Introduction
Zanshin (Empty Mind)
Martial arts is just that - an art. Although the emphasis on its study used to be on the martial aspect more than the art, this emphasis has drastically polarized the other way. This presentation is not for those who seek knowledge on "Learning Karate in ten easy steps," or "How to paralyze someone with one finger." If you seek this knowledge then please stop reading now and hit your back button, for you will be wasting your time. Indeed, this presentation focuses primarily on the 'art' aspect of the martial arts. It will direct you through simple excercises like breathing and meditating which enrich your experience of the art. It will serve as a guide and as a teacher; as a commentator and as a poet; as a Master and as a student. Use whatever you need and discard the rest. Read it once, reread it again, take notes, save, copy, paste... whatever is needed to start you on your way to the path of enlightenment. Now, take a deep breath and exhale... let us begin.
Bushido (Way of the Warrior)
Respect is the most important value in martial arts, and also in Life. Without respect, denial and confusion set in, and all becomes lost. Respect no one, and no one shall respect you. In order to cure oneself of a lack of respect, one must cure himself of egotism and pride; only then will he see his true self and realize its value; only then will he start making the journey to understanding the Way - the Tao. The sage is he who follows the way and lets the way follow him. He commands respect and also respects those around him. He sees the truth and is blind to the world. His word is heard only by those who are willing to change - all others fall silent to his teachings. His students learn by choice and by mistakes, yet make no choice and no mistakes - they follow the Way and the Way follow them.
The martial artist is he who lives within the Way. I am not he. I live in the present, past, and future; he lives in the here-and-now. Past, present, and future are abstractions of the mind. Through abstractions one becomes abstracted, lost. The martial artist practises abtraction to achieve understanding, totality; he keeps company with the disease to be rid of it; he becomes one with himself and those around him.
All martial arts are the same. Their goal is to achieve the completion of the individual and to understand the world in all its complexity. To do so, they require a steady training regimen aimed at physically balancing the body's internal and external functions in addition to mentally preparing the pupil on his journey to "enlightenment". Once the pupil gains totality, he becomes a sage and abandons all that he has learned - only then will he be called a true Master. To pour water into a full cup only makes the water spill over the sides; to learn something new when you seem to know everything will spill knowledge into thin air. You must become devoid to gain totality. This is what the study of martial arts entails. Abandon the spirit, and your mind will follow. Let us begin the Journey...
Other Sections...
1. Meditation Techniques and the Mind
2. Martial Arts as Dance