Shoshin 初心

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.