel that our unconscious creates can open our innermost memories and feelings. This is especially important to those that we bury deep to hide away and from. It can also symbolize a re-birth or resurrection. It also shows you the doorways leading off the hallway that can be various apsects of you and inform you that they connect to one another. That connection is important so you realize that those connections that are hidden still affect those that are not dragging one or the other back into the depths of the unconscious reflecting stresses and their effects.

The corridor is no mans land, a place between conscious and unconscious where being stuck/trapped is unsatisfactory to life and health and well-being. It leads to some end and that ending is determinant on your awareness of this corridor, this well, the cave, the rabbit hole. Just how deep, long or wide remains within your control.

It is apparent that the opposite of this is the rabbit hole can also mean a regression, tuning inward, to escape from threats, problems, boredom and those stories that hurt, cause pain, and create effects that are not good for the mind and body.

The opposite also shows the symbols of the rabbit hole, etc. as a pit or void. It means a place of emptiness. A place where feelings are trapped. We face the void only to understand that means falling into it. We fall into the nothing, but with the potential to increase awareness with a effect of transformation beyond our imaginations. This is the power of change. The power of self-liberation.

Often in martial arts we refer to becoming a state of awareness like a mirror that reflects truth and understanding. It represents our looking inward to seek enlightenment. It can symbolize self-image. It can represent our identity - both good and bad. It means looking, seeing, into the unconscious to see exactly who we are and to reveal all that we hide from ourselves. The confusion can be informing. It can still provide information to show you you.

The opening to the well, corridor, cave, etc. can be an entrance, opening, or a door. It can be a symbol to new experiences as well as a passing from one state of self to another. The new self being a new realization of self. Doors are something you can or not open. It can open you to other people and ideas. This is an entrance to a new life. The walking through a door is a transit into another space - a transition. How we transit to another space is like walking, crawling, falling, riding, running, flying or jumping. Walking can symbolize/signify a confident entrance to the unconscious; falling can mean out-of-control or accidental or a chaotic quality to the transit. You need to ask yourself as this stage: where, how, or what are you transitioning toward?

This is what we do when we take on a martial practice. This is what must be accomplished to balance out the body and mind. This singular endeavor can insert the key into the door that lets you see just how far the corridor goes, how deep the well, the rabbit hole and just how deep and wide the cave.

Thank You

A few years ago I began seeking more. I felt a need to know about SD and fighting beyond my then current level. It provided me many discoveries. Discoveries about my training, practice and me. The me part has recently become more discovery than I intended. It is something I needed and did not know I needed.

I have discovered some not very nice traits. If not for the teachings of many I would not have discovered those things  and that would be depressing and most unfortunate.

I want to say thank you to a few folks. I won't provide names. I don't wish to forget or overlook any one person - not nice of me. I want to say thank you to those folks for putting themselves out there. Those efforts provided me the awareness that will result in my growth as a person. I want to say thank you to the authors, web sites, blog posters, article authors, teachers/mentors/instructors and those references they provided that led to this recent epiphany. I would not and could not have discovered the needs and traits without that effort - thank you.

The road before me is going to be the most difficult road I have ever encountered in my life of fifty-seven years. The only regret, I was not aware or astute enough to see what was needed at a much younger age. It is truly never to late.

So, with out more I say to all of you, "thank you."

GAVSD (Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defence)

I have posted recently on this particular self-defense written by Dr. Elgin, PhD. and want to clarify something. It may seem as if I am promoting this a the ultimate art of self-defense. I am simply excited by the possibilities this type of knowledge can achieve in crises handling. It is relevant and a tool like any other tool that provides benefits when used properly. I just happen to feel it is a fundamental tool in avoiding conflicts.

I have all the GAVSD books. I have read almost all of them first time around. I know I will read them again and again. I also will actively follow her recommendations to improve my communications. That improvement will also provide me more knowledge to improve my self-protection method of avoidance. It has already in my personal and professional life.

My enthusiastic postings are my efforts to inspire readers to read her books. To decide on the value for themselves. If you enjoy my posts that is frosting on the cake for me.

Ego Driven Blog?

Sometimes when I write and post I consider the reasons. I ask myself if I am doing this to feed my ego. It is difficult to really tell. I tell myself it is a good model to learn and pass along thoughts and idea's on my practice and training. I tell myself that I write in a manner that leaves ego and pride out of it - I ask, "Am I successful?"

My efforts to see what is down the rabbit hole sometimes seems truthful. Sometimes it seems not. I discovered using the word seem can be deceptive. Can this mean I am just discovering its true meaning therefore provides the opportunity to reflect once again and discover the truth vs. a self-deception?

Can I be honest with myself now and say, "My efforts to see what is down the rabbit hole is truthful. Sometimes it is not."? At this particular moment I can say, yes. I can also say that this requires self-honest evaluation on a consistent basis. It is easy to fall back into those habits that developed digging the rabbit hole deeper.

Something to consider ... what we say and do and write ... is it filled with presuppositions that provide hidden self-talk that the unconscious mind recognizes with out more conscious awareness resulting in a deeper and darker rabbit hole?

In an honest effort I will say I believe that my blog(s) are a teaching tool for me and a means to express to others my ideas and thoughts for comment and feedback of a beneficial way - to learn and create light in my rabbit hole. Is there a presupposition  that is within this statement nullifying it?

My wife uses a Sufism, "Is it kind, is it true, is it necessary?" Can this be used for posting as well? All three or two or one of them? How would you accomplish this?

The Rabbit Hole

To achieve awareness first recognize that the rabbit hole is yours and your standing over it. Look down the rabbit hole and you may see nothing but darkness that runs deep. This is a good thing - self-awareness of the rabbit hole.

To know just how deep the rabbit hole goes you must get some light to see past the darkness. This is an internal event. It is a self-crises that must be overcome to light the rabbit hole.

To send light down the rabbit hole to see just how far it goes is to become aware of those things within us that are not allowing the truth to be present and in our consciousness. To see just how far the rabbit hole goes you must choose to take the red pill or the blue pill. As always, your choice.

To become aware, take the red pill to open the mind and become aware of the rabbit hole. Many tend to take the blue pill. It is a painful process to light up the rabbit hole, look into it - like looking into your soul - and then taking that first step into the rabbit hole.

I have taken the red pill. It is a hard path and I still am not sure where the rabbit hole will take me. I have discovered that the hole although dark and deep still provides growth and serenity to my life as I encounter each thing and change it to a more positive thing - a most difficult task.

The practice of karate-jutsu-do in tandem with the ken-po goku-i was my red pill. During my journey down the rabbit hole each level in my training, practice and studies has created a greater light intensity showing me the way. The rabbit hole is deep. The light removes doubt and fear and frustrations so I can truly see beyond the many stories covering my self.

I don't say this to express that this is the way. It is just my way and my philosophy. I have taken the red pill, I remain in wonderland and I am finding out just how deep the rabbit hole is. If I had taken the blue pill I would still be blissfully living in the matrix believing everything the matrix wanted me to believe regardless and in direct opposition to truth.

Unlike Cypher, I would not desire to return to the matrix and be plugged back in for the benefits I have experienced next the pain of discovery and change is far greater.

Jutsu-Do

Recently I read the article, "Jutsu vs. Do," by Iain Abernethy Sensei. Outstanding article read here first if you so wish.

Abernethy Sensei does an excellent job explaining his perceptions and understanding of the two terms as applied to the practice of martial systems. I agree with his assessments. I also believe it explains an aspect taught in Chinese Classics that all life deals with a duality of Yang-Yin.

To me, karate is both jutsu and do, much like Sensei articulates in his post. To me, it is the duality of karate training and practice. To practice and maintain the traditions of Okinawan karate both sides of that coin must balance to achieve a level of proficiency leading to enlightenment - both physical and psychological.

The ken-po goku-i, the bubishi, the I Ching, and the Tao Te Ching bring many lessons with a theme of duality in balance. To meld jutsu and do, dojo and society, internal self and external person, etc. Everything connects and this is one lesson of many in karate-jutsu-do.

The naming of a system should exemplify the systems principles. To provide a limiting title creates confusion and misunderstandings. Take the title/name "karate." Depending on who is hearing the term, title, name you get many differing explanations/interpretations of just what that means. Until you clear that air you cannot truly understand its true meaning in practice and training.

So much in training is missing due to misunderstandings through ambiguities such as this. It may seem frivolous yet it does have an affect. You may ask, "Why bother?" Use verbal self-defense skills as the example. If you cannot determine meaning and then articulate a response how can you deescalate and/or avoid the common crisis/conflict that results when things go bad. Verbal communications are known to be the impetus of most conflicts.

