Τετάρτη 27 Φεβρουαρίου 2008

Kyokushin kata (the meaning of)

Taikyoku is literally translated as "grand ultimate", and in Chinese, the kanji characters are pronounced Tai Chi. The word Taikyoku can also mean overview or the whole point – seeing the whole rather than focusing on the individual parts, and keeping an open mind or beginner's mind. The beginner's mind is what is strived for during training and in life. The beginner's mind does not hold prejudice and does not cling to a narrow view. The beginner's mind is open to endless possibilities.
Pinan is the Okinawan pronunciation of the kanji characters for peace and relaxation (pronounced Heian in Japanese). Though the physical moves of kata involve techniques used for fighting, the purpose of kata is to develop a calm, peaceful mind and harmony between the mind and body.
Sanchin literally means "three battles" or "three conflicts". It is the principal kata in certain Okinawan karate styles, such as Goju Ryu and Uechi Ryu, and it is likely one of the oldest kata. Certain legends attribute the creation of Sanchin to Bodhidharma in the early sixth century. Sanchin kata seeks to develop three elements at the same time:
– The mind, body and the techniques,
– The internal organs, circulation and the nervous system, and
– The three ki, located in:
– the top of the head (tento),
– the diaphragm (hara), and
– the lower abdomen (tan den).
Sanchin is an isometric kata where each move is performed in a state of complete tension, accompanied by powerful, deep breathing (ibuki) that originates in the lower abdomen (tan den). The practice of Sanchin not only leads to the strengthening of the body, but to the development of the inner power (ki) and the coordination of mind and body.
Gekisai means conquer and occupy. The name is derived from the characters Geki, meaning attack or conquer, and Sai, meaning fortress or stronghold (literally translated as "closed", "shut" or "covered"). The word Gekisai can also mean demolish, destroy or pulverize. The katas teach strength through fluidity of motion, mobility and the utilization of various techniques. Flexibility of attack and response will always be superior to rigid and inflexible strength.
Yansu is derived from the characters Yan, meaning safe, and Su, meaning three. The name is attributed to that of a Chinese military attaché to Okinawa in the 19th Century. The word yansu also means to keep pure, striving to maintain the purity of principles and ideals rather than compromising for expediency.
Tsuki no by its very name is a punching kata (there is only one kick and just a few blocks in the entire kata). The word Tsuki can also mean fortune and luck. Good fortune and luck does not come by waiting. For every punch in this kata, envision that a personal barrier is being broken down. Strong, persistent effort directed at problems will bring good fortune.
Tensho means rolling or fluid hand, literally translated as "rotating palms". Tensho is the soft and circular (yin) counterpart to the hard and linear (yang) Sanchin kata. Not only was Tensho one of Mas Oyama's favorite kata, he considered it to be the most indispensable of the advanced kata: Tensho is a basic illustration of the definition of Karate, derived from Chinese kempo, as a technique of circles based on points. Tensho should be a prime object of practice because, as a psychological and theoretical support behind karate training and as a central element in basic karate formal exercises, it has permeated the techniques, the blocks and the thrusts, and is intimately connected with the very life of karate. A man who has practiced Tensho kata a number of thousands of times and has a firm grasp of its theory can not only take any attack, but can also turn the advantage in any attack, and will always be able to defend himself perfectly.
Saiha means extreme destruction, smashing or tearing. The word Saiha can also mean great wave, the source of the IFK logo. No matter how large a problem is encountered, with patience, determination and perseverance (Osu) one can rise above and overcome it, or smash through and get beyond it.
Kanku means sky gazing. Literally translated, Kan means "view", and Ku means "universe", "air", "emptiness" or "void" (the same character as Kara in karate). The first move of the kata is the formation of an opening with the hands above the head, through which one gazes at the universe and rising sun. The significance is that no matter what problems are faced, each day is new and the universe is waiting. Nothing is so terrible that it affects the basic reality of existence.
Seienchin means conqueror and subdue over a distance, or attack the rebellious outpost. In feudal Japan, Samurai warriors would often go on expeditions lasting many months, and they needed to maintain their strength and spirit over a long period of time. This kata is long and slow, with many techniques performed from kiba dachi (horseback stance). The legs usually become very tired in this kata, and a strong spirit is needed to persevere, instead of giving up. The word Seienchin can also mean to pull in battle.
Sushiho means 54 steps. Sushiho is derived from the words Useshi, the Okinawan pronunciation of the kanji characters for 54 (pronounced Go Ju Shi in Japanese), and Ho, meaning walk or step. Other karate styles call this advanced kata Gojushiho.
Garyu means reclining dragon. In Japanese philosophy, a great man who remains in obscurity is called a Garyu. A dragon is all-powerful, but a reclining dragon chooses not to display his power until it is needed. Likewise, a true karateka does not brag about or show off his abilities. He never forgets the true virtue of humility.
Seipai is the Okinawan pronunciation of the kanji characters for 18 (pronounced Ju Hachi in Japanese). In other karate styles, this kata is sometimes called Seipaite, or eighteen hands. The number 18 is derived from the Buddhist concept of 6 x 3, where six represents color, voice, taste, smell, touch and justice and three represents good, bad and peace.

