#shingakure ryu

[shinkenkan]

“Cry in the dojo, laugh of the battlefield.”

[shinkenkan]

Visiting a dojo for the first time is an important opportunity to show respect for the martial arts tradition and the dojo community. Whether you’re there to observe, try a class, or visit a new training space, following proper etiquette will leave a positive impression. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Arrive on Time

Punctuality is critical in martial arts culture. Arrive at least 10–15 minutes early to introduce yourself, get acquainted with the dojo layout, and prepare for class. Being late is considered disrespectful to the sensei and other students.

2. Dress Appropriately

If you’re participating, wear clean and appropriate attire. If you don’t have a dogi (uniform), ask beforehand what is acceptable—typically athletic clothing works for beginners. Always ensure your clothing is neat and free from offensive logos or writing.

3. Practice Cleanliness

Personal hygiene is a sign of respect. Ensure your nails are trimmed, hands and feet are clean, and your uniform is fresh. Many dojos also expect you to remove your shoes before stepping onto the mat or training area.

4. Observe Dojo Customs

Every dojo has its own customs and rules. Observe carefully and follow along. This may include bowing upon entering and leaving the dojo or bowing to the sensei and fellow students. If you’re unsure, politely ask someone for guidance.

5. Bring a Small Gift

While not required, bringing a small gift is a thoughtful gesture that shows appreciation for the dojo’s hospitality. In martial arts traditions, especially those rooted in Japanese culture, it’s common to offer a token of gratitude. Suitable gifts include a box of tea, snacks, or something symbolic of your home or culture. If you bring a gift, present it to the sensei at the beginning or end of your visit with a respectful bow.

6. Show Respect and Humility

Conduct yourself with respect at all times. Listen attentively, follow instructions, and avoid showing off. Demonstrating humility and eagerness to learn is key to making a good impression.

7. Ask Permission Before Participating

Don’t assume you can join a class without prior approval. Contact the dojo ahead of time to confirm if participation or observation is allowed. If observing, remain quiet and respectful.

8. Express Gratitude

At the end of your visit, thank the sensei and students for allowing you to observe or participate. A simple and sincere expression of gratitude goes a long way in building goodwill.

Conclusion

Visiting a dojo for the first time is more than just attending a class; it’s about respecting the traditions, people, and space of martial arts. By following these guidelines you’ll demonstrate your respect and leave a positive impression on the instructor.

[shinkenkan]

Carrying the Master’s Bag: The Essence of Apprenticeship in Martial Arts

In the world of martial arts, there exists a profound tradition that transcends mere physical techniques—a tradition deeply rooted in the relationship between master and apprentice. This relationship embodies a journey of not only learning techniques but also understanding the essence of the art itself. In this blog post, we delve into the significance of apprenticeship in martial arts and how seemingly mundane tasks can reveal profound insights into a master's teachings, drawing upon key Japanese principles.

Understanding Apprenticeship:

Apprenticeship in martial arts is more than just learning techniques; it's a holistic process of immersion, respect, and dedication. Like a bonsai tree meticulously shaped by the master's hands, apprentices are cultivated with care, attention, and discipline.

The Mundane as Mastery:

In martial arts, the path to mastery often begins with seemingly mundane tasks, such as cleaning the dojo, folding uniforms, or even carrying the master's bag. These tasks may appear trivial, but they hold immense significance in the journey of an apprentice.

Key Japanese Principles:

Shoshin (Beginner's Mind): Embracing a beginner's mind allows apprentices to approach even the most mundane tasks with curiosity and openness. By relinquishing preconceptions, one can uncover hidden lessons in seemingly ordinary actions.

Shugyo (Intense Training): The path of martial arts demands unwavering dedication and perseverance. Through rigorous training, apprentices not only hone their physical skills but also cultivate mental fortitude and discipline.

Seishin Tanren (Spiritual Forging): Just as steel is tempered by fire, apprentices undergo a process of spiritual forging. Every task, no matter how mundane, becomes an opportunity for self-improvement and character development.

