in both the martial and healing arts. Language is also studied from all perspectives. The study of the Japanese language creates the ability in the disciplined student of Kosho Ryu to understand the history and cultures of other people. This in turn ties in with the philosophy of looking for similarities, eliminating prejudice and conflict, and creating happiness and peace in their lives.
Each of the many sub-arts of study in Kosho Ryu eventually intertwines. Aruki waza, for instance, which is a combative technique involving proper posturing toward an opponent in Bujutsu, is also utilized in the studies of swordsmanship, shodo (ancient Japanese brush calligraphy), and healing arts. This type of lesson initially brings students to confusion. Eventually, it allows them to understand Mu, nothingness. That is the purpose of the study of Kempo in Kosho Shorei Ryu. Once that is accomplished, one sees everything, and at the same time realizes that it is really nothing.
Hanshi Bruce Juchnik and the Sei Kosho Shorei Kai supplied this information.
CHAPTER 2
The Objective
Mind Like Water
As we go through life on our journey as martial artists, we learn many lessons – some martial lessons, some life lessons. If we look deeper into these lessons, we start to see that the two are connected. Principles we learn while studying martial arts start to have a direct relation to much needed principles/concepts that help guide us on our journey in life. This also works the other way around.
Let’s take a look at the concept of Mizu No Kokoro or “Mind Like Water,” which involves having a mind that is not “stuck,” but flowing and constantly changing to adapt to circumstances we encounter. This concept is extremely important to leading a fulfilling life. As individuals, we all have problems, challenges, and hardships that come our way. If we focus only on the problems, challenges and hardships, instead of the solutions or actions, our mind becomes “stuck.” Having this frame of mind is not conducive to solving problems or finding a course of action that will allow us to overcome these obstacles.
After all, the willingness to take action to deal with these challenges in life is what makes us stronger, well-adjusted individuals on this journey. If we focus on the solution instead of the problem, our mind takes on the mannerisms of water, which finds its way around, over, under, or through whatever obstacle in its path.
If we train our minds to take on this attitude when it comes to our martial arts, we are free to flow with whatever comes our way, making adjustments in order to accomplish our goal–the defeat of our opponents. So, how do we arrive at this place of freedom?
In my mind, it all comes down to study. We must study movement, motion, manipulation of balance, and structure. We must break free of being bound by the technique we are trying to apply and see what concepts govern the specific situation. By gaining an understanding of the principles and concepts that make a martial technique work, we build ourselves an arsenal of options. Having options allows us to flow with whatever comes our way and gives us the tools needed to accomplish our goal.
This book is intended to open the reader’s eyes in several ways. In the martial sense, the objective is to provide the reader with the tools to look deeper into his or her art, to see concepts and principles that apply to all martial arts styles and systems. This process leads to a better understanding of the art we practice and at the same time, opens our eyes to the incredible amount of options available to us.
On the other hand, this book is meant to expose readers to (or remind them of) concepts which lead to a more fulfilling life and to offer principles by which to help them become more confident, compassionate, and understanding individuals.
One very important point: we cannot underestimate the importance of learning the basics. A student cannot just “jump ahead” to the more advanced, intricate techniques and concepts. We must all go through a progression of training (Shugyo no Junjo). This process starts with the individual making up his/her mind to dedicate the time and effort necessary, making it a priority in life. The student must also make up his/her mind to learn well the basics of the art, the fundamentals that lay the solid groundwork of a good martial artist. We must then sharpen and develop ourselves through countless repetition, eventually evolving into a master who has not only developed the physical attributes necessary to the art, but also the mental and internal attributes.
Qualities such as respect, compassion, patience and perseverance, and the freedom to not be governed by circumstances, are a by-product of martial arts training.
In this process, we undergo a transformation similar to that of the forging of a Japanese katana. During this process, we must push ourselves through countless hours of training and repetition, constant corrections by our teachers, pushing ourselves physically and mentally until we are honed and sharpened into an instrument that has the strength to handle any challenge, and the compassion and understanding to contribute to a better society.
In the following chapters, you will find various techniques and examples, which are used as a vehicle to apply these concepts or principles. Understand that these techniques are just my way of conveying the message...there are countless other techniques and variations which may apply also.
This book is about simply opening doors for the practitioner, so he or she may grasp the concept, and in turn experiment and discover how to apply it for themselves. It is my belief, that the art should fit the person…not the person should have to fit the art. The beauty of Kosho Ryu Kempo is that the understanding of concepts/principles, allows for many options and avenues, so the art may fit the practitioner.
CHAPTER 3
What is the Martial Way? Why Study It?
The Way of the Warrior
In my limited 28 years of martial arts experience, I won’t even begin to claim that I understand the concept of Budo. How Budo is explained and defined differs from person to person. The best I can do is relate to what my teachers have tried to instill in me, and what the concept of Budo has come to mean to me.
To me, Budo is using the martial arts as a vehicle to train the mind and the body. It’s about character building and forging the spirit through the challenges put before us in our martial arts training, much like that of the forging of the Japanese katana—building strength layer after layer. It’s about giving just a little more, when our mind and body is telling us there is no more.
It’s about training and mastering your mind so that you are no longer governed by or reacting to environmental influences or circumstances, yet always being aware of them and allowing you to see things for what they really are.
Budo is about having the attitude of a warrior and living with a sense of honor in everything that you do.
It’s about being strong yet compassionate for everyone, working for the betterment of yourself and of the community you live in. These are not easy things to work towards, much less accomplish! Lord knows we’re not perfect.
But it’s about the path. It’s about the challenges that are put before us and how we respond to them. It’s about the development of a moral code we build