Read his article. Consider what it means to you and then decide. It is your practice and training. It is your goals and accomplishments in this that matter. If it provides balance then it is good.

One

The great Tai Chi. The one that became Yang-Yin. Then became the trigrams then hexagrams. The one. The one of karate. The one in life, that one thing that brings meaning to all things. Isshinryu or "one" heart method/way/technique, etc.

Neo, the one, the one who will free the mind. Through our practice of the one heart we can learn to free our mind. Neo is an anagram for one, just look for it.

To grow in spirit practice with one in mind, the one being you, yourself, you within your mind and body. Learn to break the one into the two and find them in balance through your practice and training.

Use the full and complete training of kata. Not many but just one kata.

One kata, not many. Many is fine once you learn the one. Learning one kata has come to mean learning the movement. The movement must be clean, crisp, and most of all pretty. I mean pretty like the performance in floor exercises in gymnastics or up on the rings or even the horse or beam. This takes great skill. In kata it means something is missing.

Learn one kata means to truly learn it to its fullest depth and breadth. Often I have posted that to learn one kata means you learn all kata. To spend time and effort on one will teach you what you need to then learn other kata in a shorter time period. Why? Because you know the depth and breadth of one kata. That one kata encompasses those principles that transcend kata versions as well as systems and styles be they hard, soft or a combination thereof.

Often the idea of many kata as many black belts for many systems or styles has become the goal, the marker of a master. Too bad, so much is missed because of this misconception of proficiency and ability. To score 9.8's and 9.7's for kata performance has taken precedence over kata to self protection, combat, fighting, or what ever is required for the moments scenario. Too bad ...

Spending all your time on many kata leaves no time to learn karate. Yes, you can do the form in its most rudimentary level - can you apply it randomly yet with direct application to the appropriate threat? Too bad ...

To learn one kata with all the fundamental principals of martial systems then learning what violence is and achieving the ability to recognize it and act accordingly overcoming all its adversities is a real challenge, does your kata do that? Too bad ...

If I had to lay claim to just one thing in all my years of practice it would be with pride I would say I learned one kata completely, thoroughly, deeply and to its greatest breadth much like gazing at the heavens and seeing no end or limitations. I would say I learned one kata this way and made it work.

When you have learned your first kata moves and your Sensei says your ready to begin the next, STOP, respectfully ask to learn all there is to learn on that one kata first - you have all the time in the world to add to your kata with meaning and purpose toward karate's meaning and purpose. Wouldn't that be great?

If your the offspring of the traditional, post 1900's implementation to schools on Okinawa and Japan, form of learning it is not too late. Stop, choose the one kata that speaks to you as the unique individual you are and then seek the knowledge to learn and practice "just one kata" to completion. You will enrich your training and practice and thus achieve greater understanding of all those other rudimentary kata. Sounds good to me ...

Seeing, Hearing, and Feeling

The ken-po goku-i speaks directly to the two terse references to seeing and hearing. We can go on-n-on on those two. It appears another very important sense to use and understand for karate-do through this reference is "feeling."

Iain Abernethy Sensei speaks about the use of two hands in kata bunkai. The use of the hands where while one strikes the other is feeling the body movement as well as deflecting, etc. to supplement the striking hand. Note: there is more to this. Recommend viewing his video's for more.

The ability to feel the movement of the threat gives you additional sensing information to properly act. It tells you they are moving, in what direction, and then by its message provides you the actions necessary to exploit that movement.

In addition a karate-ka must not rely only on seeing or hearing or feeling. It should be a combination of all of them. Sometimes hearing a noise, looking to identify and classify may not be enough. A lot of times when attacked from the rear or blind side all you get is the ability to feel an aggressive touch. Once you feel it you have to act, to move, and to apply actions that will keep you from damage.

Feeling may be implied in the ken-po goku-i. It is not directly referenced, obvious to the reader. You can get an inference to feeling if you know to recognize the ken-po goku-i though symbolism and the Isshinryu-no-Megami. The time to strike is symbolized by the open and closed hands of the goddess so you can kind of extrapolate that this includes feeling with the hands. Going outside the box would add that feeling the others hands, i.e. open being representative of non-aggressive touch vs. closed hand representative of an aggressive touch or strike or joint manipulation and so on.

You can also use symbolism of the darkness represented in the goddess to mean one must use touch and thus how that touch feels something with interpretation as to that objects intent be it aggressive or not. We must use our hands and touch and feeling through the touch sense to determine obstacles and threats in darkness of all kinds.

Symbolism and its teachings, something to consider.

Thanks to Iain Sensei for this lesson on two hands and feel/touch, etc. Sometimes the obvious remains hidden until someone turns on a light. Light on! I also must mention that Rory Miller expresses the importance of touch or feeling to fighting, etc. in his book Facing Violence. Mr. Miller also speaks of smell as well which is unusual - how many teaching SD speak of touch and smell?

The Matrix is Real

We live in a matrix of our own doing every single day. Recent viewing of the matrix with story notes stimulated this thought. It can seem real yet some distant instinctual ghost of a thought says this is something more or different although seemingly real. This can be the stories we tell ourselves to make life comfortable - our comfort matrix of our mind.

We each experience life. Each of us will interpret those particular experiences and assume it represents reality. This is true to each individual due to their particular believe system which when compared to other systems becomes a divergent belief system that each of us possesses - The Matrix. Our belief system can be wrong and therefore our reality is not what we think it is - our matrix, the matrix.

If true then our reality is to be questioned in order to discover what exists behind our self induced illusions - our stories of comfort.

To be free from the matrix of our own design we shall have to accept the truth of the world which is the only path to true enlightenment. We have to achieve an ability to get past the matrix or the true nature of the human mind and karate-do is a means to develop a mind-body ability to reach enlightenment - unplugging from our matrix.

No where else can I determine such direct confrontation of the matrix than by the mind-body practice of karate-do. No where else can I determine such rapid emphasis on the reality than when a technique or mind fails to perceive the reality of such endeavors, i.e. protection in fighting and/or combat, speaks by way of pain. Pain is a good teacher.

To achieve the "way" one must come to some state where the uneasy peace karate-do presents achieves a balance of both Yin-n-Yang, i.e. the rational and irrational of the matrix. Understanding first and foremost that our minds are a matrix - of a sort - that produces both reality and stories is paramount to escaping the matrix. Accepting that we can control our mind thus the matrix is to build and strengthen our will and creativity. It is our natural ability of free will utilization and our innate creativity that allows is to unplug. Sometimes the comfort of the matrix keeps us chained to such things as rigidity and dogmatic doctrine that limits our enlightenment.

Don't' allow the matrix to dictate to you what enlightenment is ... allow your mind to be free, freeing the mind from the matrix of our own making. After all, the matrix we deal with although influenced externally is still ours and we can change it - free will, creativity, due diligence, and believing in oneself are the key to following any path where the way of the empty hand is the first gate to open allowing access to the second and third gates.

Free your mind; free your body; achieve free will; build on creativity and all through the singular, the one, practice of karate-do [any do will do the same].

Bibliography:
Young, Mark. An Interpretation of the Philosophy of the Matrix Trilogy. 2003 - 2011. The Matrix 101. Date of Access: 2 Aug 2011 http://www.thematrix101.com/contrib/myoung_aitptm.php

Hearing

The Ears must listen in all directions. Directions for this post are not just north, south, east, and west. Directions are multi-dimensional for both the physical world and the esoteric one.

There are so many benefits when you study something with a mind aware of the possibilities. In the last terse tome of the ken-po goku-i it states, "The ears must listen in all directions."

When you connect this with the system's symbol, i.e. the Isshinryu no megami, you find that the Goddess represents being alert and listens attentively. There are no restrictions or set definitions as to what this means yet if you really do the research you find that listening attentively has many benefits.

Research has proven that talking, emotionally or innocuously, results in unhealthy effects while "actively listening" provides many healthy ones. One causes increases in blood pressure while the other lowers it.

To actively listen provides healthful benefits that extend into martial arts where such active listening keeps you calm and breathing properly for a stable and alert mind allowing you to perceive what is needed to avoid-deescalate confrontations.

Seems like a win-win situation ... make it your effort to actively listen and leave the talking to the bare minimum.

Why so many posts on "seeing and hearing?"

We process information of the world by our senses. The majority fall under either sight or hearing - primary. The others, i.e. touch, taste, smell, are important and most of us in martial arts must, should, will train to use those as well yet the eyes/ears are also a primary.

