As some of you may know, I’ve been studying the martial arts abroad this year (in Japan).  So far it’s going great and been the experience of a life-time, and today I’d like to share some of that experience with each of you.

Strangely though, the idea I share today is not something I first picked up in Japan.  It’s something I learned from Sifu Ali.  Often times during a class at Wu-Xing I’d hear him say “Carpe Diem”.  Then he’d pause thoughtfully and translate it for those who were staring at him blankly as “Seize the day”.

Now, we’ve all heard of an idea like this before, but how do we apply it to our lives? How do we really seize the day?

If you ask him, Sifu will give you a plethora of clues and hints to increase your effectiveness in not only your martial arts training but in your life as well.  But, today, I will share a Japanese example.

First, we can break this  idea down further to “seize the hour”, “seize the second”, or even “seize the moment”.  For what is the day made of except a rapid series of moments?

And, in the zen way of thinking, this is where we begin.  With a moment.

Have you ever had a perfect moment?  How about in your training?  Did you ever throw a perfect punch (or better still a perfect block)?  And, most importantly did you do it on purpose?

Since coming to Japan I’ve witnessed Olympians, World Champions, and Ancient Senseis training.  Each one drills the same techniques over and over again with such fervor, speed, and accuracy.  It often makes me wonder if I’m seeing human movement.  Maybe they are all robots or aliens!?  And, while they train in this fashion there is a complete and total focus about them.

When I asked the Kaichou (president of the school) about the efficacy of this training method he told me “when we train, we are seeking ‘Do’.  ‘Do’ means ‘the way’, and ‘the way’ is the path we follow to realize our true potential.  It is only through countless encounters with a technique that we can truly understand and master it.  Every repetition is a chance to seize the moment.”

ah ha!  “So, all I have to do is focus on what I’m doing and repeat?” I asked.

“Essentially? Yes” he said, “But, that isn’t always as easy as you think.”

So, there you have it. We can seize a perfect moment (through focus, giving yourself completely to what you’re doing, and allowing for many repetitions), we just need to work on doing it first and foremost for one single moment.  We then strive for twice,  three times…and eventually you’ll be seizing huge chunks of time (days, weeks, and even months).

note: It may seem a daunting or exhausting task to focus on each moment of everyday, but start with just one, and see where it takes you.  You might be surprised at how relaxing it can end up being.

So, whatever you decide to spend your time doing today.  Why not add a little more focus?

Talking with your spouse/loved one? Turn off the cellphones and T.V.s while you do it.  Writing a report? Hang a “do not disturb” sign.  Or, if you’re working on your Do-Pi Crane form, try clearing your mind until you actually see yourself as a noble crane.

Just some zen food for thought from the land of the rising sun

Until next time my friends,
Andrew

This style affects the yin tissues; our deep connective tissues, bones & joints, mostly in the hips & spine increasing our range of motion. The increased flexibility will improve our techniques and help us prevent injury.  The atmosphere of the class is deeply relaxing. I recommend it to all Wu Xing warriors. Please consider recommending the class to a friend.

Starts: Monday October 3rd to November 28th
Time: 9:15-10:00 am
Fee: $ 20 per class, 4 classes for $ 72, 8 classes $ 136.
(no class Oct.10th)

Sign up by september 30th in person or on the phone. Drop-ins are welcome.

In China when you want to say that something is good, you don’t say it the latest thing but rather the oldest thing.
Yinjin Jing (Muscle-Tendon Changing Classic), is one of China’s most renowned energy cultivating forms. This time honored Chi Kung/Qi Gong form was developed in the 6th century by Tamo.

The basic purpose of Yijin Jing is to turn flaccid and frail sinews and tendons into strong and sturdy ones. Movements are energetic and intense, but you can see through a kind of peace. Yinjin Jing unifies Yi (intention) with Li (strength), consciousness (yang) with muscular force (yin). The mind is free from thoughts, has a correct and well-disposed attitude, the breathing is harmonious. According to Chinese tradition the first year of training gives back physical and mental vitality, the second year enhances blood circulation and nurtures meridians, the third year allows flexibility to muscles and nurtures the organs,the fourth year improves meridians and nurtures viscera, the fifth year washes the marrow and nurtures the brain.

Like lake water reflects the moon, a calm spirit allows energy to move inside the body.

In this six week series you will learn the 32 movements of the double edged sword. The series is open to beginners. Registration has started and space is limited, consider joining us for the series.

Dates: May 21st to June 25th.
Time: Saturday Mornings 9-10 am. (get your weekend started with energy)
Cost: $ 99 for the 6 week series, $ 29 for your own wooden sword. ($128 in total)
Location: Wu Xing Martial Arts Studios @ 374 Dupont

Have a look at this clip from Crouching Tiger…, the younger actress is wielding a double edged sword, in the final portion of the duel both actors are using the very sword that we will be exploring…

Participants can sign up over the phone with a Visa or Master Card, or in person at the Wu Xing Martial Arts Studios.

cheers,
sifu