This article also appears in our Autumn 2018 newsletter.
I consider the topic important enough to try reaching an even larger audience.
def:
SHOSHIN 初心
A word from Zen Buddhism meaning ‘beginner's mind’. It refers to having an attitude of openness,
eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even at an
advanced level, just as a beginner would.
(This article reflects a pet peeve of
mine. Many martial artists know they’re
so right that they refuse to look at any other possibilities.)
I’ve
met senior Black Belts who say that bunkai (analysis and breakdown of
techniques) is a lot of bunk; that they would never use some of the grabs,
locks, chokes, and takedowns found in kata; that their response to any attack
would be a block - punch/kick counterattack.
They’re not entirely wrong. These
simple, basic responses are called kihon, which means: basics. Kihon is so important that it’s practiced
every class. Just don’t tell me that
you’re a Black Belt of only basics and can’t handle anything more complex. Kata
(forms) include advanced combinations which must be practiced to work
properly. You choose not to work
it? Fine for you, and congratulations on
your limited Black Belt abilities.
I’ve
had students tell me that they disagree with a series of moves in kata. “I don’t think that would work. I’d rather do it this way.” Congratulations on being such an expert White
Belt that you can challenge the wisdom of Karate masters passed down through
the ages. In a street attack, you can
always modify a technique to fit the situation.
Generally, it’s easier to do less of a complex combination than try to
add more to your limited training. Study
the syllabus as presented. Utilize it as
needed.
Have an open, eager mind, with no preconceptions when studying Karate. Take it all in. It’s better to handle a street attack with your vast understanding of techniques than to struggle with your limited knowledge. For the record, there are movements in kata that I still don’t fully understand, or disagree with after more than 40 years of Shotokan training. I still practice the moves anyway. Perhaps I’ll understand them or make them work for me down the road. If I abandon a move now, I’ll never get it right.
Have an open, eager mind, with no preconceptions when studying Karate. Take it all in. It’s better to handle a street attack with your vast understanding of techniques than to struggle with your limited knowledge. For the record, there are movements in kata that I still don’t fully understand, or disagree with after more than 40 years of Shotokan training. I still practice the moves anyway. Perhaps I’ll understand them or make them work for me down the road. If I abandon a move now, I’ll never get it right.