The others are more necessary when the two persons start to physically interact. Smell of a person tells you something; feel of a technique as applied tells you something; taste can also tell you stuff  be it a taste in your mouth or something tasted, etc. yet what you see or hear are a primary tool in awareness.

In deescalation you eyes and hearing are critical to the communications you use but that is also tempered with knowing what to see and hear as well as what to say in response to the many stimuli you encounter in a self defense/protection scenario.

This is why you will see far more posts on seeing and/or hearing than other senses for SD, etc. or just for training/practice of martial systems.

Yes? No? Maybe? Comments?

The Eyes Have It

There are two terms in Japanese that help explain this precept or tome or terse tome of the ken-po goku-i, i.e. kan (顔 - observing) and ken (見 - seeing). 

It begins by telling us that the eye, generally for martial systems, is both strong and weak. Kan is a strong eye while ken is a weak eye. We see far and close where the focus may change what is seen from either strong or weak. We must achieve seeing as a sweeping broad fashion of seeing things.

Then we take into consideration strong and weak where directly seeing a thing is weak while seeing the peripheral as strong. This is what the gorin-no-sho states in, "you observe what is happening on both sides (peripheral) of yourself without rolling your eyes." This is that principle that uses such vision to see everything allowing the mind/brain to achieve superior action selection and implementation.

The art of seeing all things in martial systems is special to the art of fighting. To know a threats fighting system and yet not seeing its importance is not the arto of fighting and leads to getting hit.

We make many things important yet should understand that all the principles must be cohesive in application and practice/training to achieve a whole complete and useful system. Any imbalance to one or more leaves the art less than optimal. Seek the optimal, perfection as a path, at all times in training/practice.

This can be applied to "hearing," "striking," "moving," "balance," "hard-n-soft," and other aspects of the ken-po goku-i as it connects to the fundamental principles of martial systems.

COMPARISON: “karate ni sente nashi.” and "The time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself."

First, there are many differing opinions on when a strike meets either of these principles requirements or meaning to a karate-ka. The first tends to speak of not "attacking" first regardless of it being a strike, punch, or kick, etc. The second in its present English inference speaks of a particular, i.e. strike, but may actually mean any physical means of attack. Here is where the rub lies, the differing opinions that come from no one accepted expert source/validation.

Second, we cannot forget that this first principle is open to many interpretations due to the original presentation in Japanese characters which seem to rely on where, who, when, and what kind of preconceived/perceived experiences drive their particular explanations.

Third, and the majority of the remaining comments for this post, is how do we resolve and differentiate between these two principles or beliefs. Do we have to deal with cognitive dissonance and other such questions to come to a consensus between like minds.

I feel that in a real sense that keeping to the morals, beliefs, and meaning of both the individual and the mentor that all of us are correct when it results in a positive and beneficial result. Positive and beneficial as to the individual's needs and goals yet also meets those of the tribe/dojo and society as a whole - how society accepts or rejects such things.

Some of the justifications for this mode of belief are:

1 - Religious in nature, i.e. the commandments.
2 - The kata meaning, i.e. every kata starts with a block ...
3 - The meaning actually does not preclude striking first. The first attack consists of other than physical blows, etc.
4 - The belief once a threat is attacking karate-ka are free to "defend" regardless.
5 - The belief that you wait until the threat becomes physical is foolhardy, etc.
6 - The belief that our understanding of a threats intent governs how we implement the principles here.
7 - The belief that the two are more of a mid/late 1900's move toward cultivation of the mind by living to these precepts.
8 - The belief that these were created when the move to implementation into school systems to govern the watered down mostly physical versions governed.
9 - The belief that instruction of the mostly combative percepts in the dojo needed to be tempered by a moral code thus along with school implementation the more commercialization needed to add in for balance.
10 - The belief that it must be interpreted literally while its intent may have been more personally esoteric in nature.
11 - The belief that it actually means to do no harm to others, i.e "one must not harm others for no good reason."
12 - The belief, "a mental attitude of not being eager or inclined to fight."

On twelve I would quote, "Kobo Kenpo Karate-do Nyumon" chapter 10, "There is a precept “karate ni sente nashi.” Properly understood, this indicates a mental attitude of not being eager or inclined to fight. It is the teaching that just because one has trained in karate does not mean that one can rashly strike or kick others. ... the expression karate ni sente nashi should be properly understood to mean that a person who practices karate must never take a bellicose attitude, looking to cause an incident; he or she should always have the virtues of calmness, prudence and humility in dealing with others. (Mabuni and Nakasone 82-83)"

I personally believe that these two closely allude to this last belief and the quote below it. I have studied the ken-po goku-i as best as I possibly can and have come to the conclusion that it is never a good idea to get physical and that one must temper karate with humility and a belief system that promotes a calm and prudent attitude in all you do - not just regarding karate or any martial system.

To me the ken-po goku-i or law of the fist means that one only strikes, punches, or any other physical act when its need is presented to the victim in a manner leaving no other recourse - you fail to avoid, you let your awareness drop, or you allowed ego/pride to release your monkey brain precluding avoidance, etc. I also feel like the attempts to define the Tao-te-ching that it is something that exists when developed and nurtured by the person and is also not easily communicated but must be something felt at our core.

In conclusion from Okinawan Masters: "1930's era: ... Choki Motobu and Kenwa Mabuni – ... they strongly believed that striking first does not necessarily violate the sente nashi principle. Indeed, both men seem to have felt that a first strike is, under certain conditions, the only reasonable course of action for a karate- ka to take."

"Mabuni was “a staunch advocate of the moral values established to govern the behavior of karate-do practitioners” (McCarthy, “Standing” 34)."

p.s. Tao-te-ching, wonder if the te part can be connected to the hand in some philosophical inference/reference?

Bibliography:
Tankosich, Mark J. "Karate Ni Sente Nashi: What the Masters had to Say. [revised version of a paper that originally appeared in Vol. 27, No. 1 of the Hiroshima University of Economics Journal of Humanities, Social and Natural Sciences.] 2004 pdf format article from Charles Goodin Library Web Site.

Kenpo Gokui: What is gokui?

I finally found a valid definition of the word, "gokui," where its meaning is, "The Ultimate Wisdom [or State]." Coupled with the meaning behind Ken-po, i.e. law of the fist, we find that this is "Ultimate wisdom for the law of the fist."

Gokui by itself came about through the writings of the Japanese Sword Saint, Miyamoto Musashi, in his book, "The Book of Five Elements." Yes, you read that right. Apparently it is not actually a Book of Five "Rings" but rather a loose inference to the Chinese five elements which are very apparent when reading the five chapter titles, i.e. Earth, Water, Air, etc.

I recently came across a book on Samurai that seemed to focus on various folk tales to express the customs, traits, etc of what Samurai and thus the Japanese Warriors of ancient times to help us relate to today's characterizations as to martial systems. In that version/translation of the Gorin-no-sho the author uses Gokui to refer to the ultimate understanding of the art, martial art.

This seems to follow with the implied meaning Tatsuo Sensei meant us as practitioners to seek out such an ultimate wisdom of the laws of the fist, karate. In this particular case the system of Isshinryu.

I was unable to find a solid reference to what gokui meant until I ran across the meaning provided for the Gorin-no-sho translation. When I read it, the light came on and it felt right for the totality of meaning toward the study of the terse key called the "ken-po goku-i."

In addition, research also provides the following:

法 - Law, method, code of laws, law, rules, regulation.
Gokui: 奥 : 奥義 the secrets, esoterica, the mysteries
憲 - Kenpo: a rule, a regulation; 憲 - Kenpo: constitution, constitutional law
獄衣 - Goku-i: prison uniform/jail: Gokui: The Ultimate State or The Ultimate Wisdom


憲奥義 = Kenpo Gokui?

Bibilography:
Sato, Hiroaki. "Legends of the Samurai." Overlook Press. New York. 1995.

E-Language Processes to Follow:

Look at this as E-Language Tactics so you don't find yourself in a e-language self defense mode or attack:

Rule 1: Force yourself to "think" before we speak or write.
Rule 2: Write down you message and read them carefully before you actually write them.
Rule 3: Print out your Internet messages and read them before you send them or save them.
Rule 4: Do something else for a few minutes and then go back and read them before sending.
Rule 5: When you feel like you have been attacked, hold the message for twenty-four hours before responding.
Rule 6: When you fired the opening shot, intended or unintended, hold it for twenty-four hours before responding.
Rule 7: When you send an unfortunate electronic message, do make all efforts to repair matters. Call or send an apology and/or explanation. Do what you can to set matters right.
Rule 8: DO NOT share intimate personal information by voice mail, e-mail, or on the Internet.

