空手における「受け」「突き」「蹴り」はすべて，最小限の動きで最大限の力を発揮するために考えられている。その極意は，「締め」「呼吸」「重心」である。本来の空手には，派手な動きや華美な技は一切ない。最小限の動きの中で，身体の締めと呼吸と重心を操作し，最大限の力をいかに発揮するかが，空手の目指すところであり，そのための身体を練ることが空手修行の主眼である。
All of techniques for defending, punching, and kicking in karate are formulated into exerting the maximum effects on enemies by the minimum moves.The secrets are "tensioning," "breathing," and "balancing (central axis)." Original karate as budo does not contain any exaggerated performances and florid moves. The aim of arts of karate is to exert the maximum effects by manipulating the tension, breath, and balance of our own body within the limit of minimum moves. Developing our body for this aim is the main purpose of karate discipline.
December 13, 2011
Hiddenness or Opacity of Body formed by Budo
身体が練れているかどうかは，究極的には自分自身にしか分からない。また，実際に技が効いたか効かないかは，究極的には敵にしか分からない。いずれの体感も内面的なものである。もちろん，武道的身体を練り込んだ達人や師範からすれば，その人の身体が練れているかどうか，また，その人の技が効くかどうかは，外から見ても直感的に分かるかもしれない。しかし，基本的に武道的身体の練り具合は，内面的な感覚である。武道の稽古とは，この内面的で私的な感覚を，師から弟子へ，すなわち人から人へ，いかに伝承するかの作業である。外面的な運動方法は観察と模倣により学習は容易だけれども，内面的な練りの感覚は言葉や見た目で伝えることが難しいために会得に時間がかかる。したがって，空手的身体の伝承には，教える側の根気と教わる側の意識が不可欠である。
Ultimately, there is no one but us ourselves that can appreciate whether our own body is polished martial artistically or not. Besides, ultimately, no one but enemies know whether our offense is effective for them or not. Both sense of body are internal. Of course, a master or teacher who has polished his or her martial artistic body might intuitively see from the outside whether a person has polished his or her body or not, and whether his or her offence is effective or not. However, basically, it is only the internal sense that can enable us to know the measure of polishing our own martial artistic body. The practice of budo (martial arts) is work to pass this internal and private sense down from a master to a follower, that is, from a person to a person. Although the external overt moves are easy to learn by observation and imitation, it takes a lot of time to acquire the internal covert senses of body since it is difficult to express by words and gestures. Thus, the masters' patience and the followers' attitude are both indispensable for the transmission of karate-formed body.
Ultimately, there is no one but us ourselves that can appreciate whether our own body is polished martial artistically or not. Besides, ultimately, no one but enemies know whether our offense is effective for them or not. Both sense of body are internal. Of course, a master or teacher who has polished his or her martial artistic body might intuitively see from the outside whether a person has polished his or her body or not, and whether his or her offence is effective or not. However, basically, it is only the internal sense that can enable us to know the measure of polishing our own martial artistic body. The practice of budo (martial arts) is work to pass this internal and private sense down from a master to a follower, that is, from a person to a person. Although the external overt moves are easy to learn by observation and imitation, it takes a lot of time to acquire the internal covert senses of body since it is difficult to express by words and gestures. Thus, the masters' patience and the followers' attitude are both indispensable for the transmission of karate-formed body.
The Minimum Moves and the Maximum Effects
武道は，最小限の動きでもって最大限の力を発揮することを目指している。なぜなら，生死を賭けた戦いの場では，一分の無駄な動きも命取りになるからである。そして武道の修行とは，そのような身体操作ができるようになることをひたすら求めることである。したがって，派手な動きや華美な技というものは，武道的身体とは縁遠い。
The arts of budo are aimed at exerting the maximum effects on enemies by the minimum moves. It is because even a slight but unnecessary move is fatal in the scene of fighting for life or death. Then, the practice of budo is to entirely seek to acquire the skills to manipulate one's own body in such a way. Therefore, exaggerated performances and florid moves are distant from the idea of the martial artistic body.
The arts of budo are aimed at exerting the maximum effects on enemies by the minimum moves. It is because even a slight but unnecessary move is fatal in the scene of fighting for life or death. Then, the practice of budo is to entirely seek to acquire the skills to manipulate one's own body in such a way. Therefore, exaggerated performances and florid moves are distant from the idea of the martial artistic body.
December 01, 2011
The Way to Stand in Budo
武道的な意味で，基本の立ち方は，「自然体」である。糸東流では，「基立ち」と呼ばれている。自然に一歩踏み出した程度の歩幅で半身になって立つ。近代スポーツ空手では，歩幅を広くとって腰を低く落とした前屈立ちで移動稽古をしたり，約束組手稽古をしたりする。特に富名腰義珍先生の松濤館系の空手や全空連系の空手は，大学を中心に本土で普及したせいもあり，体育的な性質が強い。つまり，足腰の鍛錬という点では有意義ではあるが，武道的には，歩幅の広い低い立ち方は居着いてしまうために，極めて不自然である。武道では居着くことをもっとも嫌う。沖縄空手には本来，前屈立ちというものはないとさえも言われている。
In terms of budo, the basic way to stand or the basic stance is "shizen-tai (natural standing)." That is called "moto-dachi" in Shito-ryu. You stand and take an oblique stance, with which you make a step forward naturally. In modern karate sports, players do such activities as moving basic practices or pre-arranged fighting practices with "zenkutsu-dachi," which is one of the way to stand, taking a wide stance and dropping hips. Especially, the schools such as Shotokan-ryu founded by Gichin Funakoshi sensei or Japan Karate Federation (JKF), which have prevailed among universities in the mainland of Japan, have a distinctive nature of physical training. In other words, although it is beneficial as lower body workouts, it is extremely unnatural in terms of budo since the way to stand with a wide stance and hips dropped leads to "itsuki," which means a state in which a person is stuck there, not moving or reacting quickly when his/her enemies attack We budo-ka (martial artists) regard itsuki as the most unfavorable state. As for Okinawan karate, primarily, there is even said not to be zenkutsu-dachi.
In terms of budo, the basic way to stand or the basic stance is "shizen-tai (natural standing)." That is called "moto-dachi" in Shito-ryu. You stand and take an oblique stance, with which you make a step forward naturally. In modern karate sports, players do such activities as moving basic practices or pre-arranged fighting practices with "zenkutsu-dachi," which is one of the way to stand, taking a wide stance and dropping hips. Especially, the schools such as Shotokan-ryu founded by Gichin Funakoshi sensei or Japan Karate Federation (JKF), which have prevailed among universities in the mainland of Japan, have a distinctive nature of physical training. In other words, although it is beneficial as lower body workouts, it is extremely unnatural in terms of budo since the way to stand with a wide stance and hips dropped leads to "itsuki," which means a state in which a person is stuck there, not moving or reacting quickly when his/her enemies attack We budo-ka (martial artists) regard itsuki as the most unfavorable state. As for Okinawan karate, primarily, there is even said not to be zenkutsu-dachi.
November 16, 2011
Budo's Premise
武道が前提としている状況は，一瞬で勝負（生死）が決まるような，極めて短い時間である。つまり，勝負（生死）はせいぜい１～２手の数手で決まる（決めなければならない）。体力差や体格差がある場合はなおのこと，勝負が長引くことを極力避けなければならない。勝負が長引けばそれだけ，体力や体格に優る方が有利となるのは必然だからである。武道のあらゆる術理は，そうした前提のもとに構築されている。すなわち，武道の技術哲学は，いかに効率的に相手を制するかという観点に常に立っている。ここでいう効率的とは，なるべく短い時間で，なるべく少ない手数で，なるべく体力を浪費せずに，という意味である。そしてそのためには，なるべく無駄のない動きで，かつ，より効果的に相手にダメージを与える，あるいは相手を動けなくする，ということが求められる。したがって，格闘技やスポーツ武道（武道系スポーツ）の試合のように，3分や10分など，延々とお互いに技を出し合って戦い続ける状況，というものを想定していない。
The situation that budo assumes is a quite short bout, in which win or loss (life or death) is decided in a matter of seconds. That means, win or loss (life or death) may or should be decided at most in a few moves. We must escape from the fight dragging on as quickly as possible, especially if we are different from enemies on physical strength and build. It is because inevitably those who surpass in physical strength and build would have advantage, if the fight dragged on. Every theory and logic of budo is formulated on this premise. Thus, philosophy of techniques of budo is always based on how we control enemies efficiently. This efficiency here means as short time, few moves, and few wasted strength as possible. Achieving them requires us to inflict as much damage on enemies as possible, or make them not move freely as simply as possible, with more unwasted moves. Therefore, budo does not assume the situation where two persons continue to fight with each other for three minutes, or ten minutes, offending and defending at great length, like combat sports or budo-like sports (martial artistic sports).
The situation that budo assumes is a quite short bout, in which win or loss (life or death) is decided in a matter of seconds. That means, win or loss (life or death) may or should be decided at most in a few moves. We must escape from the fight dragging on as quickly as possible, especially if we are different from enemies on physical strength and build. It is because inevitably those who surpass in physical strength and build would have advantage, if the fight dragged on. Every theory and logic of budo is formulated on this premise. Thus, philosophy of techniques of budo is always based on how we control enemies efficiently. This efficiency here means as short time, few moves, and few wasted strength as possible. Achieving them requires us to inflict as much damage on enemies as possible, or make them not move freely as simply as possible, with more unwasted moves. Therefore, budo does not assume the situation where two persons continue to fight with each other for three minutes, or ten minutes, offending and defending at great length, like combat sports or budo-like sports (martial artistic sports).
November 13, 2011
Body Formed by Karate
空手修行は，空手的身体を手に入れることである。空手の術理に基づいた身体の操作方法を自らの身体に染み込ませる。さらにその空手的身体をひたすらに終わりなく磨き上げていくことが修行である。
The practice of karate is to obtain a body formed (built, developed, or organized) by karate. It penetrates our own body with the physical manipulation methods based on the theory of karate. Besides, it is the practice of karate that we continue to polish our own karate-formed body entirely and everlastingly.
The practice of karate is to obtain a body formed (built, developed, or organized) by karate. It penetrates our own body with the physical manipulation methods based on the theory of karate. Besides, it is the practice of karate that we continue to polish our own karate-formed body entirely and everlastingly.
