This week I want to take a look at the center lines, crossing the T and other similar concepts and how it applies to kihon. This concept of unification is important in Japanese budo as it involves combining the body, mind and spirit into one singular presence. In Kendo (Japanese sport fencing), there are two main outer factors that one tries to control - the center line between you and your opponent, and the distance between you. On the ura, or inside, being able to do this requires fudoshin, an immovable spirit, so that you maintain control of this space, not to let yourself become controlled by anything. Then, when the distance shortens to striking range, whoever can maintain control of this center line will have a clean shot. However, the shot will be weak unless one knows how to instantly project their entire body, mind and will/spirit into the opponent in a powerful strike. No distraction. No hesitation. No wavering.
Now, don't mistake kendo for Bujinkan budo. As kendo is a sport for dueling, you are facing a singular opponent in a controlled environment where you need no other awareness other than yourself and your opponent. But, there are many lessons that are the same at their fundamental core. Of particular importance is this attitude of letting go of attachments. If you read the words of senior kendo teachers, you will find that their journey is one of purification, to strip away self limitations, distractions and attachments. They write about winning and losing meaning nothing compared to mastery over the self. Opponents come in all sizes, shapes and abilities. However, you are the only constant. Therefore, it is important to focus on the self and it starts and ends with control of the mind.
A renowned famous kendo master wrote about how when he was young, his body was strong and he won easily. As he got older, his legs became weaker, so he had to train his mind even more. As aged further, his upper body became weaker, so it became entirely about training his mind. Even when he was a venerable old man who appeared to barely move, his skill was so great that he was able to continue to defeat opponents easily simply because of the mastery of his mind and spirit.
In Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu, we work with many lines, many angles, many distances and many situations. However, I believe at the root of it all, the same elements exist. We are training ourselves to face danger with an unwavering heart, to have awareness through a detachment of all those things which distract (fear, anger, weapons, technique, etc), so that we can adapt to whatever happens. But, Soke being who he is, pushes us even further. Instead of throwing ourselves into a technique, we are pushed to let go of our "want" to "do" a technique and concepts like Chutohampa ("half done/incomplete"
One area that is a fundamental core to understanding budo taijutsu, whatever the martial art, is the hara. This is the point roughly 3 inches below your navel. In many Japanese budo arts, the center line and distance is related to the hara. No matter how the weapon is postured, the hara is still the main point of reference (of course, the effective range of the weapon is in the awareness). Imagine having a cord tied to the center of your obi knot (belt) and the other end tied to your uke's obi knot. The length of the cord is the maai and the cord is the center line. You can angle your body any way you want, take any kamae (posture), but the line is the same. Movement up this line is the most direct path to the uke, so control of this line is vital. As you angle yourself to their inside or outside, you control their ability to stay on this line in good kamae. When you have them in a position where they can't control this line without balance or effectiveness, then you have your suki or opening for attack. But, you have to then be able to have balance and control to move on this line without wavering from it or having your own balance and posture compromised. That is having perfect form and takes a strong mind, spirit and body mechanics.
In my own self reflection, I am finding that my own body is not as strong as it used to be in my younger days. My struggle has been to try and maintain that youthful vigor. Yet, it is a losing battle, as I know age will eventually win. The struggle comes in the mind, to accept how the body changes, how it is weak and vulnerable. Yet, as the body gets weaker with age, the mind can grow stronger and the spirit can become cleaner. The budo path really is about getting past the body. Our mind is the key.
See you in class!