Bibliography:
Elgin, Suzette. "The Gentle Art of Self-Defense at Work." New York. Prentice Hall Press. 2000.

Written Language and E-Language

Wow, something I want to get out on this blog. Flame wars are misunderstood written language where a party projects some sort of internal misgiving, to be nice about it, into what they read. This is an important distinction when communicating by written language.

Remember, the written word does not convey the all important intonation or melodic pattern of the spoken word. It does not have any body language either. There is no way in hell you can possibly fully understand what is the meaning behind the written language of a post, etc.

I quote, "It is never sage to assume that you have been verbally attacked on the basis of written language alone!" - The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense at Work, chapter 6 "Malpractice of the Mouth," by Suzette Haden Elgin, Ph.D.

If you find that some written language/word/statement you receive in an email, letter or post either on a blog or social system has caused you to become angry then "stop it" and remove the "personalization" of it. It is you and not the composer. If you do get one then ask questions if you are unable to "hear the sequence from the speakers (author of original post/writing) own lips. Sometimes a back-n-forth of generic non-aggressive questions will get the author thinking and maybe the true meaning will arise in the thread. Note: If after two or three threads it does not clear up then drop it, remove any personalizations, and assume that until you can "see and hear" the person's intent and context that you just agree to disagree.

Sometimes you can get more by a phone call but that is lacking as well. It is so darn complex.

Final quote, "Unless you can find a way to hear the sequence from the alleged attacker's lips, or find additional evidence that the language was an attack, assume that it was a neutral utterance.? - The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense at Work, chapter 6 "Malpractice of the Mouth," by Suzette Haden Elgin, Ph.D.

"Language used on the Internet in e-mail, chat rooms, listserve messages, blogs, social networks, and the like. The same cautions hold for electronic language as for both spoken and written language, but they hold more strongly. This one applies to training yourself to "stay away from the send button" until you have written, reviewed, analyzed, re-written, and then with a count to ten and many deep rythmic breathes then and only then "send." When you write a message on the Internet, regardless of its neutrality or inappropriateness or plain abusive nature, it is gone - instantly and irrevocably. You can not get it back or revise it.

p.s. Now I am finally beginning to understand why Rory Miller gave this particular book/author such mention in his bibliography - it is an important key to SD, etc.

Get Your Own Philosophy ...

I have theories. I have idea's. I have beliefs. I have my own philosophy. I have one for my life and one for my practice of karate-do-jutsu. They are intertwined. My philosophy is a mixture of many things that come from my personal life experiences. This means my philosophy is very personal and has nothing to do with anyone else or any other practice of martial arts. It is mine.

Get your own philosophy! I don't mean you ignore the philosophies of others especially those within the ancient classics of Asia. It would be important to take in philosophy from other sources for within those you may find tidbits that can make your personal philosophy more than you would have known existed.

When I post I am expressing many things from my viewpoint that rise up from within "me" and are a part of or a new addition to my  philosophy of both life and karate-do-jutsu. Like the symbol of the great tai-chi, my philosophy is a never ending cycle between yin-yang to yang-yin influenced by my practice and studies of the martial-way-technique. It influences my life and my life influences it. This is good.

Don't assume an others philosophy. It may be cool but it is NOT your philosophy, it is thiers. Get your own philosophy. You can mix, match, add, subtract, divide, morph, meld - whatever but let all philosophies you study influence how you personally "choose" your philosophy.

We spend way to much time and energy trying to get others to buy into our philosophy when in reality it should be "we present ours so you can find your own" and that works. No one is in a vacuum, an island if you remember the quote. We are the center of the circle and we are the space outside of the circle. We are the circle and we must allow both inner and outer influences mix and form our personal philosophies.

We must assume the fundamental principles, the basic waza, the kata, the other various practices of the masters but we must NOT remain stagnant by dogmatically maintaining that practice but rather allow it to form a new and unique form by our philosophy and its influences on practice. It is necessary to remain faithful to the fundamentals of a system. It must be taught, initially, as it was meant to be taught traditionally yet it must rise up, grow, and blossom into a unique practice/philosophy of karate-do-jutsu.

The Ken-po Goku-i remains the same as we pass it down to our students. Yet, its meaning and teachings are open to the individual. Although it remains steadfast in its original form it has the ability to take the practitioner on a path that deviates from any other persons path. Why it is not defined adequately by Tatsuo Sensei or any other Isshinryu practitioner is because it was not meant to be rigid and inflexible. It was meant to present a key to open the doors to each unique person so they can "get their own philosophy."

My philosophy is mine. I hope it is and has provided thought provocation. Let it be a step toward your own philosophy.

Heart

The Japanese believe that "truth" lies "only" in  the inner realm as symbolically located in the "Heart" or belly (Hara). The Japanese believe that what is important and what is true toward human interactions lies in silence which is a kind of virtue similar to "truthfulness."

The words, "haragei and Ishin Denshin" symbolize Japanese attitudes toward human interactions in this regard. To understand the "Do" of a martial system as it relates to the Japanese view you should look to the Zen practice associated with traditional arts and the spirit of do (the way or path) which is characterized in the silence of meditation or mokuso. Zen is understood only at a deep and intuitive level. It can't be understood by words but through the constant practice we hear taught in the dojo and this is the actual explanation of the "why." Constant practice is focused toward meditation, quietude, and the emptying of our minds. It is a teaching of truth through a Zen connection which helps explain "Chinmoku" or silence in Japanese communications.

As you may be able to determine by this post the importance of learning the customs, courtesies and beliefs of a system both historical, especially as to traditional martial practice, and current are necessary to fully and completely understand the "what and why" of Asian martial systems and practice. It becomes critical if one actually goes to a traditional and Koryu based Dojo where the Sensei may still practice diligently these traits of the Japanese so one will understand and comprehend.

It is interesting that the Japanese look between the lines, into the void or spaces, for determining communications while we Americans tend to look directly at the lines seeking there what is actually in the white spaces between the lines and words, etc. It is like the great symbol of the Tai Chi, duality as in one side of the Earth the Japanese do it one way while at the opposite side of the Earth we do exactly the opposite.

The "do" practices also emphasize quietude and a grave atmosphere in which a controlled attitude contained within silence leads practitioners to the development of skill and success. Could this be because the silence or space between promotes present moment awareness where one looks toward the inner self to find and improve while the practice of the physical with a silence allows present moment awareness to perceive and feel the variances of the body so it may find balance and connect to the mind and thus the spirit of the person?

Silence in the dojo may also come from the Japanese identification with groups where the role of silence is creation of harmony and the avoidance of conflict. I can see this because most of the conflict I have witnessed usually rises to the inadequate communication, words, that folks exchange in a heated fashion.

Bibliography:
Davies, Roger J. and Ikeno, Osamu. "The Japanese Mind: Understanding Contemporary Japanese Culture." Tuttle Publishing. Tokyo, Japan. 2002.

Do-kyo: Taoism (Tao = "The Way")

道 Do-kyo, do-jo, do-toku, bushi-do, etc."The Do Spirit of Japan"

To explain how Aimai works take "The Way" as characterized by the kanji above. Depending on its usage and the persons intent as to voice inflections and body language not to forget locale, beliefs, and other traits you will get many expressions such as the one in the title as well as practice room, street or road, morals, entertainment, tea ceremony, and of course the way of the warrior.

I remember its use in a movie long ago. It was used to set the stage as to how a Japanese Oyabun understood that an American actually had an understanding of Japanese ways with emphasis on "giri." The above character was set in stone among other smaller stones, i.e. a stone garden with water and other plantings, etc. that were esthetically perfect. It was the first time I understood the ambiguity of their language.

Shu Ha Ri -n- Di Ren Tian

I am going to assume that all the readers of this post already know and understand the concept of Shu Ha Ri or is it shu-ha-ri or shuhari, whatever. Anyway, on he wiki I found a page that provides some information on Shu-ha-ri and at the very bottom it provided the Chinese equivalent. When I read the explanation of the Chinese version the bell started to ring as to the ken-po goku-i.

Di, the Chinese character represents "Earth" basics or fundamental principles if you will. This level is to experience movement at a fundamental level. A bit less of an explanation yet if you view the fundamental principles of the martial systems it will ring a bit better.

Ren, the Chinese character represents "Human" ready to learn. This might even equate to Sho-dan. It too is a middle area where some go and remain in this Country (my opinion here).