November 07, 2011
The Essence of True Karate
空手の本質（真髄）とは何か。空手の本質とは，端的に言えば，空手的身体の体得という作業を介して，禅的心境に至ることではないかと考えられる。ただ，空手でなくとも禅的心境に至る道はある。武道でなくても至る道はある。すなわち，あらゆる「道」とは，禅的心境に至る方法論であり，空手はその一つである。しかし，禅的心境に到達することを空手の「目的」とした瞬間に，それは禅ではなくなり，空手の本質ではなくなる。禅とは，ただ在ることであり，何かを目指すものではない。したがって，空手とは，ただ空手である。同じく，剣はただ剣であり，弓はただ弓であり，茶はただ茶であり，華はただ華であり，書はただ書である。
What is the essence of true karate? To put it simply, it can be thought of as attaining the state of zen through the work of mastering a karate-built body. But, there are other ways to attain the state of zen than karate. There are other ways than budo (martial arts). It mean, every WAY ("do" or "michi" in Japanese and "tao" in Chinese) is a method to attain the state of zen. Karate is one of these ways. However, no sooner does it become not to be zen, and lose the essence of karate than attaining the state of zen is regarded as the "purpose" of karate. Zen is only to be here now, and has no aim. Therefore, karate is only karate. Similarly, ken is only ken, yumi (kyu) is only yumi, tya (sa) is only tya, hana (ka) is only hana, and sho is only sho.
sa-do (Japanese tea ceremony)
ka-do (Japanese flower arrangement)
sho-do (Japanese calligraphy)
What is the essence of true karate? To put it simply, it can be thought of as attaining the state of zen through the work of mastering a karate-built body. But, there are other ways to attain the state of zen than karate. There are other ways than budo (martial arts). It mean, every WAY ("do" or "michi" in Japanese and "tao" in Chinese) is a method to attain the state of zen. Karate is one of these ways. However, no sooner does it become not to be zen, and lose the essence of karate than attaining the state of zen is regarded as the "purpose" of karate. Zen is only to be here now, and has no aim. Therefore, karate is only karate. Similarly, ken is only ken, yumi (kyu) is only yumi, tya (sa) is only tya, hana (ka) is only hana, and sho is only sho.
sa-do (Japanese tea ceremony)
ka-do (Japanese flower arrangement)
sho-do (Japanese calligraphy)
November 02, 2011
What is Karate?
空手とは何か。空手とは，沖縄（琉球）の歴史の中で培われた伝統武道である。それは，徒手空拳で（すなわち近接距離で）効率的に敵を制するために必要な身体操作の技術を，（身体の）締めと呼吸と重心（中心軸）を重視した形（型）の稽古を通して体得することを目指した鍛錬の体系である。同時に，今ここにある身体と呼吸への意識を高めることから，稽古そのものがそのまま禅として位置づけられる。
What is karate? Karate is one of the Okinawan classical martial arts which have been developed in the history of Okinawa (Ryukyus). That is a training system to aim at mastering techniques of body manipulation necessary for efficiently holding enemies with no arms (i.e., at close range), via kata practice making much of tension of body, breathing, and balance (i.e., a core axis of body). Simultaneously with the aspect of physical discipline, the practice itself is regarded as zen since it make us highly aware of our body and breath here now.
What is karate? Karate is one of the Okinawan classical martial arts which have been developed in the history of Okinawa (Ryukyus). That is a training system to aim at mastering techniques of body manipulation necessary for efficiently holding enemies with no arms (i.e., at close range), via kata practice making much of tension of body, breathing, and balance (i.e., a core axis of body). Simultaneously with the aspect of physical discipline, the practice itself is regarded as zen since it make us highly aware of our body and breath here now.
October 17, 2011
What is "Budoism"?
「武道性」とは何か。武道とは禅であるが，では，武道性とは何か。それは，その戦闘術・格闘術が禅的要素を備えているかどうかに関わる。つまり，武道性があるとは，その戦闘術・格闘術に禅としての側面がある，ということを意味する。スポーツと武道の違い，格闘技と武道の違いを考えれば分かりやすい。
What is "budoism"? Budo is zen, though, what is budoism? It may be associated with whether the combat or martial arts include a zenic element or not. That is, When we say the arts has budoism, it is meant that there is a zenic aspect in the arts. It will be easily understood, if you think about the difference between sports and budo, and between combat sports and budo.
What is "budoism"? Budo is zen, though, what is budoism? It may be associated with whether the combat or martial arts include a zenic element or not. That is, When we say the arts has budoism, it is meant that there is a zenic aspect in the arts. It will be easily understood, if you think about the difference between sports and budo, and between combat sports and budo.
September 21, 2011
Karate Remains Budo against Sportization
空手が競技化（スポーツ化）しきれない理由は，空手という武道が，本来，師匠から弟子へと形を継承し，その形を一人でひたすらに練り続ける，という身体活動だからである。本来，空手は，組手のように１対１で闘い，勝ち負けを競うものではない。形の見た目の優劣を競うものでもない。実践で生き抜く力は，組手の強弱では分からない。形の出来不出来は，見た目だけでは分からない。それを無理矢理に，組手試合や形試合というのをやって勝敗を決しようとしても，どだい不可能なのであって，したがって，統一のルールや判定基準による厳密な競技化（スポーツ化）が難しくなるのである。スポーツは，誰もが納得する厳密なルールや判定方法があってこそ，成立する。ルールや判定方法が曖昧であれば，大半を納得させることはできず，したがって，試合をやる側も見る側も，なんとなく腑に落ちない不満が残ることになる。
The reason why karate can not be highly sportized is that karate as budo is essentially a physical activity in which KATAs are passed down from teachers (masters) to students (disciples), and KARATEKAs practice and polish these KATAs by themselves entirely. Originally, karate is not a competition for win and loss by fights between two like kumite. Also, it is not a competition for good and bad on appearance of KATAs. We can not judge the ability to survive our practical life by the strength and weakness of kumite. We can not judge the substantial performance of KATAs only by the appearance of them. Then, it is utterly impossible to forcibly determine on superiority and inferiority in the kumite and kata competitions. From this reason, it is difficult to strictly sportize karate with unified rules and standards for judging. Any sport is not approved before it does not have strict rules and judgments satisfying everyone. If the rules and judgments were not clear, most of people could not be satisfied with the results of the games, and people who both play and watch the games would vaguely keep dissatisfaction.
The reason why karate can not be highly sportized is that karate as budo is essentially a physical activity in which KATAs are passed down from teachers (masters) to students (disciples), and KARATEKAs practice and polish these KATAs by themselves entirely. Originally, karate is not a competition for win and loss by fights between two like kumite. Also, it is not a competition for good and bad on appearance of KATAs. We can not judge the ability to survive our practical life by the strength and weakness of kumite. We can not judge the substantial performance of KATAs only by the appearance of them. Then, it is utterly impossible to forcibly determine on superiority and inferiority in the kumite and kata competitions. From this reason, it is difficult to strictly sportize karate with unified rules and standards for judging. Any sport is not approved before it does not have strict rules and judgments satisfying everyone. If the rules and judgments were not clear, most of people could not be satisfied with the results of the games, and people who both play and watch the games would vaguely keep dissatisfaction.
Awareness of "Budoism" of Karate
空手競技の魅力の１つは，その武道性にある。若者にとっては，武道（としての）空手よりも，試合（勝敗）を目的としたスポーツ空手の方が分かりやすく，その方が取っかかり易いことは否めない。大学生レベルまではそれでも良い。ただ，せっかく様々なスポーツ，さらには様々な武道系スポーツからあえて空手を選択したのだから，単にスポーツとしての効用を求めるだけではなく，本来の武道としての意味や目的を知ることは有用である。そして，そのことを教えうるのは，指導者がどれだけ空手本来の武道性を理解し，自ら追求しているかにかかっている。
One of the attractions of karate is "budoism." Karate sports aiming at competitions (win and loss) is more understandable for young people, and there is no denying that they can more easily begin karate sports at first, rathar than karate as budo. It is good until they are at the level of university students. But, since they dare to select out karate among various sports, and even various martial artistic sports, it is significant to know the meaning or purpose of karate as real budo as well as to seek the effects of karate as sports. Then, whether it can be taught is dependent on how much the instructors or coaches themselves understand and pursue the budoism of real karate.
One of the attractions of karate is "budoism." Karate sports aiming at competitions (win and loss) is more understandable for young people, and there is no denying that they can more easily begin karate sports at first, rathar than karate as budo. It is good until they are at the level of university students. But, since they dare to select out karate among various sports, and even various martial artistic sports, it is significant to know the meaning or purpose of karate as real budo as well as to seek the effects of karate as sports. Then, whether it can be taught is dependent on how much the instructors or coaches themselves understand and pursue the budoism of real karate.
Obscure "Budoism" of Karate Sports
現在（特に本土では），若者が通える空手の道場や部活動は，ほぼすべてスポーツ空手である。しかし，スポーツ空手は，柔道や剣道のような厳密で統一されたルールや判定方法によって，高度に競技化（スポーツ化）しきれていない。柔道や剣道は，全日本柔道連盟や全日本剣道連盟といった単独の組織が競技を統轄している。一方で空手は，全日本空手道連盟という競技の統轄組織があるものの，空手という名称で広く捉えれば，これに匹敵する組織が他にも存在するし（極真カラテ），大小合わせればそれこそ無数に存在する。空手には，このような混沌あるいは曖昧模糊とした部分があり，そこに，武道系競技の中でも，武道としての魅力を比較的残しているのかもしれない。ある武道が世間（世界）に認知される度合いは，競技の発展によるところが大きい。すなわち，統一されたルールや判定方法によって高度に競技化（スポーツ化）しているからこそ，万人に理解され，愛好者が増え，普及することになる。柔道や剣道は，そのように完全に競技化（スポーツ化）された武道系競技である。これらに比べて，空手競技は，相対的にスポーツらしくない，スポーツとして洗練されていない，つまり，高度にスポーツ化されていない。そのために，若者にとって空手には，「武道」というものから喚起される鍛錬性，修行性，宗教性のようなものが比較的感じられるのかもしれない。単に格闘技としての魅力のみならず，掴み所のない漠然とした「武道性」のようなものが何となく残っていることが，空手の一つの魅力になっていないだろうか。
At present (especially in the mainland of Japan), something that young people can learn at the most of karate dojos in town or karate clubs as extracurricular activities in school is "karate sports" or sportized karate. But, karate sports has not been highly sportized with the strict and unified rules and judgements that judo and kendo has. Every competitions of Judo or Kendo in Japan are presided by a single organization, that is, All Japan Judo Federation or All Japan Kendo Federation. On the other hand, there is the biggest organization presiding competitions of karate named All Japan Karate Federation, while, if we see karate in perspective, there is another organization equaling to the JKF in scale, which is Kyokushin-karate, and above and beyond it, there are numberless big and small organizations of karate in Japan. Karate has such a chaotic or obscure aspect, in which there may remain more attraction of budo than any other martial artistic sports. How widely a martial art is recognized in the world is greatly correlated with the development of the competitions (games). Specifically, a sport can not be recognized by everyone, the numbers of players will not increase, and it will not be popularized before it is highly sportized with unified rules and judgments. Judo and Kendo are such a perfectly sportized martial artistic games. Compared to these games, karate sports are less sports-like, not sophisticated as sports, that is, not highly sportized. So, karate might make young people feel something like discipline, asceticism, and religiousness evoked by "budo." One of the attractions of karate may be that it keeps the "budoism," which is something elusive and obscure, except for the attraction as martial skills.
