keskiviikko 25. helmikuuta 2015

Of the kaishaku teachings



In the beginning there was the singularity, all in one point, the density being infinite and dimensions not existing. This of course could be described as an impossible situation, which led to what we know as the Big Bang, the ultimate cosmic explosion. The substance of the universe sprung outwards from the primal seika no itten so the very first conception was that of directions, forming time and space. The latter just having started expanding could not yet contain enough room for the stuff of everything constantly bursting out, so towards the outer limits the composition was packed into a wall of existence blocking the flow from the core, and what became of that was another impossible situation: an explosion within an explosion. The energy seeking route began to spiral and these vortexes seem to have created matter; the same whirling is still found in atoms, galaxies etc. Origin lies in the unbearable heat of the furnace.

It is said that Truth does not burn in fire, indicating that whatever is authentic by its nature cannot be destroyed even under conditions most extreme. It remains unchangeable instead like the invincible Fudo Myoo standing amidst the flames. I on the other hand would suggest that Truth itself “burns the fire,” meaning its essence holds this quality like a purifying blaze. As such it inevitably is also an affliction to the one experiencing it; on many occasions there is an implication that when a person has to “face the truth” the moment is in some way unbearable.

Based on what we do know of physics we understand that there is a counterpart for each phenomenon taking place, in other words there are two sides in every issue. The same goes with the nine dimensions of space-time continuum. The idea of cosmic “wormholes” is sometimes demonstrated by bending a sheet of paper in a manner that opposite parts of it come to be in contact with one other and the area is then pierced. The hole emerged is thus situated in two different locations at the same time. Keeping Einstein’s model in mind we can think of the dimensions as “side A” of the sheet and the counterdimensions as “side B” of it. In addition to that the conditions inside the opening are equivalent to what surrounds the paper undepicted, the state of untangibility lying beyond space-time that is.

The universe in its duality functions as a curtain hiding the Absolute behind relativity’s veil. A glimpse of the other realm, if anything, is the ultimate trial we must go through when seeking the adjudication of facing reality. From this unbearable situation we are ultimately set free by Truth. Noda Kizaemon: “At such a time first wait a bit and by some means gather your strength. Then if you cut by standing firm and not missing the chance, you will do well.”

Yukio Mishima: "There isn't any fear in existence itself, or any uncertainty, but living creates it."

keskiviikko 18. helmikuuta 2015

Frequencies and beyond



There are vibrations in nature, and likewise there is vibrating in the human body. Taking example from the spectrum of light we can observe these different levels or layers and the qualities they incorporate.

The red colour is the “lowest” one, so we start from the centre of the pelvis. It should be the very basis, like the foundation of a pyramid on which everything else is built. As it is fundamental it is also primal; when there is primitive reaction it is often said that one “sees red,” the molten rock of the core that is.

In the stomach we have the orange colour for it is the furnace which turns nutrition into energy. There lies all hunger and that we cannot bypass; when refined though, hunger may be fuel for the will, taking us to the heights we couldn’t reach by only using the wits we have. That is where we also bear the scar from the birth, connecting us to the origin.

The solar plexus is really the centre of how we’ve learnt to work with our bodies, shining yellow as the sun of the system of our physicality. The same way planets orbit stars we use our legs for moving around and our hands to execute all sorts of tasks; between the horizontal lines of the shoulders and the hips there is the plexus. Understanding this is very important in martial arts, especially because we use the muscle to control our breathing, thus moving as well.

The colour of the heart is not pink but green. The heart is to be like the growing of the plants in nature for we want to increase what we have inside. We also hope that the seeds are sown for the spreading of the growth. Circulation is similar to the circle of life, expanding from one point to the extremes by becoming branches and twigs so to speak. And when the movement of blood stops, it turns brown like the plants do when autumn comes. We must remember that the samurai spoke of “the flower of the heart” referring to the natural response.

Between the shoulders we have a point which is similar to the one we have inside the pelvis. This has a lot to do with moving the arms, executing techniques such as blocking and striking, and the lungs are there as well. The area widens and shrinks with the breath. When we breathe in we want the air to be bright and clean, full of oxygen to be taken to the muscles and every organ. While exhaling the air comes out through the larynx and that we use when we speak; the sound of one’s voice can be a very powerful weapon indeed. The colours we’re talking about are blue and indigo.

Then comes the third eye located in the brain; some speak of violet flame. To avoid stepping unto the zone of mysticism I would say that we’re simply talking about perception: immense sight in unseen situations. You can know things in your heart, you can reason in a debate, but what we’re dealing with now is the vision that’s both inner and external. “Strength without perception is spiritually useless and therefore of no true value,” said Ryuken in Hokuto no Ken. We also see the bending of the circle here as the spectrum starts going back to where it began; violet colour is but a combination of red and blue.

Yet there are wavelengths we’re unable to see, we only know of the areas of infrared and ultraviolet. So it is certain that on the outer limits we do meet with the invisible, and as described, that is where the opposites are united. In the same manner one’s body is constantly kept in balance and each part of the physique is led to operate according to one single strategy. All the colours or the qualities together form white light, so we should think of ourselves shining that brightly, without limitations but with acceptance. It does remind me a lot of the Taoist concept of nothingness, for in what way can harmony be described if not by picturing a state in which no shadow is cast?

