Seize the Moment

Seize the Moment

Patience is the essential quality of a man. –KWAI-KOO-TSU Chinese Philosopher
The Samurai class of Japan was known for their fanatical devotion to their lords, as they were expected to offer their lives at any given moment. To westerners it would seem that these warriors had little or no appreciation for the value of life. In fact the truth was quite the opposite.

Knowing that they could be asked to die at a command from their lord, the Samurai lived each day as if it were their last, living life to the fullest. The Samurai would give every ounce of effort and the fullest attention to every aspect of their daily lives. This Samurai way of life has its roots in the teachings of Zen Buddhism. This way is the model for how karate students should approach their training and also how students should live their lives.
Zen philosophy teaches us that we must make the most of every second we have available. Each second is precious as it makes up the fabric of our waking lives. Our time that we spend training at the dojo must be treated in the same manner. When you come to the Dojo, leave everything that is clouding your mind at the door with your shoes. This is your time, so make the most of it. Put as much effort and diligence into your training as it will produce superior results.
Like the Samurai of ages past, students of Karate must be patient and diligent. We must focus on the task at hand. Remember to concentrate only on what you are doing at the moment you are doing it. Do not let your mind wander and stay focused.
It can be difficult to keep a continual level of intensity, so pace yourself and do not give up. This is a time of year when we have opportunities for vacations and travel. Rest and recreation is important and healthy for everyone, but do not be lazy. Remember to make time for your training as it is the only answer to improvement.
The skills we retain through continual practice must be nurtured on a regular basis. Make time to practice with whatever time you have available. In the same way a musician or an artist must practice frequently to retain their skill, the Karate student must practice in the same manner.
I would urge all students regardless of rank to seize every moment possible. Students should not only make the most of their karate training but make the most of all other aspects of life. No matter where you are, put forth your best effort at being the best person you can be.
On a personal note, I am very proud of our school and feel privileged to be surrounded by so many wonderful people. I have seen so many new students accomplish amazing things and am very proud of them. I only wish for the success and happiness of all our students. Please do not forget to make time for your training and seize every moment possible. I know you will be glad that you did.

What the heck is Ki anyway?

What the heck is Ki anyway?
I have to admit the more difficult aspects that I have had to focus on within in Karate training is understanding and applying the concept of Ki. Ki is an indefinable force, but it is generally described as the energy of life itself. It may be relatively easy to give an explanation of Ki , but requires a lifetime of practice and training in order to master.
To render KI into a single word in English is almost impossible. It binds all living things together and gives each person his or her spiritual, physical and mental power. This concept may sound like science fiction, but in reality it explains how human beings can perform amazing feats of strength and skill by will or determination alone.
We may hear students say that "It is a feeling of some kind of energy coming forth from mind and body in harmony." Or "It is a strange, vital power which appears unexpectedly at times from an unknown source." Or "It is the sense of perfect timing and matched breathing experienced in practicing." Or "It is a spontaneous, unconscious movement which refreshes mind and body after a good workout," and so forth.
The Spirit of Aikido -Kisshomaru Ueshiba
Ki can be thought of as positive thinking, belief in yourself, faith, confidence, or a state of mind or body unification. You have used KI quite naturally many times in your life, at those moments when something totally captured your interest and imagination. In each case, you were totally focused and completely yourself. You seem to have a limitless supply of energy that is boundless.
The source of KI is rooted at the center of your body known as the Tan-Den. This is the point from which all energy is centered in the body. What distinguishes karate from other martial arts is that karate technique is always backed up by the entire body so that the technique will have maximum effect. If the entire body does not support the technique, it is not karate. Therefore the power of karate technique comes from the perfectly timed contraction of the entire body at the same instant of impact, which is called kime 極 (key-meh).
When the action of karate techniques is synchronized and terminated exactly at the same time, it is called kime, the intense focusing of the mind and body into a single searing moment of impact with the target. The ability to perform effective kime will result in the creation of shock into one’s opponent, which makes it impossible for the opponent to continue.
The Phonetics of Karate- Sugiyama, Shoijro
When practicing karate students need to focus on making each movement start and stop with the entire body behind the movement. Focus on a point and move through and beyond the target. Do not pause or stop during the movement. Everything should start and stop at the same time. This way all of the energy in the strike moves through the target delivering the most effective level of force possible.

In order to have "flowing Ki" the body must be in a relaxed state, allowing both negative and positive "charges" in the emotions to be released. As this occurs the mind is given a rest from its chatter. Simply recognizing or remembering the Spirit stimulates "Ki" flow".
The fundamental goal of the Martial artist is "centeredness". Ideally the very presence of such a person maintains harmony in the immediate environment. However, when conflict arises, the martial artist is trained to handle most situations. The self-defense techniques that are a basic part of the work enable the martial artist to be a positive force in containing a potential or actual violent situation.
Training involves strengthening the entire system through exercise, stretching, coordination, balance, stamina and conscious movement. Karate classes provide a "theater" of interaction where students can smooth out rough areas of their movement and psyches. The phases of ego transformation from solid through liquid to empty are encountered as students repeatedly must confront their limitations. The opportunity to "flow or grow" appears again and again both within the classes and in the larger scope of social relations.
Clearing the Way through Spiritual Martial Arts -Satnam
Essentially the best way to improve Ki development is through continual practice and an attention to focus and effort. Ki is the central source of where the power of karate comes from. Without proper Ki development a karate student cannot make full use of the energy inside them that they may need in order to defend themselves in a life threatening situation.
I hope that this has given a better understanding of where Ki comes from and ways that students can apply it to their karate training. I am still working with this concept and have a great deal to learn and understand about Ki myself. Ki is the essence of power behind karate and can be summoned through training and experience.

H.P.Lovecraft (1890-1937)

Been reading alot of H.P.Lovecraft (1890-1937) lately, who is probably the best horror writer ever.
Really cary stuff. Probably best known for the Re-animator series and the Unnameable. Found his best work The Call of Cthulhu in audiobook format. Download and listen its awesome!

35 and the Godzilla Roll

Went to Fuji San late last night for my birthday. Had the Godzilla roll and 2 Sapporo's! Could not have asked for a better meal. Big thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes. Its been a good 35!

DOOMSDAY

God this movie was horrible. I haven't been let down so bad since Nicholas Cage in the wicker man. Had a load of potential to he even a mildly interesting film and just ran out of gas. If you just want to see a mad max remake you probably wont be disappointed.
Eh.Don't rent this for more than 5 bucks.

IRON MAN

IRON MAN. GO SEE IT.
If you have any questions about weather or not you should bring the kids.
Check it out here.

Friday Night

Sword class helped again. Feel okay except for some issues that I will not discuss. Why is it that people don't understand how some things are so important that I need to do that help me to be stronger for them.

It's really hard to be a nice person but also watch out and take care yourself at the same time. You cannot be supportive to others until you take care of yourself first. It sucks but thats just survival I guess. Just winds up making me look like the bad guy and that really makes me sad. I just care about people who really care about others and give of themselves selflessly. I really feel like I just do everything wrong despite how much I know and how much I try.

The heck with it, I'm going to bed. Want to see IRON MAN, looks freaking awesome.

I am one with the universe. Still.