At present (especially in the mainland of Japan), something that young people can learn at the most of karate dojos in town or karate clubs as extracurricular activities in school is "karate sports" or sportized karate. But, karate sports has not been highly sportized with the strict and unified rules and judgements that judo and kendo has. Every competitions of Judo or Kendo in Japan are presided by a single organization, that is, All Japan Judo Federation or All Japan Kendo Federation. On the other hand, there is the biggest organization presiding competitions of karate named All Japan Karate Federation, while, if we see karate in perspective, there is another organization equaling to the JKF in scale, which is Kyokushin-karate, and above and beyond it, there are numberless big and small organizations of karate in Japan. Karate has such a chaotic or obscure aspect, in which there may remain more attraction of budo than any other martial artistic sports. How widely a martial art is recognized in the world is greatly correlated with the development of the competitions (games). Specifically, a sport can not be recognized by everyone, the numbers of players will not increase, and it will not be popularized before it is highly sportized with unified rules and judgments. Judo and Kendo are such a perfectly sportized martial artistic games. Compared to these games, karate sports are less sports-like, not sophisticated as sports, that is, not highly sportized. So, karate might make young people feel something like discipline, asceticism, and religiousness evoked by "budo." One of the attractions of karate may be that it keeps the "budoism," which is something elusive and obscure, except for the attraction as martial skills.
Comparison between Karate and Kendo or Judo
例えば，若者が剣道を選ぶか柔道を選ぶか空手を選ぶかは，単に好き嫌いの個人差かもしれない。ただ，柔道や剣道は，中学校や高校での体育授業や部活動として広く普及し，そのため知名度も高く競技人口も多い。結果として現代において，その活動は試合のためのスポーツ，武道ではなく純粋にスポーツの１つとしての色合いが強くなりすぎている。もちろん，柔や剣とは何かを考え，自ら追求し，生徒の指導に盛り込んでいる優れた武道家も中にはいるだろうが，多いとは思えない。これに対して，空手はやや趣が異なる。空手は，柔道や剣道ほど学校教育の中で普及しているとは言えないために，同じ武道系スポーツよりも，洗練されていない雰囲気を持っている。別の言い方をすれば，剣道や柔道のように高度に組織化・体系化されたスポーツよりも，神秘的な武道性を残しているように見えるかもしれない。
For instance, whether a young person select kendo, judo, or karate may depend on his/her personal likes and dislikes. But, judo and kendo are popularized as classes or extracurricular activities in Junior and high school, and then very famous and have a lot of players in Japan. As a result, at the present day, the activities of judo and kendo are sports for competitions, that is, they have too much characteristic as not budo but one of pure sports. Of course, there are some, but probably not much sensible budo-ka (martial artists) who think what yawara (ju) or ken is, search after it, and teach it to their students. On the other hand, karate has a little difference situation from judo and kendo. Karate has less sophisticated atmosphere than any other martial artistic sports, because it seems not to prevail among school education so much as judo and kendo. In other words, karate may seem to keep having more mysterious budoism than any other highly organized and systematized sports like judo and kendo.
For instance, whether a young person select kendo, judo, or karate may depend on his/her personal likes and dislikes. But, judo and kendo are popularized as classes or extracurricular activities in Junior and high school, and then very famous and have a lot of players in Japan. As a result, at the present day, the activities of judo and kendo are sports for competitions, that is, they have too much characteristic as not budo but one of pure sports. Of course, there are some, but probably not much sensible budo-ka (martial artists) who think what yawara (ju) or ken is, search after it, and teach it to their students. On the other hand, karate has a little difference situation from judo and kendo. Karate has less sophisticated atmosphere than any other martial artistic sports, because it seems not to prevail among school education so much as judo and kendo. In other words, karate may seem to keep having more mysterious budoism than any other highly organized and systematized sports like judo and kendo.
September 16, 2011
Attraction of Karate for Young People
児童を含む若者にとって，空手の魅力は何か。若者が，他のスポーツではなく空手を選択する理由は何だろうか。スポーツとしての効用は，どの競技も同じであると考えられるから，若者の選択を左右する要因として残るのは，空手が持つ独特の本質的な魅力であろう。では，その空手の本質的な魅力とは何か。格闘術としての魅力が大きいことは当然だが，周辺には，柔道や剣道や合気道の道場，少林寺拳法の道院，ボクシングのジムも身近に存在し，また，最近ではレスリングやブラジリアン柔術やテコンドーの道場も多い。では，なぜ空手なのか。もちろん，実際のところ，自宅の近くに道場があったから，あるいは，親や兄弟や知り合いがやっていたから，という理由が大きいかもしれない。ただ，空手には，外国のあるいは外国風の格闘術（ボクシング，レスリング，テコンドー，少林寺拳法，ブラジリアン柔術など）にはない，また，柔道や剣道などの高度にスポーツ化が進んだ競技にはない，日本的な「武道」としての魅力をなんとなく感じるのではないだろうか。すなわち，「武道性」という魅力である。また，厳密には，空手は沖縄の武道なので，そこにまた，他の日本武道系スポーツ（柔道，剣道，合気道，弓道など）とは異なる，一種独特の魅力があるのかもしれない。
What is the attraction of karate for young people including the children? What is the reason why young people select karate instead of other sports? Any kinds of sports may have the same goods of sports, and the rest of factors to influence their selection may be the attraction that karate has originally and essentially. What is the essential attraction of karate? Though it it natural that it is attractive as martial arts, there are dojos of judo, kendo, aikido, and doins of shorinji-kenpo, and gyms of boxing around young people. Recently, there are not a few dojos of wrestling, Brazilian-jujutsu, and taekwondo, too. But why some select karate? Of course, actually the most practical reason may be that a dojo of the martial art is near their home, or their parents, brothers, or acquaintances practice the martial art. But, doesn't karate make us vaguely feel attracted to its characteristics as Japanese "budo," which is not accompanied with foreign or foreign-like martial arts (boxing, wrestling, taekwondo, shorinji-kenpo, Brazilian-jujutsu, and so on), as well as highly-sportized marital arts like judo and kendo? That is the attraction of "bodoism." In addition, strictly speaking, karate is Okinawan budo, and then there may be a kind of original attraction in karate, which is different from one in other Japanese martial artistic sports (judo, kendo, aikido, kyudo, and so on).
What is the attraction of karate for young people including the children? What is the reason why young people select karate instead of other sports? Any kinds of sports may have the same goods of sports, and the rest of factors to influence their selection may be the attraction that karate has originally and essentially. What is the essential attraction of karate? Though it it natural that it is attractive as martial arts, there are dojos of judo, kendo, aikido, and doins of shorinji-kenpo, and gyms of boxing around young people. Recently, there are not a few dojos of wrestling, Brazilian-jujutsu, and taekwondo, too. But why some select karate? Of course, actually the most practical reason may be that a dojo of the martial art is near their home, or their parents, brothers, or acquaintances practice the martial art. But, doesn't karate make us vaguely feel attracted to its characteristics as Japanese "budo," which is not accompanied with foreign or foreign-like martial arts (boxing, wrestling, taekwondo, shorinji-kenpo, Brazilian-jujutsu, and so on), as well as highly-sportized marital arts like judo and kendo? That is the attraction of "bodoism." In addition, strictly speaking, karate is Okinawan budo, and then there may be a kind of original attraction in karate, which is different from one in other Japanese martial artistic sports (judo, kendo, aikido, kyudo, and so on).
August 30, 2011
Choice of Favorite Sports between Young People
究極的には，若者が何らかのスポーツを実践するかどうかは，子供時代に親が子供にどの競技をさせるか（選択させるか），子供自身がどの競技を知り，かつ，興味を持つか，に依存している。そして，どのスポーツに携わろうが，スポーツとしての効用はほぼ同じものが得られるだろう。柔道でも，剣道でも，スポーツ空手でも，サッカーでも，野球でも，同じである。したがって，仮にここで柔道や剣道やスポーツ空手などを選択したとしても，「武道」本来の意味や目的を知りうるかどうかは，また別の次元である。
Ultimately, whether young people practice any sports depends on what kind of sports parents make their children practice, or what kind of sports the children themselves see and hear and then are interested in. Practically, whatever sport the young engage in enables them to gain some steady goods of sports. That is universal among judo, kendo, and sports-karate as well as baseball and football. Thus, if a person selected judo, kendo, or sports-karate in his/her young age, it would not be guaranteed that he/she is able to understand the primary meaning or purpose of "budo".
Ultimately, whether young people practice any sports depends on what kind of sports parents make their children practice, or what kind of sports the children themselves see and hear and then are interested in. Practically, whatever sport the young engage in enables them to gain some steady goods of sports. That is universal among judo, kendo, and sports-karate as well as baseball and football. Thus, if a person selected judo, kendo, or sports-karate in his/her young age, it would not be guaranteed that he/she is able to understand the primary meaning or purpose of "budo".
August 29, 2011
Sports Based on Budo
現代の柔道や剣道は，日本古来より伝わる武道に基づいて確立された「スポーツ」である。試合（勝敗）を目標・基準とする練習体系を持った時点で，それは武道ではなくスポーツである。空手も同様に，多くの町道場や学校で指導されている空手は，スポーツ空手である。このような，武道に基づいたスポーツは，あくまでスポーツなので，スポーツとしての効用は十二分に含まれている。スポーツによって，心身の健康が増進され，物理的な身体能力，人間関係や集団組織における精神的な適応能力などが鍛えられる。すなわち，野球やサッカーと同じである。子どもを対象にする場合，武道的スポーツは「礼儀作法」が身につくと宣伝されることもあるが，しかし，野球やサッカーでも，礼儀作法は身につくだろう。
Modern judo and kendo are just "sports" developed and formed in the base of traditional Japanese martial arts (budo). They are now not budo but sports, just after they built the practicing system whose aim or standard is to win competitions. As these martial artistic sports, modern karate is also sports, which is taught at the most part of dojos in communities and schools. These sports based on budo are persistently sports, so they also have a lot of benefits which sports usually have. Sports not only promote physical and mental health, but also develop physical ability of body and mental ability of adaptation in human relationships and groups. That is to say, martial artistic sports (sports based on budo, budo-like sports) are same as baseball or football. Targeting for kids, budo-like sports often advertise that they provide "decencies" for kids, but they can learn "decencies" by baseball or football as well.
Modern judo and kendo are just "sports" developed and formed in the base of traditional Japanese martial arts (budo). They are now not budo but sports, just after they built the practicing system whose aim or standard is to win competitions. As these martial artistic sports, modern karate is also sports, which is taught at the most part of dojos in communities and schools. These sports based on budo are persistently sports, so they also have a lot of benefits which sports usually have. Sports not only promote physical and mental health, but also develop physical ability of body and mental ability of adaptation in human relationships and groups. That is to say, martial artistic sports (sports based on budo, budo-like sports) are same as baseball or football. Targeting for kids, budo-like sports often advertise that they provide "decencies" for kids, but they can learn "decencies" by baseball or football as well.
August 15, 2011
Meaning of the Existence of Sports
スポーツの効用は計り知れない。第一に，適度に身体を鍛えることで，心身の健康を増進・維持することができる。第二に，競技やゲームを行うことによって，勝ち負けに伴う感情的体験を得ることができる。また，ゲーム中における，相手との駆け引きやチームメイトとの協力など，人間関係や集団組織への適応へと結びつく擬似的体験を得ることができる。このように，物理的な身体能力と，人間関係や集団組織における精神的な適応能力の両方を鍛えるスポーツは，秩序のある社会を構築するために大いに役立つ。これは，スポーツの発祥や発展を支えるものがもともと「戦争」であることを考えれば，当然である。現代社会におけるスポーツの意義は，もちろん「戦争」ではないが，競技やゲームが人間社会の縮図であると考えれば，スポーツの効用は計り知れない。
The effects of sports are incalculable. First, building up our body within limits enables our mental and physical health to be improved and maintained. Second, participating in games and competitions enables us to have emotional experiences with win and loss. In addition, players can get para-experiences leading to their adaptation to human relationships and group organizations in the society by their maneuvering against opponents and cooperation with teammates in the game. Thus, sports greatly help to construct a well-ordered society, since they educate both our physical ability of body and mental ability to adapt ourselves to human relationships and group organizations. This is natural, given that the origin and development of sports is essentially supported by "war". Though the meaning of the existence of sports in our modern society is not justly "war", the effects of sports are incalculable if we think that the competitions or games are the epitome of our human society.