Tian, the Chinese character represents "Sky/Heaven" no conscious thought resulting in moving/flowing like the elements. A stage or higher level from many, many years of practice/training.

Where this connects for those who are familiar with the Isshinryu version of the ken-po goku-i are references to Earth, Human, and Heaven. You will also notice if familiar with I Ching that these are the three components of the Hexagrams. They also name representations of trigrams and even the lines.

Those who have read the history of Okinawa will see that this comes about from the huge influences of the Chinese over their entire history. Karate may be Okinawan but it was born from the Chinese martial influences. Look at it this way, Kenpo/boxing is the father and the I Ching is the mother and the child is Okinawan Karate. Once China-hand to now Empty-hand. Evolution, something fierce and unstoppable, nature and its nature.

Another view, humans learn from those teachings of nature which is a marriage of the Heavens and the Earth. The Sun, the moon, the other planets and the entire universe exert some influence against one another providing the balance that makes life possible, human beings or all living things of the Earth.

Wholehearted Person

In Isshinryu systems, all the various tribes or factions regardless of the obvious differences, tend to believe and promote the idea of "wholehearted practice of Isshinryu, the wholehearted system of Okinawan Karate-do." When it comes to where the "rubber meets the road" do any one of us actually understand what that means?

I firmly believe Isshinryu coupled with the ken-po goku-i provide keys to achieving wholehearted practice of Isshinryu - this applies to any martial system be in karate, kung-fu, Aikido, etc.

In the training facility, the Dojo, I speak of "Reishiki" which to me means something like "courtesy, consideration, respect, etc." It is an action that reflects what is in my heart. This can be faked by performing flawlessly those outward actions that promote the idea of reishiki but how do we "know" if one is actually a wholehearted person?

Time! No one can keep up that type of face all the time and for long periods of time. We are humans and a human will always drop back down into that true space of what is in their heart - good or bad as the case may be. Bad folks can display charismatic personalities yet sooner or later the true heart of a person comes up like bubbling water from a natural spring.

One reason we might say, it matters not what you say but what you do, so show me on the dojo floor. Even this brings out the truth in "time." Time reveals actions as wholehearted or simply a false front that is "fool-hearted."

I train and practice and study to achieve a the way of the "wholehearted person." It requires many things but a chief one is balance in all things - seeing, hearing, feeling, sensing both sides of the coin of life.

Seeing and Hearing - Vision and Auditory

Research has shown that people seen to have a preference as to what kind of sensory information they will prefer over any other. This research then focused pretty much on human vision and hearing. It is nice to also hear that today they are now adding in touch, taste, and smell. Apparently you can detect which is the preferred sensory input by their language.

If someone uses such words as "see or hear" then that might indicate what they see along with what they hear will have the greatest influences. Sometimes other words point to either see or hear.

Sight: see what you mean; see your point; looks good to me, etc.
Hearing: I hear you; I know exactly what your saying; sounds reasonable, etc.
Touch: It does not feel right; I can not put my finger on it; If feels okay, etc.
Smell: That is kind of fishy; the whole affair stinks; I will sniff around and fine out, etc.
Taste: I have a bad taste about it; I can taste what is rotten here; It sickens me, etc.

I have read from one professional that one determinant between a specific kind of attacker is what you smell. It was said that this type usually does not maintain their bodies so you will smell then when in a fight, etc. Another expert then explains that when it does get up close and personal your ability to feel the attacker will be superior to what you see, hear, etc.

Now as to avoidance-deescalation if your hearing someone using the stage of verbal attacking in the monkey dance or your encountering a charm predator then listen to the words, know what to look for in the verbal content then attach what they are using for their sensory input. This may affect what you do and say to avoid/deescalate the situation. Simplistic but should provide impetus to gain more knowledge and understanding in a complex field.ß

Match the sensory mode to the person. Just one more technique to achieve the SD of avoidance-deescalation. Yes? No? Maybe? Comments ...

Grateful-Appreciated

I just wanted to recognize the following blogs and say simply, "Thank you for all your efforts, your blogs are an inspiration and an education. - Thanks!"

Martial View by John Vesia, Kowakan by Mario McKenna, Mokuren Dojo by Patrick Parker, Chiron by Rory Miller, Karate Thoughts by Charles C. Goodin, Dojo Rat by Dojo Rat ;-), 24 FightingChickens by Rob Redmond, My Journey to Black Belt and Countdown to Shodan by Sue C, Martial Secrets podcasts and blog by Lawrence Kane and Kris Wilder, Tai Chi With Melissa by Melissa, Bushido Road by Felicia, and of course the many folks who take the time to read my stuff and especially those who provide feedback and comments.

While I am at it I want to say thank you to those many authors who provided me more knowledge than was available when I began. Old dogs do learn new tricks.

Thanks,

Charles

Yin-Yang | Good-Bad

The ken-po goku-i, by its nature and composition, teaches us that everything from MA to life itself is comprised of two sides of a singular life force/form. In my post on the Okinawan Karate blog site I talk of the dual coin of humans, i.e. humans or people are good; humans or people are bad. The goku-i, for brevity, also teaches us karate-ka that all things are one yet are made up of two sides which tend to one degree or another are also the opposite of the other.

We speak of practicing wholeheartedly yet we tend to side with either a yin or a yang practice. Some practice as if it were a complete hard system while others a soft. In Isshinryu, my belief, it was meant to balance out both hard and soft.

If you notice it was created out of Goju, which tends to be practiced hard, and Shorin, which tends to be practiced soft. Isshinryu was meant to balance out the hard and the soft living up the the goku-i's maxim of balance of the two sides of yin-yang. It seems to be a core understanding that there are meant to be two sides and they are to be balanced.

Don't misunderstand, this does not mean when your hard your hard and when soft your soft but rather a blending of both to one degree or another. We can apply strictly hard but mostly a blending of both while some are more hard or more soft or some degree between. In some cases it is hard/soft equally.

Even the principles of martial power which in reality are actually "principles of martial practice" teach you this as well. Take the application of impact techniques where your with out tension then suddenly full of tension at point of impact into the target, etc.

The core of the goku-i is balance, being one by managing the two opposites of human nature, and achieving that in our martial practice. Using this as a basis then can be achieved in all aspects of life.

Is there actually an accurate translation of the ken-po goku-i?

Click for larger view.

I wonder all the time which of all the translations are accurate to the kanji passed to us as the "ken-po goku-i." Let me begin by what is provided just for the title, "ken-po goku-i."

Ken means "fist." Po means "law." But doe it really mean that when you look at the kanji. I will use the translation from the AJA tribe which has not apparent kanji characters available for the title. I have one copy of the silk certificate where you can extrapolate the approximate characters but since it is written by hand and the clarity is questionable who can tell for sure.

First, the block and hand written versions in the accompanying graphic have no kanji for the title of ken-po goku-i. In the silk certificate you can see at the far right four characters that would fit the "ken" "po" "goku" "i" translation. Since they are written in what I would call "freehand or cursive style" it is hard to determine the exact characters.

Some may ask the question, "Why bother?" Well, from my perspective if we are to study the system completely we must study the ken-po goku-i but to do that we must find the "correct and accurate" translations of the characters. If you compare these three you can at least determine with some accuracy the block characters to the free hand of the silk certificate and be pretty positive they are the same.

This reminds me of the study of the I Ching, did the translator's get the character to English right?

I have two kanji sites I will use to try and determine the meaning of the characters. Also, I have humbly asked a Isshinryu practitioner who is currently stationed on Okinawa to see if he can get a more accurate translation from the Okinawan Isshinryu practitioners, etc. Petty Officer 2nd Class Andy Sloane, Go-dan Isshinryu Karate-do.

1 - http://www.saiga-jp.com/cgi-bin/dic.cgi?m=search&sc=0&f=0&j=&g=&e=&s=&rt=0&start=1&sid=1256767060_65568
AND
2 - http://translate.google.com/#en|ja|

Another issue is that these characters have more than one meaning when taken separately which also convolutes the translations and overall meaning. Take the character for "heart" which is used  in the Isshinryu kanji as well, it is " 心 ."

1 - heart: 心 = mind, spirit, heart, a soul, a thought, will, a mood, a feeling, sincerity, consideration, sympathy, the core
2 - heart: 心 = heart, mind, core, wick

As can been seen there are several ways to interpret the kanji. Another issue as will be seen is that when you translate the English versions of the kanji translations through the google translation module you find that the characters that are provided in the silk, and other, certificates don't translate to those English versions - none of them.