IFK Kata Requirements




10th Kyu

Taikyoku Sono Ichi




9th Kyu

Taikyoku Sono Ni


8th Kyu

Taikyoku Sono San




7th Kyu

Pinan Sono Ichi


6th Kyu

Pinan Sono Ni




5th Kyu

Pinan Sono San


4th Kyu

Sanchin no Kata with Ibuki




3rd Kyu

Pinan Sono Yon

Sanchin no Kata with Kiai


2nd Kyu

Pinan Sono Go

Gekisai Dai




1st Kyu

Yansu

Tsuki no Kata




Shodan

Tensho

Saiha
Taikyoku Sono Ichi/Ni in Ura
Taikyoku Sono San in Ura






Nidan

Kanku Dai

Gekisai Sho
Seienchin
Pinan Sono Ichi in Ura








Sandan

Sushiho

Garyu
Seipai
Pinan Sono Ni in Ura




by http://www.uskyokushin.com/kata.htm

Πέμπτη 14 Φεβρουαρίου 2008

Iaido- Japanese Traditional Budo

What is Iaido?

Iaido is one of the Japanese traditional Budo concerned with drawing the blade and cutting in the same motion. (Budo means martial arts or military arts in Japan). A typical form consists of the draw and cut, a finishing cut, cleaning the blade and returning it to the scabbard, all without looking away from the imaginary opponent.

Most practice is solo, eventually with shin-ken (a real blade). In contrast with Kendo, Iaido is performed without protective coverings of any kind. Students must strive to achieve power, precision and perfection in their form. Along the way they learn balance, grace, and control both of the body and the mind.

Iaido dealt more with everyday situation rather than those on the battlefield. The term "Iai" is taken from the Japanese phrase: "Tsune ni ite, kyu ni awasu". The meaning of this is, whatever we may be doing or wherever we may be, we must always be prepared from any eventually.

The techniques themselves dealt with many situations such as a sudden attack by several opponents, a surprise attack while bowing to someone, an enemy lying in wait behind a sliding door or an attack in a darkened room. The permutations (suppositions) were countless.

Concept

"Iai to ha, Hito ni kirarezu Hito kirazu,
Tada uketomete Tairaka no kachi" -- Unknown

Saya-no-uchi -- the essence of Iaido

"Saya no uchi" is a truncated phrase. A full-length phrase is "Saya no uchi de katsu", those of which meaning is: Victory in the scabbard of the sword. The real intention is: One must obtain victory while the sword is un-drawn.

This seems to be inconsistent for the reason which a disciplinant wields his blade, but it is agreeable as the ultimate aim of the real swordmanship. The essence of Iaido is a non-combative discipline engaged in for the individual's spiritual cultivation. Through the blade we seek to improve our spirit and become better people, to promote peace and good feeling beyond the walls of the Do-Jo and into out daily lives.

Readiness on the occasion of practice

One must bear in mind the higher goals to achieve and take each steps and overcome each obstacle, but at the same time, one must relish and enjoy his challenges, though the path may be a difficult one to follow.

If one studies the classical Budo for fun or through a whim, no true understanding is possible. The goal of self-perfection requires time and effort, and direction is always more important than haste. The classical Budo disclose their meaning only to those who are dedicated and who exert their minds and bodies in rigorous training.

There are many styles of Iaido, many ways to cut, to move, and as one learns one improves technically. However, we train not only to learn techniques, but also to cultivate the heart and spirit. With this respect all "styles" will lead to the same goal.


History and School

Founder

Iaido began in the mid-1500's. Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu (1542 - 1621) is widely accepted as the founder of Iaido.

There were many (probably several thousand of) Koryu ( traditional schools), though only a small proportion remain today. Almost all of them also study older school established during 16-17th century, like Muso-Shinden-ryu, Hoki-ryu, Muso-Jikiden-Eishin-ryu, Shinto-Munen-ryu, Tamiya-ryu, Yagyu-Shinkage-ryu, Mugai-ryu, Sekiguchi-ryu, and so on.

The role of Iaido in modern Kendo

Even though the points of attack in modern Kendo are strictly limited, the strikes and attacks are performed with a freedom of will that inevitably leads to an element of competition. If this spirit of competition is given fuller reign, Kendo degenerates into a contest carried out solely for the sake of winning and loosing. When this happens, the purity of Kendo techniques is lost.

