There is one month left until the Wado-ryu Karate Renmei 90th Anniversary, the 9th International Tournament, and the 60th National Tournament. For over a month now, I have not done any strength training using barbells or medicine balls, and have instead been practicing using swords, Bo, Eku and Tonfa, focusing on abdominal pressure, center of gravity and axis. I am able to live without injury or fatigue, and my weight and body fat are at their best. This morning I suddenly wondered, “I wonder if my muscle strength and stamina have declined?” and decided to try it for the first time in a while. I once again realized that exercising feels good. Today I will be practicing hard in three classes from now until 9pm.
Suddenly the children asked me, “What does Chichinpuipui mean?” It was more than 40 years ago, but when I was a child and I injured myself, I remember my mother calming me down by saying, “chichinpuipui, go away, pain (chichinpuipui, itaiko itaino tondeike).” One theory about the origin of this phrase is that it means “knowledge, benevolence, and bravery, the treasures of the era (chijin buyu, goyo no ontakara).” No doubt grandmaster, schoolteachers, and parents raised their children with the hope and hope of saying, “You are a treasure of this world. Cultivate wisdom, compassion, martial arts skills, and courage, and live a strong life.” I will never forget that feeling, never lose Budo spirit, and continue to work hard every day.
At 8:10am, I saw my son and daughter off to school and started my research. Rain was forecast for this morning, so I tried out various things about KATA using the training equipment, Bo, and Japanese sword I have at home. I was so focused that I forgot about breakfast and lunch, and before I knew it, it was past 1:00pm. I have two classes this evening, so I would like to review what I learned yesterday and introduce to the students the results of this morning’s training.
I also like to imagine and create. When I go to sleep I imagine forms, and in my dreams I am able to meet and learn from warriors and masters whom I would never meet in the real world, and then when I wake up I spend my days putting them into practice. When I want to actually join hands and conduct research or experiments, I get the help of a training partner at home. I made this using the wooden man Tsubaki, a training tool used in the Chinese martial art of Wing Chun, as a reference. I first made the first one in 2000, and improved it so that the arms and legs could move. The one I have at home now is the third generation, and has been improved upon many times. He is a reliable partner who helps me turn my imagination into reality.
A famous karateka was asked by an interviewer. ” What is KATA?” The karateka answered. ” KATA is a blueprint.” What is KATA to me? I pondered. The answer I had in my heart was this. ” KATA is telepathic.” I expand my imagination about KATA every night at bedtime. I will practice what I imagined when I wake up and practice KATA. Then, at a certain time, words arrive in my head and flash. A few years ago, I met the founder of Wado-ryu in my dream, and I was able to receive his guidance. It’s in a dream, but I heard his voice and he touch me. By practicing KATA, we can touch the spirit, wishes and prayers of our Grandmasters, and their kindness.
I practice in 3 classes every Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. There are a lot of beginners today, so I thought about how to tell them about Ping An 3 Dan at home until departure. It was the same yesterday, but it’s still important to go back to the basics. I realize that I’m the one who makes simple things difficult. Like making soft and stretchy things hard.
I also had a good sweat this morning. Or rather, I sweated a lot. Tokyo was also hot from the morning, but I was able to do a good exercise. I decided to abandon my daily routines and habits at the end of May. By changing my consciousness and way of exercising, I started to lose unnecessary power from my body.