The effects of sports are incalculable. First, building up our body within limits enables our mental and physical health to be improved and maintained. Second, participating in games and competitions enables us to have emotional experiences with win and loss. In addition, players can get para-experiences leading to their adaptation to human relationships and group organizations in the society by their maneuvering against opponents and cooperation with teammates in the game. Thus, sports greatly help to construct a well-ordered society, since they educate both our physical ability of body and mental ability to adapt ourselves to human relationships and group organizations. This is natural, given that the origin and development of sports is essentially supported by "war". Though the meaning of the existence of sports in our modern society is not justly "war", the effects of sports are incalculable if we think that the competitions or games are the epitome of our human society.
July 24, 2011
Self-defense and Martial Artistic Sports
武道的な護身の奥義は，無手勝流，すなわち，争わないことである。例えば，プロとしてではなく趣味として格闘技を学ぶとき，それを護身のためと考える人が多いし，また，そのように宣伝されることが多い。確かに，自分を身体的に強くしておくことによって自分の身を護ると考えるのは，自然な発想である。実際，格闘技は護身術としての実用性も高いだろう。一方で，武道の場合，争わないことを護身の奥義と考えるので，修行は護身に直結していない。格闘技は，やればやるほど強くなるけれども，武道は，やればやるほど弱くなる。
The heart of budo's self-defense is "mutekatsu-ryu," that is to say, no fighting against others. For example, if people learn martial artistic sports not as a professional but as an amateur, most of them may think the sports are for self-defense, and they are often advertised as they are. Indeed, it is a natural idea to think that people defense themselves by strengthening their own body. Practically, martial artistic sports may also have much utility as the arts of self-defense. On the other hand, practicing budo is not directly connected with self-defense, because budo regards no fighting as the heart of self-defense. the more we practice martial artistic sports, the stronger we become, but the more we practice budo, the weaker we become.
The heart of budo's self-defense is "mutekatsu-ryu," that is to say, no fighting against others. For example, if people learn martial artistic sports not as a professional but as an amateur, most of them may think the sports are for self-defense, and they are often advertised as they are. Indeed, it is a natural idea to think that people defense themselves by strengthening their own body. Practically, martial artistic sports may also have much utility as the arts of self-defense. On the other hand, practicing budo is not directly connected with self-defense, because budo regards no fighting as the heart of self-defense. the more we practice martial artistic sports, the stronger we become, but the more we practice budo, the weaker we become.
Self-defense and Budo
武道は，護身術ではない。現実に暴漢に襲われるような切迫した場面で，果たしてどれほど武道的な「技」が綺麗に決まるかは疑問である。ただ，明らかに，武道の経験がない者よりも武道家の方が，何らかの抵抗や回避は多少なりともできると思われる。したがって，武道は，護身術として役に立つ場合があるかもしれない，というのが正しいだろう。逆説的だが，実感として，武道の修行をすればするほど，武道的な気づきが生まれ，武道的に気づけば気づくほど，自分がますます弱くなっていく。だから，ますます，武道は護身術になるなどと断言できなくなる。
Budo is not the art of self-defense. I doubt whether martial artistic "techniques" really works effectively in such an urgent case that a thug actually assaults. But, clearly, budo-ka (martial artists) are thought to be able to resist or escape from these dangerous cases rather than people who have no experience of budo (martial arts). Thus, it is correct that budo may be effective as the art of self-defense in certain cases. Paradoxically, though, I really feel that the more practice of budo I do, the more findings of budo I got, and the more findings of budo I got, the weaker I consider myself. Therefore, I can not affirm that budo is the art of self-defense.
Budo is not the art of self-defense. I doubt whether martial artistic "techniques" really works effectively in such an urgent case that a thug actually assaults. But, clearly, budo-ka (martial artists) are thought to be able to resist or escape from these dangerous cases rather than people who have no experience of budo (martial arts). Thus, it is correct that budo may be effective as the art of self-defense in certain cases. Paradoxically, though, I really feel that the more practice of budo I do, the more findings of budo I got, and the more findings of budo I got, the weaker I consider myself. Therefore, I can not affirm that budo is the art of self-defense.
July 13, 2011
Kakidamishi and Competitions
かつての沖縄には，「かきだみし」（かけだめし）と言って，自分の技量がどの程度か，技がどの程度通じるのかを知るための手段として，自由に技を掛け合う機会があったと言われている。すなわち，あくまで主体は普段の稽古であり，その稽古の成果として，ときにこうした試合のようなものが行われたのである。しかし，現代のスポーツ空手は，試合が主体であり，普段の稽古はその試合に勝つ（自分の相対的な強さを証明する）ための練習として行われている。つまり，主客が逆転してしまっている。空手を，武道ではなく，スポーツとして捉えてしまうと，こうならざるを得ない。つまり，優劣勝敗を決する試合が最も重要な機会となり，武道がゲーム化してしまう。
It is said that there were chances for free fighting, called "kakidamishi" (kakedameshi), as a measure to know how high the skills were, or how well the skills work. This means that, basically the most important activity is daily practice, and something like competitions is sometimes taken place to know the results of the daily practice. But, current sports karate focuses on competitions, and they conduct their usual practice in order to win a match, that is, to demonstrate their own relative superiority against others. In a word, that is putting the cart before the horse. There is no getting away from this fact if karate is not regarded as budo, but sports. In other words, budo would become games, if they made much of competitions which are to decide on win and loss.
It is said that there were chances for free fighting, called "kakidamishi" (kakedameshi), as a measure to know how high the skills were, or how well the skills work. This means that, basically the most important activity is daily practice, and something like competitions is sometimes taken place to know the results of the daily practice. But, current sports karate focuses on competitions, and they conduct their usual practice in order to win a match, that is, to demonstrate their own relative superiority against others. In a word, that is putting the cart before the horse. There is no getting away from this fact if karate is not regarded as budo, but sports. In other words, budo would become games, if they made much of competitions which are to decide on win and loss.
July 12, 2011
Desire to Show Superiority in Karate
武道である空手には，究極的に言えば，目的や目標はない。しかし多くの人にとって，それでは空手を続ける動機が得られない。そこで，武道である空手においても，しばしば試合（乱取り試合，自由組手試合）が導入される。これは，自分の強さを知りたい，それを他者に証明したいという欲求に基づく目的になりうるからである。
Karate as budo, ultimately speaking, has no purpose and no goal. But, it does not enable most of karate students to be motivated to continue practicing karate. Then, karate as budo also introduce competitions (randori, free fighting) to itself, in many cases. It is because competitions can become goals based on a desire to know their own superiority, and show it to others.
Karate as budo, ultimately speaking, has no purpose and no goal. But, it does not enable most of karate students to be motivated to continue practicing karate. Then, karate as budo also introduce competitions (randori, free fighting) to itself, in many cases. It is because competitions can become goals based on a desire to know their own superiority, and show it to others.
Desire to Show Superiority in Sports
人には，自分の強さを知りたい，あるいは，他者に証明したいという欲求が少なからずある。自己提示として弱さを見せようとすることはあるだろうけれども，生物として自分の弱さを知りたい，それを他者に証明したいという欲求があるということは，進化論的にはあり得ない。スポーツにおける試合は，こうした自分の強さを相対的に，すなわち，他者との比較の上で明確に知り，証明できる絶好の機会といえる。強さにも色々あるが，特に，ボクシング，キックボクシング，レスリング，総合のような格闘技スポーツは，殴る，蹴る，投げる，極める，押さえるといったように，１対１で相手と身体的に直接「闘う」形態の競技ゆえに，生物としての身体面での相対的な闘争能力という面では，それを知り，証明するのにもっとも分かりやすい競技である。したがって，自分の強さ（闘争能力）を高めたい，知りたい，証明したいという人にとっては，こうした格闘技スポーツはきわめて魅力的だろう。
We humans do not have a little desire to know our own superiority or show it to others. Occasionally, we try to show our own inferiority as self-presentation, but there is no possibility in terms of the theory of evolution that we want to know our own inferiority as a living creature, and have a desire to show it to others. Competitions in sports can be said to be the best opportunity for knowing our own superiority relatively, that is, realize clearly and prove it as compared to others. There are various kinds of "superiority," but especially martial artistic sports such as boxing, kick-boxing, wrestling., and MMA (mixed marital arts) are games straightforward to know and show the combating ability of living creatures to fight physically against others, because athletes in these sports engage in a one-to-one physical "fight" against an opponent with actions such as punching, kicking, throwing, grappling, holding, and so on. Therefore, these martial artistic sports can be extremely attractive for people who want to increase in, know, and show their own superiority (fighting capacity).
We humans do not have a little desire to know our own superiority or show it to others. Occasionally, we try to show our own inferiority as self-presentation, but there is no possibility in terms of the theory of evolution that we want to know our own inferiority as a living creature, and have a desire to show it to others. Competitions in sports can be said to be the best opportunity for knowing our own superiority relatively, that is, realize clearly and prove it as compared to others. There are various kinds of "superiority," but especially martial artistic sports such as boxing, kick-boxing, wrestling., and MMA (mixed marital arts) are games straightforward to know and show the combating ability of living creatures to fight physically against others, because athletes in these sports engage in a one-to-one physical "fight" against an opponent with actions such as punching, kicking, throwing, grappling, holding, and so on. Therefore, these martial artistic sports can be extremely attractive for people who want to increase in, know, and show their own superiority (fighting capacity).
July 06, 2011
Desires Named Goal, Purpose, Aim, and so on
人は，人生や活動に目的や目標を欲する。何のために生きているのか，何のためにやっているのか，といった疑問がときどき頭に浮かび，悩ませる。しかし，人生に目的も目標もない。人間はただひたすらに生きているだけである。禅や空手にも同様に，なんら目的も目標もない。ただひたすらにやっているだけである。目的や目標はすなわち欲そのものであるが，そうした目的や目標を持ちたいというのもまた欲である。
Human beings want to have purposes or goals in their life and activities. Questions of what we live for or what we do for sometimes come to our mind, and annoy us. But, life has no purpose and no goal. We humans are just living entirely. Zen or karate also has no purpose and no goal. We are just doing them entirely. Purposes and goals are desires themselves, and wanting to have those purposes and goals is also a desire.
Human beings want to have purposes or goals in their life and activities. Questions of what we live for or what we do for sometimes come to our mind, and annoy us. But, life has no purpose and no goal. We humans are just living entirely. Zen or karate also has no purpose and no goal. We are just doing them entirely. Purposes and goals are desires themselves, and wanting to have those purposes and goals is also a desire.