Learning the Essence:

Carrying the master's bag may seem insignificant, but it is a profound lesson in humility, service, and dedication. In Japanese culture, the act of serving tea (Chanoyu) is considered a form of spiritual practice, where every movement is imbued with mindfulness and respect. Similarly, carrying the master's bag is not merely about physical weight but about carrying the legacy, wisdom, and teachings of the master with reverence and honor.

Conclusion:

In the journey of martial arts, apprenticeship is not merely a means to an end but a transformative experience that shapes one's character, spirit, and understanding of the art. By embracing the principles of humility, dedication, and mindfulness, apprentices can unlock the essence of the master's teachings in even the most mundane tasks. So, let us carry the master's bag with pride, knowing that within its weight lies the wisdom of generations past and the promise of mastery yet to come.

[shinkenkan]

Martial Arts Sparring: Beyond Wins and Losses

Martial arts, a discipline deeply rooted in tradition and technique, finds its crucible in the sparring arena. It is here that practitioners are presented with the opportunity to apply the principles learned in class under the duress of combat. However, a common pitfall among students is the tendency to become fixated on the outcome—win or loss—rather than the invaluable process of learning.

One prevalent mistake witnessed on the sparring mat is the jubilant proclamation of gaining a superior position. Often, students overlook the fact that instructors strategically grant these positions to encourage the advancement of techniques in different areas. Detaching from the notion of victory or defeat allows practitioners to shift their focus to the immediate experience and be in the correct mental state for true learning.

In the dojo, everyone shares the common goal of improvement. Some willingly place themselves in inferior positions not out of weakness but to promote movement and exploration. Understanding this dynamic is crucial, as it unveils the real essence of sparring—a cooperative effort to enhance skills rather than a relentless pursuit of victory.

The overemphasis on winning not only distorts the true nature of sparring but also hampers the learning process. When a student fixates on victory, they often miss the underlying lessons that each sparring session offers. The real progress lies not in the triumphs but in the ability to dissect and understand the intricacies of the martial arts journey.

Moreover, a victory-centric mindset can create a discouraging atmosphere for fellow students. Those fixated on wins may unintentionally intimidate others, dissuading them from engaging in sparring sessions. True growth in martial arts involves fostering a collaborative environment where everyone is free to explore, learn, and refine their skills without the fear of judgment.

In conclusion, the essence of martial arts sparring transcends the binary of wins and losses. It is a realm where principles learned in class are tested under pressure, and the focus should be on the journey of improvement rather than the destination of victory. By detaching from the fixation on winning, practitioners unlock the true potential of sparring—an immersive experience that nurtures skills, promotes exploration, and fosters a community of dedicated learners.

[shinkenkan]

Computer Ninjas

One click on a mouse and almost anything can be delivered to your front door. This “one click world” does come at a cost, not just financially, but philosophically. The understanding of the relationship between disciplined effort and result can be a hard concept to teach in a world where everything is centered around expediency.  Yet, discipline is the central concept to mastery in martial arts. The first, and most important test of discipline comes in the form of showing up to class. There is no greater indicator, in terms of a student’s progress, than attendance. Paying tuition is not enough, the only way to guarantee improvement is to be present. I have seen many cases where students purchase the best keiko gi (uniforms), bogu (sparring gear), books, dvds, etc. yet only attend class once every few months, and have the audacity to wonder why they are not progressing. There is no “one click” to mastery.