In comparison with shinai Kendo, Iaido concentrate on training to develop correct movements. For this reason, in terms of technical purity it occupies a level much higher than that of shinai Kendo. In short, Iaido can serve to improve and maintain technical purity in shinai Kendo. Iaido helps ensure that body movements are logical and effective because they are natural, accurate, and agile.


Basic Points

Zanshin

This is a word which does not translate at all into English. It is often translated as awareness, but this is not quite right. Awareness of what is around, potential threats, potential dangers etc. is a part of it. It is more concerned with the state of mind after an action has been made. It is characterized by kamae or shisei after cutting, by seme after cutting, by projection of ki and continuation of breathing (or kiai where appropriate) after cutting.

Ma (Maai)

Attack intervals. One must keep the proper attack intervals.

Metsuke

Gazing at the distant mountains. This means to focus the eyes at a distance.

Te-no-uchi

Grip the handle of the blade. One must grip rightly for the effective nukitsuke and kirioroshi. Iaido master can easily distinguish an sword-craft of trainee only at a glance over his Te-no-uchi.

Technical Points


No matter what style was practiced, the procedure always comprised four separate parts: the drawing of the blade to meet a sudden encounter (nukituke), the cut or cuts used to despatch the enemy (kirioroshi), the shaking of the blood from the blade (chiburi), and the re-sheathing of the sword (noto).

Nukitsuke (Nukiuchi)

The first strike, though single handed, should be effective. It should make kirioroshi unnecessary. The angle, timing, control will all be watched. Keep good posture here. Make sure the cut lands with the front foot and that the body weight is giving power to cut.

Kirioroshi (Kiritsuke)

Strike to the imaginary enemy.

There are some aphorism about Kiriososhi: If trainee disturbs himself, it would be a wicked swordplay. If trainee doesn't have a fighting spirit, it would be only a sword dance. If trainee doesn't strain, it would be only a fun.

Chiburi (Chiburui)

Shaking the enemy's blood. One must bear in mind Zanshin during the chiburi and noto.

Noto

The discipline of swordmanship in Iaido fashion provides an easily understood example of the intense concentration demanded by Budo techniques.

The trainee must, in the final stage of wielding the sword, return its razor-sharp blade to the scabbard he wears at his left hip. The action used in accomplishing this brings the operator's left hand within a fraction of an inch of the keen edge, in itself an unnerving maneuver for the untrained, but one made infinitely more delicate by the fact that the action must be performed without once looking at the scabbard.

Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei Seitei Iaido

All students perhaps study a standard Iaido, commonly known as the Seitei Iai, which is established by the All Japan Kendo Federation (Zen Nihon Kendo Renmei, hereafter ZNKR).

There are 10 established forms of ZNKR Seitei Iaido (hereafter Seitei Iai) which were developed during 1960's and 70's by a panel appointed by ZNKR for that purpose. The original intentions in creating Seitei Iai was to produce a standard that could used for gradings nationally and later internationally.

These ten forms belong to three sections. The first to third forms belong to Seiza no bu, which performed from seiza posture. The fourth form belongs to Tatehiza no bu, which performed from tatehiza (low-crouching posture). And the fifth to tenth forms belong to Tachi no bu, which performed from a standing posture.


Ippon me (The first): Mae (Front)
Cut kirioroshi an opponent front in seiza.
Nihon me (The second): Ushiro (Rear)
Cut kirioroshi an opponent to the rear in seiza.
Sanhon me (The third): Uke nagashi (Catch and slide off)
Block ukenagashi (fend, parry) and cut to kesa an opponent in the left standing and approaching.
Yonhon me (The fourth): Tsuka ate (Strike with the tsuka)
Cut and thrust two opponents, one sitting in front, the other behind in seiza.
Gohon me (The fifth): Kesa giri (Cut to kesa)
Cut to kesa an opponent approaching from front.
Roppon me (The sixth): Morote tsuki (Thrust with both hands)
Cut and thrust two opponents, one approaching from front, the other following behind.
Nanahon me (The seventh): Sanpo kiri (Cut in three directions)
Cut three opponents, one approaching from front, the others from left and right.
Hachihon me (The eighth): Ganmen ate (Strike to center of face)
Cut and thrust two opponents, one approaching from front, the other following behind.
Kyuhon me (The ninth): Soete tsuki (Thrust with hand alongside the blade)
Thrust an opponent in right with hand alongside the blade.
Jyuppon me (The tenth): Shiho kiri (Cut in four directions)
Cut and thrust four opponents.

In the fall of 2000, ZNKR newly added two forms named "Sou giri" and "Nuki uchi". So now Seitei Iai consists of twelve forms.

Jyu-ippon me (The eleventh): Sou giri
Cut an opponent many times over, who is standing in front. It is taken after "Sou-makuri" of Muso-Shinden-ryu and Muso-Jikiden-Eishin-ryu.
Jyu-nihon me (The twelfth): Nuki uchi
Leave space and cut an opponent standing in front. It is taken after "Gyokkou" of Mugai-ryu.

