Daimon, the Grand Ultimate Gateway

As in all martial disciplines, the initial response in combat, or life for that matter, is critical to the survival of the combatant.

Special care must be taken to prepare the circumstances in which he or she must act in all their diversities.

The multilevel comprehension of thought/body/action, as well as, spiritual, emotional, moral and psychological content takes training, awareness and the release from over intellectualization to arrive at a timely answer to the necessities of conflict.

The unification of mind, body and spirit into an integrated being is paramount to the unleashing of a persons maximum potential.  The initial response not only can determine the outcome but set the tone, speed and expended energy required to obtain a beneficial result.

Choice plays a major part in the freedom of the outcome.  Time facilitates this choice, as does sensual perception and physical response.  Harmony is the expression of the integration of ones self.

Right choice, best choice, transforming choice.

This Great Gate we enter into when we begin to train is a continual entering.

Like metal heated in the forge, immersed in carbon and pounded upon the anvil, we add to our knowledge and repeatedly test our skills against the trials of our own evolution.  This plunging, time and time again, into the flame and water forges an inner core of self that is resilient to time and pressure while creating an outer surface that is pliable and compassionate towards that which comes in contact with it.

In the physical realm, this gate is the response to aggression, repression or frustration.  Our action, whether it is to block, parry, choose redirection, or merely a disarming smile, comes forth from our forged inner strengths.  This may very well determine the ultimate fate of the universe at any given moment.  For this we train.

To know of the gate is to recognize its presence and enter it.  In time we learn to control its function and grow in its use.  Ultimately we seek to transcend its necessity and eventually become a gateway for other seekers on the path we have chosen.

Musing Of A Seeker -

"Musings of a Seeker" will be an on going series of writings pertaining to martial arts training and other relative subjects for the practitioners of the  Ukinju-Ryu Kenpo Karate system. It is my desire to enhance your training experience and engage you mind,body and spirit in a dynamic dialogue that we can all grow from as we collectively seek to be more human, breath by breath, heart beat by heart beat.

Musings of a Seeker by Thomas Spellman

Subject: THE TRIAD

The Triad – The Triad is representative of the initial interchange and process of forces that sets into motion the response to the imposition of the opponent’s intention whether it be physical, mental, or spiritual in nature. It is composed of three components hence the Triad designation of which the second and third are relatively simultaneous in implantation. A significant issue to address is the attitude factor of engagement. To live life as a warrior is to engage life with strategy and intent. To do so is to recognize the relationship of all energy, in whatever form, and to embrace the experience of life and seek to transcend any self- imposed limitations you have accepted along your journey.

The Ukinju-Ryu Kenpo Karate Triad:

       I.            Data - The first is the DATA component which is composed of the information pertaining to the implementation of the intent of the OTHER and it’s translation into the physical, mental or spiritual realms in whatever form it takes.This information would include a self defense techniques name and a description of the attack when applicable.  Factors such as the form of the attack, the designated target and intended outcome are parts of this equation including the D.A.S.H. factors. The acronym D.A.S.H. represents for:

a.       D – Distance (Near and far)

b.      A – Angle (Directional variant)

c.       S  - Speed (Fast and slow)

d.      H - Height  (High and low)

    II.            Posture (DBT) - The second is POSTURE component or the implantation of the DBT (Don’t Be There) principal. The Don’t Be There is the first rule of the Ukinju-Ryu and it essentially refers to not being in the wrong place, at the wrong time, with the wrong person, for the wrong reason. For a more in depth explanation on this important principle please refer to another ‘Musing’ entitled The First Rule. The POSTURE category takes into account the posture or stance( in Ukinju-Ryu Kenpo Karate we prefer the term <span>posture</span> because it is felt that it takes into consideration not only the positioning of the body into a structure best suited for a successful defense but includes the subtleties of mental intuition, progressive situational adaptation, as well as other dynamics. This concept also deals with various elemental aspects such as fluidity of mind and body (water), avoidance of concussion/collision through flexibility and adaptability to pressure manifest in presence/proximity (air), and emotional stressoprs (fire).

III.        Integration -  The third component of the Triad is entitled INTEGRATION and encompasses the integration of the vast array of defensive solutions ranging from(on the elemental level) blocks to parries, slipping/bobbing/weaving, avoidance, and pre-emptive actions in conjunction with the appropriate POSTURE of #II of the triad to name but a few.

When recording your personal training journal entries into your notebooks the introduction of each Kenpo Karate self-defense technique should first reference the name of the technique followed by the type of attack it pertains to. Included/inferred in this information should be the direction from which the opponent originates from and any pertinent data concerning D.A.S.H. to more effectively evolve the solution by way of the technique notes. The first in the technique menu of movements will include the TRIAD phase numbers II and # III woven together as the first entry.

Example:

Orange Belt Techniques-

Technique #2.

Sumo (two handed belt level grab from 12 palms facing upward)

1.      Bend knees while stepping into a square horse posture to 3(facing 12).

1.      Circle both arms in a back to front manner (CCW) beyond the chambered position thereby striking the opponents wrists from you waist using the point of your elbows.

Note the first entry (1.) has the Posture recorded first and the second (1.) supplies the integration data.

            Hopefully you, as a practitioner of Ukinju-Ryu Kenpo Karate, will benefit from this musing and you will implement its use to your greatest advantage as an additional tool in your training strategy. Osu!

Pax,

Spellman Sensei