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Asteya

The next Peaceful Warrior concept I want to discuss is Asteya, or non-stealing. Like many of the other concepts, the most obvious definition does not accurately capture the true essence of the teaching. Non-stealing in this context means avoiding acquiring things that we think make us feel “whole”. In other words, do not attach to things that you mistake for yourself. You are not your possessions, jobs, status, etc. It is not about getting more to be happy, rather it is being happy with what you have. In Buddhism they have an expression that translates closely to, “The hungry ghost never gets fed,” and it highlights this same concept. Essentially all these distractions are stealing you away from your true essence and leave you with only more cravings. A concept that I have followed for a long time are the “Four Empties” that have been bequeathed to us through the Taoist tradition. These are a simple frame work that help to control that need to steal other things to feel fulfilled. 1. Empty mind- (Not to be confused with mushin) Avoid mental self-corruption. Watch your thoughts and what you allow to occupy your mind. Do not fill it with garbage. 2. Empty stomach- Never eat to where you are completely full. 70-80% allows for better digestion and promotes mobility. Chewing correctly and being mindful when eating are related ideas. Okinawans have an expression Hara Hachi Bu, meaning “stomach 8 parts full”. 3. Empty Kitchen- Avoid keeping food in the house for more than 2-3 days. Get rid of canned/ preserved/processed food. Fresh (high Chi) foods allow for better meals. Go to the market often. Being more attentive to what foods you allow yourself can have a huge impact on your mind and body. 4. Empty Room- Avoid clutter, keep things neat and tidy. Do not overly acquire and conspicuously consume. The more natural the better. Empty space is more valuable than occupied space. This is also safer from a martial arts standpoint.

Asteya can also refer to not stealing energy, such as making people around you feel weak. Do not be a drain on others and pay close attention to your ability to control people around you. Finally, Asteya can refer to not stealing physical things or others’ ideas. The practice of martial arts has with it a very explicit obligation of Giri 義理 (duty), that assumes if someone teaches you to break a bone, you will not break their bone. All who learn, have an obligation to teach. A concept taught to you must be cited to the original person and that all must be repaid. Shihan Gogen Yamaguchi’s Dojo had only three rules written at the entrance: 1. Everyone works. 2. Everyone starts from the bottom. 3. Nothing is for free.

If you have any questions please let me know.

[shinkenkan]

Gender

The last idea, related to our theme, that I want to mention is the hardest to conceptualize. It is the principle of gender. Concepts of the masculine and feminine are found in all aspects of the sacred triad of "mind, body, and spirit". Masculine and feminine have nothing to do with the physical gender or sex of a person, but rather the energies associated with each component respectively. The principle is primarily concerned with creation and effectiveness. For anything to come into existence or to be effective, there has to be a play between these two. One without the other and creation is not possible. The classic yin yang symbol is an iconographic representation of this concept. The idea is much like a circuit, when all energies are working, then there is a constant and productive flow of power. If a system is too feminine it will be disproportionately high in the area of receiving, thus it will not produce effective results. Similarly, if a system is too masculine it will be disproportionately high in the area of giving, again making unable to function forever. Imagine you are putting a lot of effort into your work, yet your results are not proportionately coming back to you. Some might say, "Work harder". This would not be using the principle correctly. The situation indicates a break or lag in the system. The masculine effort is not balanced with the receiving feminine energy, so the answer is not to work harder, but smarter, by addressing the correct proportion of each energy. Those that understand this principle would focus on the avenues that promote receiving, as they are the sticking point in this hypothetical. This harmony of masculine and feminine energy is also called the principle of even flow, in some traditions. A student must possess two attributes to apply this principle: sensitivity and calibration. Sensitivity allows you to feel which energy (masculine or feminine) is deficient and to what degree. Calibration allows you to adjust these energies accordingly.Remember, in order to do any of this you must be familiar with BOTH energies. The ancient masters believed that when two energies were crosses effectively they create a channel that did not exist in the person before (nadi नाडी ). These channels allow for a more powerful flow of energy, the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. I hope this makes some sense. Many of these concepts come from the densho (traditional writings/scrolls) of our various lineages. If you would like more of an explanation please let me know.

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What is strength?

Many people define strength in terms of their ability to conquer or control the opponent. The masters of old understood that strength had very little to do with the opponent, but was rather a reflection of how you controlled yourself. It is not how much you can hurt another, but how little force you needed to get your desired result. Sometimes the greatest display of strength is in the not doing. Just because you have the strength doesn't mean that you need to use it. The artistic archetype of strength from the tradition of Tarot depicts a beautiful young woman controlling a lion. Although the woman is controlling the lion, she is not using force, rather her strength comes out of understanding. Strength from understanding is infinite strength, all other forms of strength are temporary.