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The Japanese Warrior, Miyamoto Musashi (1584-1645), known as Kensei or “sword-saint” was a famous Samurai who, invincible in his own time, won over 60 life and death encounters. His dueling skills were so respected and renowned that he attracted followers who constantly sought out the “secret” of his prowess. Although they hoped to learn some unique insight into his mastery of the sword, his cryptic reply was always the same. “I just think of cutting my opponent.” I have always liked that answer because it reveals a truth that only someone who has risked their life understands. True hand to hand combat puts a limit on thinking things out. There are no timed rounds or time outs or referees. There is only “cutting your opponent.” In modern terms, we might use the trite phase of “being in the now.” However you want to describe it, combat requires instant action and reaction. There is no time to plan a response by saying, “if he does this, I’ll do that.” Thinking about the outcome like that would have doomed Musashi. What his adherents obviously didn’t realize (or perhaps they did) is that those years of practice, training hard; sacrifice; self-denial and the courage to face death were the true answers to their question. Not some easy shortcut that would allow them to skip the work necessary to achieve his skills.
Training is supposed to prepare you for defending yourself. Part of that training involves control of your emotions, calm reaction, clarity of thought, and the courage to face danger when it is necessary. Assuming that has been accomplished, the rest is up to you. When confronting aggression, move first and apply technique second. Keep your response to its’ immediate goal of ending the attack and not jumping ahead by thinking about the outcome. That’s a distraction you are not at liberty to take. If “cutting your opponent” is all that is on your mind, the outcome will be assured.
Mr. Weber is the chief instructor at the Aikido Academy of Self-Defense located at 16134 N. Oracle Rd., in Catalina. He has more than 45 years of experience in the Martial Arts and has achieved skills in a variety of disciplines. He also teaches Tai-Chi on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Please call (520) 825-8500 for information regarding these and other programs. If you wish, check out the website at www.AikidoAcademyOfArizona.com.
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