A Case for not using your head!
Sunday, June 1st, 2014“The head is just another part of the body, and we must learn to overcome the tendency to make distinction between the brain and the other internal organs of the body. The body knows how to move if we let it, and it does not require active mental control to respond properly in a threatening situation. The student of ninjutsu works to eliminate the unwieldy process of first mechanically thinking through a response before actually carrying it out. This naturalness of movement results from learning how all the functions work in coordination and balance with each other.” – Soke Hatsumi
Recently a student I were training in close quarter stick fighting, and they kept hesitating, and so I asked them what was the matter, and there answer was “ I keep thinking about what I should do next after I counter.” I started to laugh as we have all been there at one point or another, analysis paralysis. Thinking too much on what is to happen or what you need to do next can get you killed very quickly. So, my advice to him was, relax – don’t think, just do. React and deal with the next situation as you just dealt with the first one, flowing without hesitation. I use this analogy when I am trail running, dodging branches, flowing up and down the steep deer trail, or logging path I am on. If I was to “think” my pace would be very very slow, but when I am in the flow, it just happens on autopilot.
So today’s lesson is—-In your next workout(whatever it is) move without analysis, flow with whatever is happening, expand your senses and awareness to their fullest potential. Now watch out as you may actually start to like this!!
Bufu Ikkan
Airyu – Living the Ninja Lifestyle!