June 15, 2011
Sportization of Budo: The Effects of Competitions on Budo
「試合」の導入によって，武道に何が起こるか。試合には，ルールと審判が存在する。選手の競技力は，このルールと審判という外的システムによって測定・評価されるので，必然的に，競技の技術はこの外的システムの影響を受けて発達する。もともとスポーツとして成立した野球やサッカーなどの競技の場合，こうした外的システムの下で選手やチームの競技力が測定・評価され，また，競技の技術が発達することは至極当然であり，何ら疑問や違和感はない。本来，スポーツとはそういうものである。逆に言えば，ルールと審判が，スポーツの面白さや奥深さを支えている。しかし，本来武道であったものが，「試合」を導入することでスポーツ化した場合には，事情が異なる。すなわち，武道の場合はそもそも，ルールや審判といった外的システムとは無関係に，すでに技が存在するのである。技の善し悪しや武道家の力量は，外的システムによる測定や評価の対象ではないし，そもそも，測定されたり評価されたりするものでもない。しかし，武道がスポーツ化する，つまり，「試合」を導入することによって，次第にそこでのルールや審判という外的な評価基準に沿って，武道本来の目的や技が変容することは免れ得ない。武道修行者は次第にスポーツ選手と化し，「試合」に勝つための，すなわち，ルールにしたがって審判に評価されやすいような技術を洗練させていくことになる。こうなると，日々の「稽古」や「修行」はすでに，試合のための「練習」と化してしまう。こうして，「試合」を導入することによって，武道はスポーツとなり，その結果，存在理由のみならず技術的な中身まで，大きく変容する。
What would happen to budo if it introduced "competitions" into itself? There are rules and judges in competitions. The abilities of players participating in "competitions" are measured and evaluated by such external system as these rules and judges, and inevitably the skills in competitions develop under the influence of this external system. For something like baseball and football which are originally developed as sports, it is only natural that the abilities of players and teams are measured and evaluated, and their skills are formulated by this external system. We have no question or nothing wrong with it. Essentially, sports is something like it. Conversely speaking, rules and judges support the attraction and profoundness of sports. However, matters are different in the case that activities, which was originally budo, have been sportized by introducing "competitions" into themselves. In the case of budo, there have already been skills formed before such external system as rules and judges. Whether the skills of a budoka are good or bad, or his competence is not a target measured and evaluated by the external system, and can not be measured or evaluated basically. But, if a school of budo was sportized, that is to say, it introduced "competitions" into itself, it could not avoid allowing purposes and skills originated with budo to gradually change along such external evaluation standards as the rules and judges in competitions. In that case, a person who practiced budo has been becoming an athlete without notice, and he/she has been trying to polish various skills which are right to win at "competitions", that is, to be evaluated well and scored high by the judges along the rules of the competitions. Then, "keiko" or "shugyo" have already changed to "renshu" for competitions. As stated above, budo is sportized by introducing competitions into itself, and as a result, the quality of skills as well as the reason for presence changes dramatically.
What would happen to budo if it introduced "competitions" into itself? There are rules and judges in competitions. The abilities of players participating in "competitions" are measured and evaluated by such external system as these rules and judges, and inevitably the skills in competitions develop under the influence of this external system. For something like baseball and football which are originally developed as sports, it is only natural that the abilities of players and teams are measured and evaluated, and their skills are formulated by this external system. We have no question or nothing wrong with it. Essentially, sports is something like it. Conversely speaking, rules and judges support the attraction and profoundness of sports. However, matters are different in the case that activities, which was originally budo, have been sportized by introducing "competitions" into themselves. In the case of budo, there have already been skills formed before such external system as rules and judges. Whether the skills of a budoka are good or bad, or his competence is not a target measured and evaluated by the external system, and can not be measured or evaluated basically. But, if a school of budo was sportized, that is to say, it introduced "competitions" into itself, it could not avoid allowing purposes and skills originated with budo to gradually change along such external evaluation standards as the rules and judges in competitions. In that case, a person who practiced budo has been becoming an athlete without notice, and he/she has been trying to polish various skills which are right to win at "competitions", that is, to be evaluated well and scored high by the judges along the rules of the competitions. Then, "keiko" or "shugyo" have already changed to "renshu" for competitions. As stated above, budo is sportized by introducing competitions into itself, and as a result, the quality of skills as well as the reason for presence changes dramatically.
June 14, 2011
Sportization of Budo: Transformation from Budo into Sports by Competitions
本来，武道とスポーツとは異なるものである。しかし，ある武道が「試合」を導入すれば，スポーツ化を免れることは難しい。武道修行は一見，目的性のない漠然とした活動に見えるので，特に初心者の場合，武道稽古への動機づけを保とうとするとき，具体的な目標を求めたがる。その目標に設定するものとして，当人や指導者にとって好都合なのが，「試合」である。「試合」に向けて稽古する，という図式は極めて分かりやすく，また，具体的で明確である。また，稽古の成果を，何らかの具体的な結果（得点や勝ち負けなど）として知りたいという欲求も出てくる。ここからも，自分にとってより良い結果を出そうと，試合に向けて稽古する，という図式が成立する。こうして，ある武道が仮に「試合」を導入すれば，それはどうしてもスポーツ化することは免れず，同時に，武道修行者はスポーツ選手と化する。
Essentially, budo and sports are different from each other. But, if a school of budo introduced "competitions" into themselves, there would be no way to avoid sportization for them. Budo training seems to be a vague activity without explicit purpose, and then especially beginners or younger pupils are eager to seek a specific goal in order to maintain their motivation for practice of budo. It is "competitions" that is convenient for them and their teachers to set for their goal. The framework that people train for "competitions" is extremely understandable, concrete, and clear. In addition, they gradually begin to have a desire to know the fruits of their practice as any concrete results like scores, win and loss, and so on. This desire makes the framework that people train for "competitions" in order to produce better results for themselves. Thus, if a school of budo introduced "competitions" into themselves, they would be forced to be sportized, and simultaneously with it, pupils of the school would become athletes.
Essentially, budo and sports are different from each other. But, if a school of budo introduced "competitions" into themselves, there would be no way to avoid sportization for them. Budo training seems to be a vague activity without explicit purpose, and then especially beginners or younger pupils are eager to seek a specific goal in order to maintain their motivation for practice of budo. It is "competitions" that is convenient for them and their teachers to set for their goal. The framework that people train for "competitions" is extremely understandable, concrete, and clear. In addition, they gradually begin to have a desire to know the fruits of their practice as any concrete results like scores, win and loss, and so on. This desire makes the framework that people train for "competitions" in order to produce better results for themselves. Thus, if a school of budo introduced "competitions" into themselves, they would be forced to be sportized, and simultaneously with it, pupils of the school would become athletes.
June 03, 2011
Rules and Judges in Sports
スポーツにはルールがあり，審判がいる。選手はルールに則って競技し，勝敗は審判によって決められる。つまり，スポーツ選手は，ルールという外的な制限・枠組み・縛りを受け，審判という外的な他者の目によって評価される。したがって，選手の競技力とは，こうしたシステムに沿った軸で測られる能力といえる。そして必然的に，スポーツにおける技術は，こうした外的な基準や評価のシステムに適応した形で発達せざるをえない。スポーツの技術や選手の競技力は日々変化していくが，ルールと審判という外的システムが，その変化の方向性を規定している。
There are rules and judges in sports. Players take part in a game with the rules, and the outcome of the game is decided by the judges. That is, athletes are affected by the external limitations, frameworks, or binds named rules, and evaluated by the external viewpoints of others named judges. Therefore, the athletic abilities of players are considered to be ones that are evaluated on the measure along this system. Inevitably, it forces the skills in sports to develop along the lines that they adapt to the external standards or evaluation system. The skills in a sport and the athletic abilities of players are making steady progress, but the orientation of progress is determined by the external system as rules and judges.
There are rules and judges in sports. Players take part in a game with the rules, and the outcome of the game is decided by the judges. That is, athletes are affected by the external limitations, frameworks, or binds named rules, and evaluated by the external viewpoints of others named judges. Therefore, the athletic abilities of players are considered to be ones that are evaluated on the measure along this system. Inevitably, it forces the skills in sports to develop along the lines that they adapt to the external standards or evaluation system. The skills in a sport and the athletic abilities of players are making steady progress, but the orientation of progress is determined by the external system as rules and judges.
May 17, 2011
Budo Education
理屈としては，学校教育で盛んな柔道・剣道・弓道とても，稽古者本人が，競技大会（試合）を目標とすればスポーツであり，しなければ武道であるということになる。つまり，稽古者本人の取り組み方次第で，武道にもなりスポーツにもなりうるということである。そして，この稽古者本人の取り組み方は，ひとえに，指導者の考え方や資質に掛かっている。つまり，武道を武道として正しく教え伝えられるかどうかは，稽古者本人が自ら気づかない限り，指導者に完全に依存している。この構造は，学校でも町道場でも，同じである。指導者の責任と影響力は，それほどに大きい。
Logically, even in judo, kendo, and kyudo famous in school education, if a student himself/herself regarded competitions (games) as his/her aim, his/her activity would be sports, and otherwise, it would be budo. In other words, whether the activity is budo or sports depends on the student's own orientation or attitude toward the activity. Additionally, it wholly rests with the thoughts or qualities of his/her teacher (master). Therefore, whether budo is properly taught and passed down depends on teachers (masters) perfectly, as long as students themselves do not realize the fact. This structure is seen both in schools and machi-dojos (places for martial arts in town). Teachers have heavy responsibility for and considerable influence on students.
Logically, even in judo, kendo, and kyudo famous in school education, if a student himself/herself regarded competitions (games) as his/her aim, his/her activity would be sports, and otherwise, it would be budo. In other words, whether the activity is budo or sports depends on the student's own orientation or attitude toward the activity. Additionally, it wholly rests with the thoughts or qualities of his/her teacher (master). Therefore, whether budo is properly taught and passed down depends on teachers (masters) perfectly, as long as students themselves do not realize the fact. This structure is seen both in schools and machi-dojos (places for martial arts in town). Teachers have heavy responsibility for and considerable influence on students.
Kata and Sports
武道は型で稽古する。ならば，乱取り（自由組手）はせず型のみの稽古をしているなら武道かと言えば必ずしもそうではない。空手道などには型競技（試合）というのがある。仮に稽古者がこれに勝つことを目標としてしまった瞬間に，それは武道ではなくスポーツとなる。例えば，日本刀の操作技法を修練する居合道は，基本的に型の稽古をひたすらするのみである点から典型的な武道のように見られることがあるが，実際には，審判を立てた型の競技大会というのがある。究極的には，その稽古者本人が，この競技大会を目標としなければ武道であり，目標とした瞬間にスポーツと化する。
We practice budo through kata. Then, if someone did not participate in randori (free fighting) and practiced nothing but kata, could we regard his/her activity as budo? The answer is that it would not be always. There are kata competitions (games) in karatedo and so on. Immediately when a martial artist think of winning in the competitions as his/her goal, his/her activity changes from budo into sports. For example, iaido, in which people practice the methods to manipulate a Japanese sword, tends to be considered one of typical budo in that they basically practice kata only, but they actually have kata competitions with rules and judges in iaido. Ultimately speaking, if the martial artist himself/herself did not set these competitions for his/her purpose, his/her activity would be budo. Otherwise, it would be sports.