Note: The thought just occurred to me of another road block to understanding martial systems with my emphasis on Isshinryu and Ken-po Goku-i. Humans, my theory, tend to "stop" when they first perceive an answer they feel is what they are looking for in relation to their experience and understanding to that point. It is the same when reading we come across the very first thing that seems to answer our inquiry according to our perspective and view then we "stop." This may also be why the translations don't gel, we got what seemed like the stuff we seek and never took it beyond that point. My experience to date, a hard lesson still trying to work past, indicates that we need to go beyond our acceptance and seek out more knowledge for that additional knowledge will change our views, knowledge, and perceptions.

Back to the title, ken-po goku-i. The first part, ken, is 拳. I have viewed it in both 1 & 2 to find that it, the kanji character, matches the one in the silk certificate. It means, "fist." The part, "po," has been provided as "law" in most translations. I found in both 1 & 2 the same character as the silk, "法," which means "law" in both.

We can translate the first two title characters as, "拳法," as "fist law." So, this seems to translate to "fist law for ken-po." Yet, does it really. What happens when you put fist and law together in 2. You get, "拳法," which seems to work, in this case. I also reversed the translation in 1 and got back the same, which often is not the case, of "Kenpo."

Here is where things get a bit muddled, the goku-i part in both 1 & 2 don't match to the two remaining characters in the silk version of the graphic so we must do a bit of hunting to find the correct translations. How do we do that? First, what is the English translation found on various sites:

Click for larger view.

a. essential principles or essential points which become, "essential = 必須 and point = 点," no match. As a matter of fact, which adds to the confusion, when the characters are copied and placed in the reverse they translate to "required." Interesting, yes! Essential principles is, "essential = 本質的な and principle = 原理. Neither translate properly and in reverse, "本質的な原理 = essential principles." Do we start to "see" how convoluted it all is and that translations are very difficult if we don't know and understand the author's intent as to the time, place, customs, and beliefs of that person and time and country!

The hand written version has what the author "believes" are the English equivalents but do they, according to the translation of 1, you get:

person 人 - heart 心 - same と同じ - heaven 天 - earth 地

and we can tell immediately that although separately some are verified yet not all and one that does partly has two other characters that are appended, etc. to complete the translation.

If we translate just the English in site 2 we get:

person 人 - heart 心 - same と同じ - heaven 天 - earth 地
blood 血液 - pulse パルス - similar 同様 - sun 日 - moon 月
method 方法は、- hard ハード - soft ソフト - swallows 飲み込む - spit 唾
position 位置 - advance 事前 - pass パス - separate 別の - meet 満たして
body 体 - follow します - movement の動き - proceed 続行 - change は、変更
hand 手 - meet 満たす - empty 空 - suddenly 突然 - enter のように入力します
eye 目 - necessary 必要な - see を参照してください - four 四 - sides 辺
ears 耳 - "should examine" を調べる必要があります - eight は、8つの - directions 方向

Although the core characters, mostly, appear there are still other characters that are added to make the translation work in this site. The first site does not allow for full translations that can be added to this post but if you take a few moments and punch in the English you find some are accurate but have again many other English meanings so which would be correct and/or accurate.

Since I could not find a character for either goku or i I find that the character translation for that part is to be even more "iffy" but maybe Sloane Sensei can provide them from Okinawa.

I took the next graphic from site 1 and find that they "might" be the closest characters using a lot of leeway. They would mean essential points and if they are by some chance correct we get, "fist law essential points," which to my view come close to what I would use as a meaning behind the title of this group of characters.

The mind-body principle [体心]

The ken-po goku-i speaks of the "heart" which is given the character 心 and is also a part of the characters that give us the English translation of "Isshinryu" or "One Heart System/Style." 一 心 流 which if you go a bit further you will find that the character used to denote the "mind" for mind-body is also the one for heart and spirit, i.e. 心 and since these all lead to the human person in relation to the heavens or the tai-chi we can see a connection to the system of karate-do we call Okinawa Isshinryu.

We also then find that in the Book of Martial Power by Steven J. Pearlman he has a section on the principle of Body-Mind where I quoted in a previous post on one of my blogs.

The Isshinryu system and its connections to the Ancient Classics as well as the gateway of the ken-po goku-i along side the preaching of Tatsuo Sensei that we Americans must get to know the Okinawans as to customs, courtesies, and beliefs for to do this gives us insight to the systems they created and pass on to us as practitioners.

Martial Arts Functions Because of a Balance of Forces

The ken-po goku-i provides us hints of this principle, under triangulation point principle, in the first two references to the relationship of humans to nature or the Universe's influences which are a balance of energies, i.e. Yin-n-Yang.

We also see references in the manner of our actions being hard and soft as required; the balance of the body in changing direction where this reference to a balance of forces alludes to the shifting of legs with the body weight balanced and transitioned as the legs move into and out of stances along with applicaiton of hand/arm techniques establishing and removing a "third leg balance point" in motion.

A variety of forces are at play and can be referenced into the ken-po goku-i. I have an extended post I am constructing where I will reference each of the principles to the appropriate ken-po goku-i line, i.e. Heaven and Earth, Balance, Eyes, etc.

Since all martial arts function in direct relation to a reference to the "balance of forces" I wanted to stress the first two lines of the ken-po goku-i where the higher plane of references connects us to all that nature or the Universe governs under the rule of opposites and its varying degrees called "yin-n-yang."

Think of a "balance of forces" as a transitional effort that is fluid or constant. The more proficient you as a MA the greater you control those balances where the length of your line in relation to an opponent is that ability to govern you balance of forces vs. your opponents ability to govern those same forces.

Principle of Heaviness

This principle as explained in the Book of Martial Power by Steven J. Pearlman can be connected to the ken-po goku-i tenants, i.e. with specificity to, "A person's unbalance is the same as a weight."

Our inability to properly make use of our bodies anatomical structure in nature means we misuse our weight and cannot apply our weight to our techniques. It means that we are ineffective in martial applications which can be a loss of heaviness properly applied resulting in our unbalanced body and weight. To achieve balance in our body regarding the bodies mass and weight we cannot apply momentum to techniques and we lose things like proper structure and posture where the triangles become skewed resulting in an imbalance of weight or heaviness and this results in our attacker, if his line is longer, having the ability to apply his heaviness to unbalance ours and we lose the battle.

Our bodies must maintain the principles so that our angles, i.e. Alignments, structures, axis's both major and minor, vertical and horizontal axis control, centerline, triangle guard, posture, proper breathing, etc. all reduce our bodies heaviness for apply technique which allows us to be defeated.

If our heaviness is reduced in this manner the reactions of our applications are turned inward so that those same applications against our attacker are lessened allowing the attackers heaviness to overcome the technique and turn it back inward resulting in heaviness unbalancing our bodies and so forth.

I quote, "Heaviness typically refers to sudden manifestations of weight that manifest our heaviness faster than the opponent can compensate.' It must be remembered that our weight never changes but how heaviness is applied does change accordingly to how it is maintained regarding heaviness balance.

As indicated in the ken-po goku-i inference to yin-n-yang or changing opposites to balance and back all the martial principles work in either a yin or yang form with mixtures that result in efficient and effective martial power.

Caveat Alert - Danger, Danger, Danger Will Robinson

I quote a lot of folks; I allude to their writings; I am wanting to ensure that readers know that the opinions and theories and stuff I post is my opinion, theory, idea's, beliefs, and interpretations of said sources and MUST NOT BE MISCONSTRUED as coming from them or that they are validating/advocating anything I say here on this and other blogs.

I use them as sources of posts where I tend to slide off into my own world, my soapbox monkey brain. I am meandering through this wonderful world of ours, the martial arts, and want everyone to KNOW that this is my stuff and subject to being incorrect; to omissions; to errors of all kinds.

Take it all with a huge dose of skepticism. Nothing is as it would seem yet if has value in your "PURSUIT" of truth and knowledge if only as a stepping stone to greater knowledge.

If you find I am in error; if I am just wrong; if I have omitted; if I have misinterpreted then comment! I can take it! Go ahead and let me know for it means I still can learn and grow and prosper from the wisdom of all who stop by and read my mindless meanderings of martial arts and life.

Mindfulness of Hard-n-Soft

The manner of drinking and spitting (inhaling and exhaling) is either soft or hard. Do you actually remain mindful of your body during your practice? Do you feel and acknowledge when you are remaining soft, i.e. tension is reduced to absolute minimum to ensure energy is not lost within the body yet available for transference to the target, and when it needs to be hard, i.e. that instant tightening of the structure to take momentum and speed, etc. and transfer that energy and force into the target.