We have mooted what exists, and beyond that there is blackness. It is something that the human mind cannot comprehend, the very essence manifested by the light. The black abides around and within the circle of colours, eternal, the All-Mother. Any time it is said that the eyes are the mirror of the soul, “whose soul?” one should ask. When you look in the mirror it’s seldom someone else you see, so the reflection actually tells of who and what you really are, through reactions. This is why retreat is chosen. So there lies the truth of why Adder never turns away from looking into someone’s eyes: he focuses not on the colour of the iris, but gazes to the very centre and through, knowing he will only see himself there, in the blackest of the black.

Terracotta army of Helsinki

keskiviikko 11. helmikuuta 2015

Inside the circle of awareness

Christopher Matthews demonstrating the straight-forward strategy of Bushi Kempo

Become one with the surroundings and make circumstances your allies. This is the basis of the strategy of the Ninja, referring to times of war not simply confronting adversaries.

To take a look at the modern day scene let us examine submission wrestling for example. A fine art, in which one is to go for having control over the opponent in order to put him in a submission hold at some point. This on the other hand makes it a form of sport rather than combat; what I mean is the tendecy to prefer a certain kind of layout. In catch-as-catch-can the idea is to place the opponent under a non-stop attack, in other words use every single situation to bring trouble. In sports it is always a competition between two athletes or teams, whereas when waging war one cannot afford competing in the first place. Just “catch a hold” as you can.

Sharpening one’s awareness should be practised everywhere and all the time. By simply having your eyes, ears and mind open the four-dimensional perception eventually becomes an automatic process of calculation: the person will start envisaging the possibilities at hand. Let us say you are trapped within a triangle of three opponents; you decide to make the first move and take the one behind you off balance to gain a couple of extra seconds. The guy on the left sees an opportunity there and throws a punch – you could block it, but realize that by doing so you would make yourself most vulnerable to the third guy’s attack. So you choose to move away from the punch and simultaneously knock down the guy on the right. Then you go on with the flow, rearrange if need be and do what you must. The training of such situations is to make one’s movements an ever-flowing lemniscate-like pattern in which some parts of the body are always ready for defence and others just as ready for counter-attacking.

The more there is tension, the easier the target. Struggling in this context would mean that you submit yourself to a contest of who’s better, stronger, faster and so on, which you may just as well lose. Fighting (efficiently) is nothing but reacting with so little effort that the opponent won’t know what hit him - never give the enemy a chance and you might have one yourself.

The manners of warfare and business can be compared in the sense that both are tightly bound to the phenomena around, you make your moves and get results depending on all else that takes place. This could be described as "slavery of action," yet art - such as poetry, painting etc. - is fundamentally different as it has the power to change the world instead, thus it bears no chain. To succeed in pursuing one’s ambitions is certainly worth respecting, then again artistic essence is a story completely distinct. Therefore it is the very art of war we seek.

By explaining matters from this point of view I am not saying that anyone should alter the teachings of their original discipline, I am encouraging them to dig deep. Embrace every technique, find the aspects and utilize them. Perception itself does not change reality, but it does work as a guidebook. People commonly see the world as a picture they try to fit themselves in; insight helps them understand that it is really a puzzle. Among the pieces you may go as you will.

Simon Latimer lecturing on the razor-like philosophy of his Daishin Ryu

keskiviikko 4. helmikuuta 2015

Circle of awareness



On February 7th, at Talvisota (”Winter War”) wrestling show I am to have a match against Joey Impact and H.C. Andersen, two newcomers that are bound to hunger for victory over someone such as myself. My job is to make sure they’ll lose, and due to my martial arts background plus the fact that I train pro wrestling as a martial art my chances of fulfilling the commitment are way better than average.

In sports combat usually takes place in a way strictly controlled. There is one opponent, there are rules that say what must and must not happen, so you know what to expect. In a 3-way bout it’s a different deal: you put a guy in a hold and the other one strikes you in the back, he takes you down only to be attacked by the third party and so on. It does get chaotic, so that is when the higher aspect of wrestler is called to the arena.

Martial arts, especially when studied as military skills, are for one to be schooled in the zanshin state of mind which techniques will follow. In a real life situation there may be multiple attackers, countless of factors, anything can and will happen. Say you’re hit in the back of the head – the more you’re afraid the more tension there will be blocking the movement of your body and making the blow more devastating. Then again, once you let things happen as they come and just go with the flow you start creating influence that actually softens the world around you. The universe is not built of matter but dual directions through which energy moves. When somebody grabs you, do not seek strength to struggle but relaxation; you’ll take away the opponent’s game plan for a split second during which time you make the move to end the fight.

The 360 degree defence is like a circle of troops guarding every route to the capitol. This is not to be thought of as a clock-like plane but rather a shining sphere of awareness. Even in cases when the enemy is not stopped, information will travel. With the addition of “rhyme and reason,” the perception of continuity, you will dive into the magic ocean of 4D. Take the teachings of your art but never forget to apply. Keep in mind that training is not meant for the gym and it is not done for the sake of any contest. “Everything is Kung Fu,” yet I would simplify this by saying that everything is everything. The ring of Talvisota belongs to me, so does the ring of life.

Liu Fengcai