We practice budo through kata. Then, if someone did not participate in randori (free fighting) and practiced nothing but kata, could we regard his/her activity as budo? The answer is that it would not be always. There are kata competitions (games) in karatedo and so on. Immediately when a martial artist think of winning in the competitions as his/her goal, his/her activity changes from budo into sports. For example, iaido, in which people practice the methods to manipulate a Japanese sword, tends to be considered one of typical budo in that they basically practice kata only, but they actually have kata competitions with rules and judges in iaido. Ultimately speaking, if the martial artist himself/herself did not set these competitions for his/her purpose, his/her activity would be budo. Otherwise, it would be sports.
May 15, 2011
Budo and Sports
スポーツとは，他者と勝敗強弱を競うことを主な目的とする身体活動であるとすれば，武道はスポーツではない。学校教育の中で行われる体育は，基本的にスポーツである。日本の学校教育における体育授業科目や課外活動（部活動）としても盛んな柔道も剣道も弓道も，ルールと審判を立てた競技（試合）に参加し，他者（他校）と勝ち負けを争うことが活動の目標であれば，それらはスポーツであって，武道ではない。学校教育に限らず，柔道のようにオリンピック競技が頂点となる活動はすべて，本質的に武道ではなくスポーツということになる。
Assuming that sports is physical activity of which the main purpose is to compete with others for win and loss, or strength and weakness, budo is not sports. Physical education in schooling is basically sports. Like many other sports, judo, kendo, and kyudo, which are famous as subjects or extracurricular activities at school in Japan, are not budo but sports, if the purpose of these activities are to participate in competitions (games) with rules and judges, and compete with others (other schools) for win and loss. Not only school education but also all of activities which aim for Olympic Games like judo, would be essentially not budo but sports.
Assuming that sports is physical activity of which the main purpose is to compete with others for win and loss, or strength and weakness, budo is not sports. Physical education in schooling is basically sports. Like many other sports, judo, kendo, and kyudo, which are famous as subjects or extracurricular activities at school in Japan, are not budo but sports, if the purpose of these activities are to participate in competitions (games) with rules and judges, and compete with others (other schools) for win and loss. Not only school education but also all of activities which aim for Olympic Games like judo, would be essentially not budo but sports.
May 04, 2011
Purpose of the Practice of Budo
なぜ武道の稽古をするのかと問われれば，究極的には，何のためでもないと答えるしかない。武道は，喧嘩に勝つために行うものではない。また，稽古は，乱取り（自由組手）や型演武のような競技試合で勝つために行うものではない。つまり，武道は，他者との勝敗強弱を競うことが目的ではない。結果的に強くなるかもしれないが，強くなることそのものが目的ではない。不測の事態に護身術として役立つ場合もあるかもしれないが，そんなことは日常生活において滅多に起きないので，護身のためというのが主要な目的にはなりえない。稽古は，身体を鍛え，集中力・洞察力・判断力を養うけれども，それは副産物であって，最終の目的ではない。伝統的な武芸文化の伝承にもなるが，伝承そのものが目的でもない。何のためでもない。坐禅と同様，ただ稽古する，それだけである。
何事も 打ち忘れたり ひたすらに 武の島さして 漕ぐが楽しき （摩文仁賢和 糸東流開祖）
If a budo-ka (martial artist) was asked why he did his practice on budo, he could not but reply that ultimately he did for nothing. Practicing budo is not for beating down the enemy in a street fighting. Also, it is not for winning such a competitive game as randori (free fighting) or kata-enbu (kata performance). That is to say, the purpose of budo is not to compete with others for win and loss, or strength and weakness. Though practicing budo may result in becoming stronger as compared with others, the relative strength itself is not the purpose of budo. Though it strengthens muscles and develops such abilities as concentration, insight, and judgement, these profits are just secondary products, not the ultimate goals. Though it has a role to inherit the traditional culture of martial arts, the inheritance itself is not the purpose. It's for nothing. Practicing budo is nothing but practicing budo, like zazen.
nanigotomo uchiwasuretari hitasurani bunoshimasasite kogugatanoshiki (Kenwa Mabuni, the patriarch of Shito-ryu)
[interpretation] When I dismiss everything from my mind and entirely practice karate in order to find the ultimate state of martial arts is my favorite and happiest time.
If a budo-ka (martial artist) was asked why he did his practice on budo, he could not but reply that ultimately he did for nothing. Practicing budo is not for beating down the enemy in a street fighting. Also, it is not for winning such a competitive game as randori (free fighting) or kata-enbu (kata performance). That is to say, the purpose of budo is not to compete with others for win and loss, or strength and weakness. Though practicing budo may result in becoming stronger as compared with others, the relative strength itself is not the purpose of budo. Though it strengthens muscles and develops such abilities as concentration, insight, and judgement, these profits are just secondary products, not the ultimate goals. Though it has a role to inherit the traditional culture of martial arts, the inheritance itself is not the purpose. It's for nothing. Practicing budo is nothing but practicing budo, like zazen.
nanigotomo uchiwasuretari hitasurani bunoshimasasite kogugatanoshiki (Kenwa Mabuni, the patriarch of Shito-ryu)
[interpretation] When I dismiss everything from my mind and entirely practice karate in order to find the ultimate state of martial arts is my favorite and happiest time.
April 30, 2011
Meaning of the Existence of Budo
現代人にとって，武道の存在意義とは何か。武道とは，古より長い年月をかけて，先達が練り上げてきた戦闘の技術である。しかし，現代社会において，そのような戦闘場面に遭遇することはほぼ皆無である。だとすれば，技術そのものを発揮することに，現代的意義はない。我々現代人にとっては，技術の修練を通して，身体を鍛え，集中力・洞察力・判断力を養い，禅的な意識を培うことに，武道修練の本質的な意義がある。そして，そこで培われた考えや意識に基づいて日々日常を生きることを実践するのが，武道家である。
What is a meaning of the existence of budo (martial arts) for modern people? Budo is a technique for fighting with enemies that old warriors or masters had been polishing for ages. But, in modern society, there are few chances for us to encounter such a fighting scene. Then, practically using and showing the fighting technique itself has no modern meaning. For us modern people, it is an essential meaning of the discipline of budo to harden our body, develop our abilities such as concentration, insight, and judgement, and cultivate our zenic consciousness, through the training of the technique. Additionally, it is a budo-ka (martial artist) that practice living every day along the thoughts and consciousness cultivated through his/her training.
What is a meaning of the existence of budo (martial arts) for modern people? Budo is a technique for fighting with enemies that old warriors or masters had been polishing for ages. But, in modern society, there are few chances for us to encounter such a fighting scene. Then, practically using and showing the fighting technique itself has no modern meaning. For us modern people, it is an essential meaning of the discipline of budo to harden our body, develop our abilities such as concentration, insight, and judgement, and cultivate our zenic consciousness, through the training of the technique. Additionally, it is a budo-ka (martial artist) that practice living every day along the thoughts and consciousness cultivated through his/her training.
April 19, 2011
Mindfulness, Zen, and Karate
そもそも我々の心は，しばしばさまよう。坐禅や空手をすることによって，何よりもまず，我々の心はさまよいやすいということを知ることができる。坐禅の場合はただひたすら坐るだけなので，心もさまよいやすい。だからこそ坐禅は，自己を知る上で最も優れた方法であるといえるだろう。しかし，そこからさらに，さまよう自己を制御する，あるいはマインドフルでいる，すなわち，さまよったら今ここ（の身体と呼吸）に意識を戻し，さまよわないように今ここ（の身体と呼吸）に意識を集中し続けることは，容易ではない。一方，空手の場合は身体を動かすので，意識を今ここ（の身体と呼吸）に集中しやすい。したがって，空手は，マインドフルになるための訓練として，非常に優れた技法であるといえる。
Essentially, our mind often wanders. Practicing zazen or karate enables us to know, before everything else, the fact that our mind easily wanders. Our mind wanders more readily during zazen than any other acts because we entirely sit on the floor. Accordingly, zazen can be considered as the best way to know the self. But, in addition, it is not easy for us to control our wandering self or be mindful, in other words, to put attention back to our body and breath here now if we notice that our mind is wandering, and continue to concentrate on our body and breath here now in order for our mind not to wander. On the other hand, it is easier for us to put consciousness on our body and breath here now during the practice of karate than zazen because we are moving our body in karate as a martial art. Thus, karate is a quite excellent technique as a training for mindfulness.
Essentially, our mind often wanders. Practicing zazen or karate enables us to know, before everything else, the fact that our mind easily wanders. Our mind wanders more readily during zazen than any other acts because we entirely sit on the floor. Accordingly, zazen can be considered as the best way to know the self. But, in addition, it is not easy for us to control our wandering self or be mindful, in other words, to put attention back to our body and breath here now if we notice that our mind is wandering, and continue to concentrate on our body and breath here now in order for our mind not to wander. On the other hand, it is easier for us to put consciousness on our body and breath here now during the practice of karate than zazen because we are moving our body in karate as a martial art. Thus, karate is a quite excellent technique as a training for mindfulness.
April 16, 2011
Zen and Karate
空手は，ときに「動く禅」と言われる。自己の身体と呼吸に意識を集中する点で，坐禅と空手は等しい。空手は弓道と同様，他の多くの武道と比較して，特に呼吸法を重視している。型を練る際に身体を意識することは当然だが，同時に型に呼吸を合わせるために，次第に身体と呼吸と意識が渾然一体となり，やがて自己存在が今ここになりきる。このように，空手は特に，武道であるとともに，禅であるとも言える。
Karate is sometimes called "moving zen." Zazen and karate are equal to each other in the respect that we concentrate on our own body and breath in them. Especially Karate, as kyu-do (Japanese archery), puts more stress on breathing than any other Japanese martial arts. Though it is inevitable that we are aware of our body during polishing kata, we try to match breathing to kata, gradually our body, breath, and consciousness are in complete harmony, and finally self-existence becomes "here now". Therefore, karate is just zen as well as a martial art.
Karate is sometimes called "moving zen." Zazen and karate are equal to each other in the respect that we concentrate on our own body and breath in them. Especially Karate, as kyu-do (Japanese archery), puts more stress on breathing than any other Japanese martial arts. Though it is inevitable that we are aware of our body during polishing kata, we try to match breathing to kata, gradually our body, breath, and consciousness are in complete harmony, and finally self-existence becomes "here now". Therefore, karate is just zen as well as a martial art.
April 12, 2011
Budo and Zen: Zen through Body
武道は禅である。武道は型を練ることで稽古するため，必然的に今ここにある自己の身体と呼吸に意識を集中する。禅，特に坐禅も同様に，今ここに坐っている自己の身体と呼吸に意識を集中する。心はしばしばさまよう。今ここにある（今ここしかない）自己存在を確かに実感する一つの手段という意味で，両者は等しい。
Budo is zen. Budo is practiced through polishing kata, and inevitably, during the practice of budo or kata, we concentrate on our own body and breath that exist here now. Equally, during zen, especially zazen, we concentrate on the body and breath of ourselves that sit here now. Our mind is often wandering. Both of them are equivalent in the meaning of one of the ways to truly realize the self-existence that is only here now.