The ken-po goku-i on hard-n-soft also applies to our ability to breathe properly. Breathing properly is dependent on many factors such as stance, structure, alignment, pose, and all the various techniques as applied and dependent on applications, etc. Do you remain mindful of not only tension/positive relaxed, i.e. hard-n-soft, as well as how your body alignment, posture and structure are to optimize breathing and reap all its benefits both martial and healthful?

Look at the ken-po goku-i as a short "reminder" list whose purpose, martially, is to remind us daily of all the fundamental principles we should be aware and mindful of at those times of training/practice/application. It is there to remind us that when we practice we should be sensing, feeling, and focused on such things as, "does this particular technique, pose, stance, etc. need to be hard, soft, exhaling, or inhaling to maximize its purpose and effectiveness?

Ken-po Goku-i, to remind and to teach, a door to more in martial systems!

Blogging on Ken-po Goku-i ...

I am asking the question, "Why am I the ONLY person blogging on the ken-po goku-i?" I have searched out on the internet any source that comments on this document yet no one does other than to list the eight cryptic tomes  but me, why?

My understanding is that there is "one" person who actually knows about this document but remains silent for what ever reason; is this doing the system and its practitioner's any service/benefit?

Comments?

Ken-po Goku-i Reorder - ROUGH DRAFT

The Eyes must see all sides while the ears must listen in all directions.
A person's unbalance is the same as a weight and the body must have the ability to change direction at any time.
The manner of inhaling and exhaling is either soft or hard.
Strike when the opportunity presents itself, timing critical.
A person's heart is the same as heaven and earth so the energy within circulates similar to the sun and moon.

Reorder/Reformed to fit the six lines of the hexagram in relation to the I Ching:

The Eyes must see all sides while the ears must listen in all directions.
The manner of inhaling and exhaling is either soft or hard.
A person's unbalance is the same as a weight.
The body should be able to change direction at any time.
The time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself.
A person's heart is the same as heaven and earth so the energy within circulates similar to the sun and moon.

I tend to wonder about things. I wondered why the ken-po goku-i were numbered and placed in that order only to realize that it comes from its interpretation to English so those who studied the kanji version as to its order of characters then "assumed" that it should be in that order and like most military types gave them the numbers.

After all, there are no numbers or numbering associated with the Chinese characters. Then you need to think about that order of characters. Does anyone have access to the originals to see if they are ordered then there is how they are written and ordered depending on the time frame of history as well as the customs, courtesies, etc. of the person and people who wrote it, just like the study of the I Ching which is thousands of years old.

I decided that the order then may provide some insight if you connected it, for this discussion, as if it were actually meant to connect us to the ancient classic of the I Ching, debatable and contestable, which uses the hexagram. The hexagram has six lines and the first line is at the bottom which is the opposite of how we laid it out and numbered it. I have provided a re-order/re-write as I perceive it "might" be in relation to the six lines of the hexagram:

Line 6: A person's heart is the same as heaven and earth so the energy within circulates similar to the sun and moon.

[wholehearted practice; spirit-mind-body; energy flow and maximizing through tension control; ]

Line 5: The time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself.

[positive relaxation; power; speed; posture; balance; alignment; momentum; timing of centerline primary gate; vital area's; peripheral tells; ]

Line 4: The body should be able to change direction at any time.

[posture; stance; transitions; triangle mechanics; body reciprocity; ]

Line 3: A person's unbalance is the same as a weight.

[centerline; vertical to horizontal axis; triangular body mechanics; ]

Line 2: The manner of inhaling and exhaling is either soft or hard.

[hard-to-soft:soft-do-hard maxim; inhaling and exhaling deeply and diaphragmatically; ]

Line 1: The Eyes must see all sides while the ears must listen in all directions.

[see what violence is before it becomes violence; see the opportunity to avoid violence; see the other's intent and see how to deescalate; see the attackers gate and see how to take advantage; see the "tells" in our peripheral vision; visualize the imagery to practice reality based scenarios; ability to see the need to change; ]

In today's general belief of the ken-po goku-i line six, which is combined of the first two lines of today's English translation, are the first two lines which are given, in English, the higher place since it is believed to allude to some spiritual aspect of our practice. This may or may not be true so it is open for debate and/or discussion.

The reason I feel Line 1 has the "eyes and ears" as the beginning is because humans rely on a combination of the two to achieve knowledge, understanding, and mindful awareness. All three of these are required at a most fundamental level to achieve proficiency in life be it the application of martial technique or a spiritual application to ourselves and human kind.

Line 2 deals with not spitting or drinking but to me as inhaling and exhaling. One might say, how can inhaling and exhaling be yin and yang or soft and hard? Well, when we breathe in we take in energy which is yang and when we breathe out we expel bodily impurities which can be soft or yin. The body expands, yang, then contracts, yin. Also you can look at it in application of technique for to take in air, inhale, provides a point where the body releases its overall tension but when you exhale your body will then at one point, that point of impact, tighten to transfer all energy and power to the target, etc. A simplistic explanation but one that will convey the idea behind this step.

Line 3 and 4 are those positions of balance or equilibrium and the two lines tend to explain simplistically that balance of the body to a point of positive relaxation so it can move quickly and efficiently, i.e. if we remain as tension free as possible with out just turning to jelly on the floor the less tension the less energy is used thus when the tension comes in that one instant the maximum of energy from the entire body is triggered and transferred, if correctly applied, to the target.

I put the reference to striking below that of the spiritual part because one and the other are required for anyone to apply martial technique with character and the moral correctness/conformity  necessary to wield any power responsibly.

We can actually use a bit of leeway to achieve dual meaning for both the intent of the author and our own perspective/intent. The order now according to the lines can be bottom to top as expected by translation of Chinese thought, as much as can be understood by us as neophytes, and then the order from top to bottom which, mostly, forms to the original/numbered English translation.

I have come to believe that it is such a fluid and dynamic tome that when used with such as the I Ching that it can be connected to our modern thinking once we achieve some level of the author's intent so it will blend nicely with our modern martial practice. One reason I am becoming aware and outspoken as to some of the dogmatic doctrines that govern some systems.

I also firmly believe that removing the numbers and allowing it to flow in order and manner of the individual is best. I started to study it in its original English/Military driven form until I began to feel its form was limited/limiting and now have re-ordered it to a fluid style that can change at will to correctly fit/apply to practice which I also feel must be fluid enough to allow efficiency and practice to remain steady to the martial principles that govern all martial systems.

p.s. Yes, I know this also "numbers" the lines but it does associate them to the hexagram and outside this comparison the lines should be one paragraph and in any order that will support learning the system and its principles. All the martial principles can be explained and connected by this short terse keystone to the ancient classics of change/life.

An exercise in the possibilities:

1. A persons spirit is born of the mind and heart.
2. Ki circulates much like the cycles of the sun and moon.
3. Hard and Soft is a matter of inhaling or exhaling.
4. Adaptation is a matter of sensing intent.
5. Mobility is a matter of balance.
6. Strike quickly when intent is determined.
7. Awareness depends on actively seeing.
8. Awareness depends on actively listening.

It suddenly occurred to me why the ken-po goku-i is such a short and terse tome relating to the changes as provided by the I Ching. As I attempt to gather and understand; as I attempt to extrapolate all that is possible inference to my system of practice I find that it is so far reaching, so simplistically complex that it defies at every turn to achieve some definition or explanation of its meaning other than it works individually and separately from any other one individual it reaches heights that any attempt to put into some box lessens the lessons. Therefore these attempts are more a learning process to achieve a whole or wholehearted approach to the practice of my system and thus life itself.

Wholehearted, the one feature of the system of Isshinryu, the ken-po goku-i, and the other ancient classic called the "book of changes."

Line 1: This line is represented by a dragon flying low.
Line 2: The second line is symbolized by a dragon arising in the field.
Line 4: The fourth line symbolizes a dragon getting ready to leap out of the abyss and fly into the sky.
Line 5: This line says the dragon is already fling - a man of great virtue is ready to be a leader.
Line 6: This line says the haughty dragon reaches its limit.
Line 7: This line says that the ancient Chinese believed that, although dragons were the strongest and most powerful creatures, they never fought for leadership.

The rhythm of life energy is influenced by the rhythm of Heaven and Earth while those of human beings are influenced by the sun and moon.

Why are the explanations of the ken-po goku-i seemingly incomplete or non-existent?

I have visited many sites that host the ken-po goku-i to include the Isshinkai web site where few if any actually provide any type of explanation as to its use, purpose, and intent in regards to the practice of karate/karate-do/Isshinryu. This puzzles me a good deal when I have witnessed threads discussing its importance to Tatsuo Sensei and the Isshinryu system.

