精神 (Seishin)

 Continuing from the last article on 矢勢 (Yaiki) I’d like to go further on this subject by discussing 精神 (Spirit/Mentality), which is the key determinant of good or bad yaiki. If you didn't read this, here's a direct link, which provides the base for this post: André Bertel's Karate-Do: 矢勢（やいき） (andrebertel.blogspot.com) 

 Before doing so, for your information, I want to point out that the second character in yaiki, which is 勢, is the same kanji denoting the five ‘kihon training kata’ known as 常行 (Joukou). Rather being typically labeled by Asai Tetsuhiko Sensei (as Shodan—Godan), he intentionally used 一勢、二勢、三勢、四勢 and 五勢 respectively. This translates as first to fifth ‘MOMENTUM’ ('energy/force/vigor/authority/influence/ impetus') and has a strong connotation to physics. Here's a link to an article outlining JOKO (Joukou) if that helps you: André Bertel's Karate-Do: 常行一勢〜五勢 (Joko Issei ~ Gosei) (andrebertel.blogspot.com)

So how can one’s 精神 (Seishin) determine good 矢勢 (Yaiki)—the momentum of their metaphorical arrows? That is tsuki, keri, uchi, and so on…

 

Let’s consider 試し割り (Tameshiwari)—where we test our karate waza to break boards, stones, etcetera. Here's a link on this topic: André Bertel's Karate-Do: 試し割り (Tameshiwari) (andrebertel.blogspot.com)

So, when doing tameshiwari, if you harbor any feelings of fear or hesitation in your mind, you greatly minimize your capacity to destroy the object. This is simply because your mental states/spirit restricts your action. Yes, it puts the breaks on!

 

This is also the same in both 型 (Kata) and  組手 (Kumite). “… Hesitation dramatically alters the dynamics of karate-waza”. 

 

I found that when I used to compete in karate tournaments, and also when I experienced real fights whilst in the security industry. When less experienced I had to wrestle with fears and over excitement. My self-discovery was that I had a burning desire to defeat my opponent in Kumite and outside the dojo. This sometimes made my body inflexible. Because of this, I occasionally lost, and, during those times—even when I defeated my opponents—I did not do so with all my potential, and in an ideal manner.

 

It was not until I dropped the aim of ‘all-out winning’ (to “lose magnificently”), and lost fear of harm in real fights, when I could react, and move, in an optimal way under stress. So, literally, my mind/spirit made me free. For that time onwards I really improved and my yaiki was, and has always remained, truly reliable.

 

Irrespective of technique, without strong seishin, one’s skill will never be optimal; furthermore, defeat can readily come when facing a much less skilled opponent. That is because they can overwhelm the more skillful individual by physical ferocity and breaking their spirit. I’ve seen some instructors simply getting a good shot to the face in Kumite, then watched them go into panic mode. Yes, the ‘Goodbye Nice Technique Mode’. Accordingly, to have 'good yaiki' at all times must be underpinned by unwavering Karate Seishin: 気迫 (Kihaku). In this way, even when harmed “…the properly sharpened arrows you launch will be destructive, and the mind/spirit will not fail your body”. This is BUDO/BUJUTSU KARATE, which is true karate. Anything else is just a fake show.

 押忍、アンドレ

 ©️ Andre Bertel. Oita City, Japan (2023).