Hoki ryu - one of the oldest Koryu

Hoki ryu is one of the most oldest koryus.

The founder of Hoki ryu is Katayama Hoki-no-kami Hisayasu (1575-1650). In 1610 he was called to the Palace and he showed the Isono-nami, the secret of fencing, in front of the Emperor Goyouzei. For this distinguished services he was rendered Jyu-Goi-Ge (the conferment of a court rank).

The original name for Hisayasu's tradition was Ikkan ryu. Later the name was changed to Katayama Hoki ryu. At present day the tradition is generally refereed to as just Hoki ryu.

According to Isono-nami the secret in Hoki ryu, he and his disciples developed and established over one hundred forms. But in present, we mainly study the fifteen basic forms as follows. These fifteen forms are divided to two sections, Omote and Chu-dan. In Omote, there are six forms. All forms are started from seiza posture. In Chu-dan, there are nine forms.

Omote (initial set)

Osae nuki
Thrust an opponent in left with hand alongside the blade with seiza posture.
Kote giri
Thrust an opponent in left with hand alongside the blade with seiza posture.
Kiri tuke
Thrust an opponent in right with hand alongside the blade with seiza posture.
Nuki dome
Block nukidome an attack from right, and cut an opponent.
Tsuki dome
Block tsukidome an attack from front, and cut an opponent.
Shiho kanakiri
Cut four opponents with seiza posture.

Chu-dan (middle level)



Hiza dume
Nuketsuke to kesa and cut an opponent from front, with seiza posture.
Mune no katana
Strike aside the attack of an enemy, and cut, with seiza posture.
Okkake nuki
Nuketsuke to kesa and cut an opponent from front, with standing posture.
Kaeri nuki
Nuketsuke to kesa and cut an opponent from rear, with standing posture.
Issa soku
Jump-up and block ukenagashi from seiza posture, and cut an opponent in the front standing and approaching.
Mukou dume
Block ukenagashi from standing posture, and cut an opponent in the front.
Naga rouka
Strike aside the attack of an enemy, and cut.
Kissaki gaeshi
Block ukenagashi, strike a face of an opponent in the front and thrust.
Shiho dume
Cut four opponents with standing posture.

from http://www.kusastro.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~baba/iaido/index.html#history

Πέμπτη 7 Φεβρουαρίου 2008

Meditation, What it is !

An ordinary person may consider meditation as a worship or prayer. But it is not so. Meditation means awareness. Whatever you do with awareness is meditation. "Watching your breath" is meditation; listening to the birds is meditation. As long as these activities are free from any other distraction to the mind, it is effective meditation.
Meditation is not a technique but a way of life. Meditation means 'a cessation of the thought process' . It describes a state of consciousness, when the mind is free of scattered thoughts and various patterns . The observer (one who is doing meditation) realizes that all the activity of the mind is reduced to one.
A Tibetan Lama was being monitored on a brain scan machine by a scientist wishing to test physiological functions during deep meditation. The scientist said - "Very good Sir. The machine shows that you are able to go very deep in brain relaxation, and that validates your meditation". "No", said the Lama, "This (pointing to his brain) validates the machine!".
These days it is commonly understood to mean some form of spiritual practice where one sits down with eyes closed and empties the mind to attain inner peace, relaxation or even an experience of God. Some people use the term as "my gardening is my meditation" or for jogging or art or music, hence creating confusion or misunderstanding.
The word meditation, is derived from two Latin words : meditari(to think, to dwell upon, to exercise the mind) and mederi (to heal). Its Sanskrit derivation 'medha' means wisdom.
Many years ago meditation was considered something just not meant for modern people, but now it has become very popular with all types of people. Published scientific and medical evidence has proved its benefits, but it still needs to be much understood.
Traditionally, the classical yoga texts, describe that to attain true states of meditation one must go through several stages. After the necessary preparation of personal and social code, physical position, breath control, and relaxation come the more advanced stages of concentration, contemplation, and then ultimately absorption. But that does not mean that one must perfect any one stage before moving onto the next. The Integral yoga approach is simultaneous application of a little of all stages together.
Commonly today, people can mean any one of these stages when they refer to the term meditation. Some schools only teach concentration techniques, some relaxation, and others teach free form contemplative activities like just sitting and awaiting absorption. Some call it meditation without giving credence to yoga for fear of being branded 'eastern'. But yoga is not something eastern or western as it is universal in its approach and application.
With regular practice of a balanced series of techniques, the energy of the body and mind can be liberated and the quality of consciousness can be expanded. This is not a subjective claim but is now being investigated by the scientists and being shown by an empirical fact.

from http://www.healthandyoga.com/html/meditation.html