What does this mean regarding the terse tome of Chinese boxing, etc.?

Even the one book published on the title did not convey anything of value other than the expressing of a person's personal views of karate with little or no reference to the content of the ken-po goku-i.

I even had an opportunity to have a very astute and professional karate-ka stationed on Okinawa seek an answer yet could not find anyone who could elucidate. It would appear that it is up to those who wish to research and theorize but the crux of the matter is whether it works for that person or not.

Regardless, have fun and remain open minded. "All bottles are good, they all serve a purpose." - Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei Okinawan Isshinryu Karate-do.

Ken-po Goku-i - a very important document in the development of Isshinryu

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Reading a statement on the web concerning the value of the ken-po goku-i or the "Secrets of the Fist Way," taken from the Bubishi, is reportedly what is stated, a very important document to Tatsuo Sensei's efforts to create his own system of Okinawan karate-do. Is this true?

Now, as to the source of this statement I have to say that there is no reason I can fathom to refute this statement yet in my efforts to learn and understand I can not say emphatically that this statement is true/truth. Why?

In all the efforts to research the matter there has been absolutely nothing said, written, documented, passed down, passed along to anyone, American or Okinawan, that states its purpose and value to karate-do. We can infer a lot from our studies yet nothing to verify, validate, or explain it or its purpose other than this one statement.

Andy Sloane Sensei who is stationed on Okinawa and active in Isshinryu had this to say about my question: "This is not anything I've been able to come across in my research, and there are precious few senior Okinawan 1st-gen students left who even MIGHT be able to answer this.  It appears, though I could be wrong, that Tatsuo Sensei did not give out silk diplomas until after the Agena dojo opened in late 1957.  I would just have to guess that Tatsuo Sensei felt it was important enough to give it to them so much so that he had an English-language translation drafted by someone to assist in their understanding of the deeper meanings of their training. ... and ... he also stated as to the English-language translation ... y the way, you do know that the kanji for the precept 'The body should be able to change directions at any time' does not actually say that, right? Likewise, the kanji does not say 'The time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself.'"

Sloane Sensei has dedicated a lot of energy and effort to clarify various teachings of the Isshinryu system so I do consider him and expert in Isshinryu History, customs, and courtesies.

Personally, I find the ken-po goku-i, in its original/exact English form with Kanji, a valuable document in many things not just karate-do. I find its connections to the I Ching and other Ancient Chinese Books, etc. of even greater value. If nothing else it has taught me to seek out things way outside the box for both martial practice and other aspects of living this life of human being.

Now directly answering the original question, no one can say that it was or was not a very important document in the development of Isshinryu. We can theorize all we want yet Tatsuo Sensei is gone and since he cannot answer the question and his son, Kichero, cannot answer the question either then there is NO ONE who can validate the statement.

I can say if I wish, "The Ken-po Goku-i was directly responsible for influencing Tatsuo Sensei in his development and practice of Isshinryu!" I can also say, "The Ken-po Goku-i was NOT directly responsible for influencing Tatsuo Sensei in any way, form, fashion, etc., in his development and practice of Isshinryu!" Either way, can't prove the statement as either true or false, period!

Evaluate the Ken-po Goku-i

Line 6: A person's heart is the same as heaven and earth so the energy within circulates similar to the sun and moon.
Line 5: The time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself.
Line 4: The body should be able to change direction at any time.
Line 3: A person's unbalance is the same as a weight.
Line 2: The manner of inhaling and exhaling is either soft or hard.
Line 1: The Eyes must see all sides while the ears must listen in all directions.

It occurred to me that even if we remove the numbers and let the terse tomes of the ken-po goku-i free float that if we arrange then in another way that they would actually fit the defining lines of the I Ching's hexagram's.

We can look at it another way as well. The first two lines of the originally numbered tome were of Heaven and Earth in relation to a person's heart while the sun and moon reflect the persons circulation of energy as referenced by blood circulating in the body. Those two stand alone and can be represented by the two line of the four, that comprise the eight trigrams, and that make up all the hexagrams. 

I began at the bottom as does the hexagram of the I Ching when divining and interpreting meaning. The reason I began with eyes and ears will be explained further in a later post or reordering of the tomes. I moved to breathing which is of higher importance since that feeds both the body and the mind. Then about the body. Then the line five and six equates to the mental training necessary to properly apply martial arts in life.

Just another interesting view of the ken-po goku-i.

Don't Hide Behind Dogmatic Doctrine

Dogmatic: A principle or set of principles laid down by an authority as incontrovertibly true [a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative]. Doctrine: A belief or set of beliefs held and taught by a church, political party, or other group [a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative].

Isshinryu as followed in modern times seems to be caught up in this dogmatic doctrine that one must remain exact, true, and unwavering in the way the system is taught as thought derived from those original exacting instructions from Tatsuo Sensei. So much is barricaded from progress due to some nature to put the system so far up on a pedestal that in the end it results in stagnation.

Stagnation for both the practitioner and the system when the ken-po goku-i's teachings provide insight into the need to reach beyond the bare bones or fundamental teachings of a novice and allow for practitioners to reach up into the realm of expert and maybe even master.

This post will fly straight into the face of those who are stuck in the doctrine that had the best of intentions yet ended into a doctrine that is dogmatic, stifling, stagnating, and limiting. My personal search has led me to believe that for this system grow beyond the seed that remains requires a strong individual who will break away and find truth and understanding.

All the keys are in the ken-po goku-i and many, many other writings and teachings if one will just look over the wall erected by unintentional misunderstanding to "see" and "hear" all that is there for the taking.

Seeking Self-Awareness: Mindfulness of Awareness of Self

We as practitioners who wish to become more must first look within to achieve complete and open knowledge of ourselves, to see all the good and all the bad, in order to achieve what one might call, "enlightenment or an enlightened state." In thinking of this aspect of training and practice I came across a quote in a book that describes the process well:

"In order to understand the larger truths, you must first accept the smaller truths about yourself. This requires sacrifice. We live our lives hiding from the things that displease and discomfort us. We reinvent ourselves and our history, constantly placing things in a light most favorable to us. It is the nature of mankind to do this. Mostly, our deceptions are small ones. But they gather weight through numbers, and having them revealed all at once can be crushing. As well, there are larger truths that, exposed, seem more than we can bear, and so we hide them most carefully.

Truth will assault you as surely as an ordinary metal blade. It will have impact and cutting edges. Knowledge and acceptance of what is coming are your best defense. You can do what you need to do to protect yourself and adapt."

I feel that this is true. I feel that we all tell ourselves stories and as we experience and/or retrieve memories our minds instinctively perceive those that may cause us pain and suffering so the mind "adjusts" our memories accordingly. My research into this tells me one thing, "This is normal human nature." It is not to be perceived as something "wrong" but should be accepted so we can grow and become more ... by acceptance and discovery we can meet these head on and by this remove them from affecting our intent and actions.

Scanning

To scan is to apply both conscious and unconscious awareness to the environment your body resides in at any one moment in time to achieve EWS capabilities which contribute immensely to our ability to perceive and determine when to "avoid" things that might put us into harms way.

Karate/karate-do + Ken-po Goku-i (yang + yin of martial systems) teaches us to use our body-mind to achieve something unique in our practice and life. A core teaching of both is the use of both "eyes and ears" to see and hear many things both literal and figurative as our minds interpret what is seen in scanning so we may act accordingly with out resorting to a somewhat ineffective, for our time, instinctive reaction to stimuli, etc.

Click for larger view.

Take a look at the associated graphic. I use it to help "see" how both "eyes and ears" are used in scanning. These are useless if one has not attained adequate knowledge of what to encode in the brain so the mind can evaluate its perceptions and translate them to useful data to act on. As can be seen, the eyes have both direct and peripheral vision while the ears have a much larger area to hear sounds that would trigger the eyes and head to rotate in the right direction for gathering more pertinent data to evaluate. All this when trained properly; when educated properly provide almost instantaneous responses/reactions/actions necessary to "avoid; deescalate; remain aware."

Using your imagination and training to rotate the head to the left and right provide your eyes, both direct and peripheral + hearing, a full three hundred eighty degree area coverage. If something is detected to the absolute rear by hearing an peripheral vision the body can turn ninety degrees either way to verify data before acting, if time permits.

Give this some serious consideration. After all, in my view, this scanning is actually the first physical training fundamental that provides the art of avoidance its best chance of success.