Budo is zen. Budo is practiced through polishing kata, and inevitably, during the practice of budo or kata, we concentrate on our own body and breath that exist here now. Equally, during zen, especially zazen, we concentrate on the body and breath of ourselves that sit here now. Our mind is often wandering. Both of them are equivalent in the meaning of one of the ways to truly realize the self-existence that is only here now.
March 25, 2011
Dialogue with Body
型の稽古をするとき，一連の決まった動作や所作に，自分の身体を合わせていく。型は，古人先達によって洗練されてきた身体操作の方法であり，そこに身体を馴染ませていく作業そのものが，稽古である。決められた身体操作に馴染ませる作業において，その一瞬一瞬はまさに自己の身体との対話となる。型に合っているか，馴染んでいるかについて，自己の身体と対話しながら，型を打つ。これを毎日続けることによって，昨日の身体と今日の身体とを比較する。型との合い具合，馴染み具合を，日々，身体と対話しながら確認する作業が，武道の稽古であり，また，それが武道を稽古することの魅力である。武道とは，まさに，身体との対話である。
While practicing a kata, we are trying to fit our own body to the set series of movements and actions in that kata. Kata is a method for handling body that ancient masters have formulated. Practice in budo means an act to attempt to adjust our body to such a well-formulated kata. Fitting or adjusting our own body to the well-formulated body manipulation, we figuratively dialogue with our body moment by moment. We conduct a kata, talking with our own body about how we fit or adjust to the kata. If we do this everyday, then we can compare today's body to yesterday's body of ourselves. Checking on an extent of fitting or adjusting to kata everyday by dialoguing with body is just a practice of budo, as well as an attraction of practicing budo. Budo is exactly a dialogue with body.
While practicing a kata, we are trying to fit our own body to the set series of movements and actions in that kata. Kata is a method for handling body that ancient masters have formulated. Practice in budo means an act to attempt to adjust our body to such a well-formulated kata. Fitting or adjusting our own body to the well-formulated body manipulation, we figuratively dialogue with our body moment by moment. We conduct a kata, talking with our own body about how we fit or adjust to the kata. If we do this everyday, then we can compare today's body to yesterday's body of ourselves. Checking on an extent of fitting or adjusting to kata everyday by dialoguing with body is just a practice of budo, as well as an attraction of practicing budo. Budo is exactly a dialogue with body.
Budo and Kata
型を中心に稽古する武道は，現代の柔道や剣道のような乱取り（自由組手）稽古が中心の武道（的スポーツ）に対して，ときに「型武道」と言われることがある。しかし，これは重複表現である。なぜなら，武道とは型そのものであり，武道の稽古とは型を稽古することだからである。したがって，型を稽古せず乱取り（自由組手）だけ稽古していれば，もはやそれは武道ではない。それは，武道をベースにしたスポーツである。
Martial arts which require students to mainly practice their katas are sometimes called "kata budo"(kata-oriented martial arts), compared to martial arts (or martial artistic sports) which lay stress on free fighting (randori or jiyu-kumite) like modern judo or kendo. But, this is an overlapping expression. It's because budo is kata itself, and practicing of budo essentially means practicing of kata. Therefore, if the martial art does not make students practice kata but only free fighting, it is no longer budo. It is just a sport based on budo.
Martial arts which require students to mainly practice their katas are sometimes called "kata budo"(kata-oriented martial arts), compared to martial arts (or martial artistic sports) which lay stress on free fighting (randori or jiyu-kumite) like modern judo or kendo. But, this is an overlapping expression. It's because budo is kata itself, and practicing of budo essentially means practicing of kata. Therefore, if the martial art does not make students practice kata but only free fighting, it is no longer budo. It is just a sport based on budo.
March 23, 2011
Budo is Kata, Kata is Budo
武道には，それぞれ独自の型がある。武道は型で稽古するのが本来的である。空手道，居合道，杖道，合気道，弓道など，それぞれに型があり，日々の稽古はその型をひたすら反復練習する。すなわち，その型が，その武道そのものを表していると言って良い。極論すれば，武道＝型，型＝武道ということになる。
Any kind or school of Budo (martial arts) has its original katas. Budo is essentially practiced through kata. Karate-do, iai-do, jo-do, aiki-do, kyu-do and so on have their respective katas, and budo-ka (martial artists) repeatedly practice these katas on everyday training. Thus, it can be said that each of these katas represent each of martial arts itself. To put it in an extreme, budo is kata, or kata is budo.
Any kind or school of Budo (martial arts) has its original katas. Budo is essentially practiced through kata. Karate-do, iai-do, jo-do, aiki-do, kyu-do and so on have their respective katas, and budo-ka (martial artists) repeatedly practice these katas on everyday training. Thus, it can be said that each of these katas represent each of martial arts itself. To put it in an extreme, budo is kata, or kata is budo.
March 10, 2011
Body, Breath, and Consciousness
空手は型（形）で稽古する。その際，一連の決まった動きや所作を単に運動的になぞるのではなく，身体各所すべての動き一つ一つに意識を集中する。重心を意識して身体のバランスを保ちながら，身体の動きと息の出し入れを調和させる。意識は，型が始まってから終わるまで，呼吸しながら動く身体の隅々まで行き渡らせる。呼吸する身体へ意識を集中することにより，やがて自己は，自己（身体）が存在する今ここの場そのものに浸透・拡散する。
Karate is practiced through kata (a series of unitary techniques of defense and offense). While practicing kata, we should not simply trace the set series of movements and actions as a physical exercise, but concentrate on every movement of all parts of our body. Every movement of the body is harmonized with breathing, with being aware of the center of gravity and keeping balance of the whole body. Consciousness is thrown into all over the body, which moves with breathing, from start to finish of kata. In the course of time, concentrating on the breathing body makes the self penetrate or diffuse through the place here now where it presents.
Karate is practiced through kata (a series of unitary techniques of defense and offense). While practicing kata, we should not simply trace the set series of movements and actions as a physical exercise, but concentrate on every movement of all parts of our body. Every movement of the body is harmonized with breathing, with being aware of the center of gravity and keeping balance of the whole body. Consciousness is thrown into all over the body, which moves with breathing, from start to finish of kata. In the course of time, concentrating on the breathing body makes the self penetrate or diffuse through the place here now where it presents.
March 06, 2011
Tanden Breathing in Karate
空手の根幹は呼吸である。空手中興の祖・糸洲安恒先生の高弟である遠山寛賢先生は，「沖縄正統空手の極意は，呼吸法がその根底をなし，気力の充実をもって至高の奥義となす」と述べている。空手における呼吸とは，すなわち，丹田呼吸である。空手での丹田呼吸は，通常の丹田呼吸と比べて，「吐き」の際に，より一層腹圧を高め，下腹（丹田）に力を込めて目一杯に膨らませる。空手の防御と攻撃は，この「吐き」と一致調和して行う。
The essence of karate is breathing. Kanken Tohyama sensei, who was the leading disciple of Anko Itosu sensei known as the restorer of Okinawan karate, stated "The secret of Okinawan orthodox karate is formed on the basis of breathing, and fully-charged energy is just the supreme heart." Breathing in karate is namely tanden breathing. When we exhale in tanden breathing in karate, as compared to usual tanden breathing, we raise our abdominal muscle pressure and swell our lower abdomen (tanden) with as much tension as possible. The defence and attack of karate is carried out in harmony with this exhaling.
The essence of karate is breathing. Kanken Tohyama sensei, who was the leading disciple of Anko Itosu sensei known as the restorer of Okinawan karate, stated "The secret of Okinawan orthodox karate is formed on the basis of breathing, and fully-charged energy is just the supreme heart." Breathing in karate is namely tanden breathing. When we exhale in tanden breathing in karate, as compared to usual tanden breathing, we raise our abdominal muscle pressure and swell our lower abdomen (tanden) with as much tension as possible. The defence and attack of karate is carried out in harmony with this exhaling.
February 10, 2011
Tanden Breathing
丹田呼吸は，腹式呼吸の一種である。丹田（下丹田，臍下丹田）は，臍下三寸（または数センチ，指数本分）のところにあるとされるが人それぞれであり，大雑把に言えば，下腹と解釈して良い。息を吸う際，丹田を意識し，腹圧を上げて横隔膜を下げ，下腹を膨らませる。息は２～３秒ぐらいで短く吸う。腹が膨らんだら，息を１～２秒止めつつ，丹田を意識してそこに力を込める。次に，息をなるべく細く長くゆっくりと，８～１０秒ぐらいかけて吐く。この際，丹田（下腹）に込めた力を抜かないようにする。したがって，通常の腹式呼吸の場合は，息を吐くときに腹が緩んで凹むが，丹田呼吸の場合は，息を吐くときにも腹に力を入れて腹圧を上げたままにするので，腹は緩みにくく凹みにくい。このように，丹田呼吸は，(1) 「吸い」と「吐き」の間に「止め」の間があり，(2) 下腹あたりを意識してそこに力を込めながら，(3) 呼気をできるだけ細く長くゆっくりと行う，という点が特徴的である。
Tanden breathing is a variety of abdominal one. Though tanden (shimo-tanden, seika-tanden) is generally said to be three "sun" (the Japanese old measure; one sun is almost three centimeters long) under navel, the place of tanden depends on individuals. Roughly speaking, it would not be a problem if tanden may be regarded as the lower abdomen. In inhaling, we raise the abdominal muscle pressure and lower the diaphragm (midriff) to swell the abdomen, while we are fully aware of tanden. Inhale briefly for two or three seconds. When our abdomen has swollen, we hold our breath for one or two seconds and tension our abdomen with awareness of tanden. Next, we exhale as gently, slowly, and long as possible for eight or ten seconds. In exhaling, we do not relax the muscles of our lower abdomen (tanden). Therefore, the abdomen is usually easy to be deflated and hollowed in exhaling of normal abdominal breathing, but in exhaling of tanden breathing, the abdomen is not easy to be deflated and hollowed because the abdominal muscle pressure remains raised.Thus, the features of tanden breathing are, (1) there is an interval to hold our breath between inhaling and exhaling, (2) tension our lower abdomen with awareness of it, and (3) we exhale as gently, slowly, and long as we can.
Tanden breathing is a variety of abdominal one. Though tanden (shimo-tanden, seika-tanden) is generally said to be three "sun" (the Japanese old measure; one sun is almost three centimeters long) under navel, the place of tanden depends on individuals. Roughly speaking, it would not be a problem if tanden may be regarded as the lower abdomen. In inhaling, we raise the abdominal muscle pressure and lower the diaphragm (midriff) to swell the abdomen, while we are fully aware of tanden. Inhale briefly for two or three seconds. When our abdomen has swollen, we hold our breath for one or two seconds and tension our abdomen with awareness of tanden. Next, we exhale as gently, slowly, and long as possible for eight or ten seconds. In exhaling, we do not relax the muscles of our lower abdomen (tanden). Therefore, the abdomen is usually easy to be deflated and hollowed in exhaling of normal abdominal breathing, but in exhaling of tanden breathing, the abdomen is not easy to be deflated and hollowed because the abdominal muscle pressure remains raised.Thus, the features of tanden breathing are, (1) there is an interval to hold our breath between inhaling and exhaling, (2) tension our lower abdomen with awareness of it, and (3) we exhale as gently, slowly, and long as we can.
February 04, 2011
KATA Tensho
KATA Tensho
Tensho is one of the most important KATAs in Shito-ryu, or Okinawan classical karate.
The movie below is Tensho of Shito-kai.
Tensho is one of the most important KATAs in Shito-ryu, or Okinawan classical karate.
The movie below is Tensho of Shito-kai.
February 03, 2011
Abdominal Breathing
腹式呼吸は，息を吸う際に腹が膨らみ，息を吐く際にはその膨らんだ腹が元に戻る。したがって，腹の動きは胸式呼吸と逆になる。ただ，空気が入るのは肺（胸部）なので，実際に腹に空気が入るわけではない。腹圧を上げて横隔膜を下げることで肺の容積が増えるために，外界との気圧差が生じて空気が入る。また，腹式呼吸では，胸式呼吸とは違い，息を吐くことに重点が置かれている。
In abdominal breathing, the abdomen swells in inhaling, while the swelled abdomen returns to be as before in exhaling. Therefore, the abdomen in abdominal breathing moves in a reverse way to the one in costal breathing. But, the air is filled in the lungs (the chest), not exactly in the abdomen. Rising the abdominal muscle pressure and lowering the diaphragm (midriff) makes a capacity of the lungs increased. Then, the air goes in the lungs because the difference in air pressure between inside and outside occurs. Besides, abdominal breathing puts a stress on the process of exhaling, different from costal breathing.
In abdominal breathing, the abdomen swells in inhaling, while the swelled abdomen returns to be as before in exhaling. Therefore, the abdomen in abdominal breathing moves in a reverse way to the one in costal breathing. But, the air is filled in the lungs (the chest), not exactly in the abdomen. Rising the abdominal muscle pressure and lowering the diaphragm (midriff) makes a capacity of the lungs increased. Then, the air goes in the lungs because the difference in air pressure between inside and outside occurs. Besides, abdominal breathing puts a stress on the process of exhaling, different from costal breathing.
January 26, 2011
Costal Breathing (Chest Respiration)
呼吸には，大きく，胸式呼吸と腹式呼吸がある。幼児を除く現代人にとっての自然な呼吸は胸式呼吸であり，息を吸う際には胸（胴体の上部）を膨らませる（肋骨を開く）ので腹が凹み，息を吐く際にはその凹んだ腹が元に戻る。日本においてラジオ体操や学校で指導されるいわゆる”深呼吸”は，大きく胸を開いて空気をできるだけ多く吸い込むようにする胸式呼吸である。ここでは，息を吸うことに重点が置かれている。
Breathing is roughly classified into two groups; costal and abdominal. Natural breathing for people of today except infants is costal breathing (chest respiration), in which the abdomen becomes hollow in inhaling since that the chest (the upper part of the body) swells as the ribs are stretched or expanded, while the hollow abdomen returns to be as before (the abdomen swells) in exhaling. The "deep breathing" learned in school or Radio Exercise in Japan is costal one, which requires us to inhale as much air as possible by swelling the chest widely. Here, it put a stress on the process of inhaling.
Breathing is roughly classified into two groups; costal and abdominal. Natural breathing for people of today except infants is costal breathing (chest respiration), in which the abdomen becomes hollow in inhaling since that the chest (the upper part of the body) swells as the ribs are stretched or expanded, while the hollow abdomen returns to be as before (the abdomen swells) in exhaling. The "deep breathing" learned in school or Radio Exercise in Japan is costal one, which requires us to inhale as much air as possible by swelling the chest widely. Here, it put a stress on the process of inhaling.
January 21, 2011
Breath
空手の真髄は，呼吸である。坐禅と同じく，空手も，丹田呼吸を行う。他の武道でも通常，丹田呼吸が求められるが，空手は特に呼吸を強調・重視する。徒手空拳の武道である空手では，呼吸と身体動作を精妙に合わせることが，戦いのための奥義であると考えられている。
Breath is the essence of karate. We breathe in and out by tanden breathing in karate as well as in zazen. Indeed tanden breathing is usually required in other martial arts, but karate especially emphasizes the importance of breathing. In karate, as a martial art without arms, putting breath and physical movements together harmoniously is thought to be the heart of fighting.
Breath is the essence of karate. We breathe in and out by tanden breathing in karate as well as in zazen. Indeed tanden breathing is usually required in other martial arts, but karate especially emphasizes the importance of breathing. In karate, as a martial art without arms, putting breath and physical movements together harmoniously is thought to be the heart of fighting.
January 17, 2011
Posture (position) of the Above-the-waist
空手の稽古，特に形（型）の稽古をするときの上半身の姿勢は，坐禅をするときの姿勢と同じである。すなわち，背筋を伸ばし，肩を落とし，顎を引き，腹式呼吸をして丹田に意識を置く。
Posture (position) of the above-the-waist in practicing karate, especially katas, is the same as one in zazen. That is, in both karate and zazen, we have our back straight, our shoulders lowered, our chin drawn, and focus in on our Tanden through abdominal breathing.
Posture (position) of the above-the-waist in practicing karate, especially katas, is the same as one in zazen. That is, in both karate and zazen, we have our back straight, our shoulders lowered, our chin drawn, and focus in on our Tanden through abdominal breathing.
January 14, 2011
KATA Naifanchi
KATA Naifanchi
Naifanchi is one of the most important KATAs in Shito-ryu, or Okinawan classical karate.
The movie below is Naifanchi of Shito-kai.
The movie below is Naifanchi played by Choshin Chibana sensei, the founder of Shorin-ryu, in his later years.
There are three Katas named Naifanchi: Shodan, Nidan, and Sandan. Naifanchi Shodan is the original but anonymous one, while Nidan and Sandan was made by Anko Itosu sensei, the master at Shuri-te (karate in Shuri area), who is known as the restorer of Okinawan karate. Choshin Chibana sensei was one of immediate pupils of Anko Itosu sensei.
Naifanchi is one of the most important KATAs in Shito-ryu, or Okinawan classical karate.
The movie below is Naifanchi of Shito-kai.
The movie below is Naifanchi played by Choshin Chibana sensei, the founder of Shorin-ryu, in his later years.
There are three Katas named Naifanchi: Shodan, Nidan, and Sandan. Naifanchi Shodan is the original but anonymous one, while Nidan and Sandan was made by Anko Itosu sensei, the master at Shuri-te (karate in Shuri area), who is known as the restorer of Okinawan karate. Choshin Chibana sensei was one of immediate pupils of Anko Itosu sensei.
January 12, 2011
Encyclopedia of Okinawan karate and Martial Arts
『沖縄空手古武道事典』 高宮城繁・新里勝彦・仲本政博（編著） 柏書房
In this encyclopedia, shito-ryu is introduced as Okinawan karate. Especially, in the chapter describing katas of Okinawan karate, the katas of both Shito-ryu and three major schools in Okinawa (Shorin-ryu, Okinawa Goju-ryu, and Uechi-ryu) are arranged in parallel. Photographs of my grandmaster, the head of Seisyukan, Minoru Nishida sensei performing the katas of Shito-ryu are inset.
January 11, 2011
Wandering Mind
心はさまよう。ほおっておくとどこまでもさまよう。さまようとろくなことはない。しかし，心がさまようのは，人間の脳が持つデフォルト機能の１つだろう。例えば，学習や記憶といった基本的な活動から，問題解決や創造といった複雑な活動のベースとなるのだろう。だから，心がさまようことそれ自体は，悪いことではない。肝要なのは，そのさまよう心に気づくことである。そして，その中身にとらわれずに受け流し，今ここに戻ることである。
Our mind tends to wander. It lasts to wander without limit, if we leave it free or unrestricted. Wandering mind brings no good things to us. However, it may be one of the default functions of human brain. Therefore, the mind wandering itself is not wrong. The important thing we should do is that we are aware of the fact that our mind wanders. In addition, we have not to be fettered by the contents of thoughts and feelings on our mind, but be back here now.
Our mind tends to wander. It lasts to wander without limit, if we leave it free or unrestricted. Wandering mind brings no good things to us. However, it may be one of the default functions of human brain. Therefore, the mind wandering itself is not wrong. The important thing we should do is that we are aware of the fact that our mind wanders. In addition, we have not to be fettered by the contents of thoughts and feelings on our mind, but be back here now.
January 07, 2011
Retracing
過去を振り返ることそれ自体は，悪いことではない。人間は振り返ることによって自分を反省し，将来同じ過ちや失敗を繰り返さない糧とする。しかし，振り返りが過去へのこだわりをもたらし，結果，過去にとらわれてしまうと，「いまここ」である現在の心身をむしばむことになりかねない。
Retracing or looking back itself is not the wrong act. We usually reflect on ourselves by looking back at our own past experiences, and turn them to advantage in order not to repeat same mistakes and failures. However, if we dwelt on the past by retracing it and consequently were fettered by it, our mind and body in the present "now and here" could be undermined.
Retracing or looking back itself is not the wrong act. We usually reflect on ourselves by looking back at our own past experiences, and turn them to advantage in order not to repeat same mistakes and failures. However, if we dwelt on the past by retracing it and consequently were fettered by it, our mind and body in the present "now and here" could be undermined.
January 06, 2011
Desires
禅的生活は，欲を捨てることである。欲があるから苦がある。ああしたいこうしたいという気持ちが，ああできないこうできないという思いになる。ならば，ああしたいこうしたいと思わなければよい。しかし，それがまた難しい。
The most important point in a zen life is to throw all of my own desires away. We have troubles and worries since we have desires. Desires to do this and that become thoughts that we are hindered from doing this and that, when we can not do them. If so, we had better not want to do this and that. However, it is very difficult for us to throw our desires away.
The most important point in a zen life is to throw all of my own desires away. We have troubles and worries since we have desires. Desires to do this and that become thoughts that we are hindered from doing this and that, when we can not do them. If so, we had better not want to do this and that. However, it is very difficult for us to throw our desires away.
January 05, 2011
Mindful Living with Karate
人生をマインドフルネス的に，あるいは，禅的に生きる。今ここを感じながら人生を過ごしたい。やるべきことはたくさんあるけれども，瞬間瞬間に今ここを生きる。沖縄の伝統的な武道である空手は，禅的に生きるための方法の一つである。武道空手はまさに，禅である。
I hope to live my life in a mindful or Zenic way. I want to spend my life always feeling now and here. There are a lot of things on my plate, but I want to live "here now" moment by moment. Karate, as an Okinawan classical martial art, is one of the ways to live in a Zenic way. Karate as budo is just Zen.
I hope to live my life in a mindful or Zenic way. I want to spend my life always feeling now and here. There are a lot of things on my plate, but I want to live "here now" moment by moment. Karate, as an Okinawan classical martial art, is one of the ways to live in a Zenic way. Karate as budo is just Zen.
January 04, 2011
KATA Sanchin
KATA Sanchin
Sanchin is one of the most important KATAs in Shito-ryu, or Okinawan classical karate.
The movie below is Sanchin of Shito-kai.
Sanchin is one of the most important KATAs in Shito-ryu, or Okinawan classical karate.
The movie below is Sanchin of Shito-kai.
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