As I have said in several of the blogs, martial arts in its true form is to assist one in improving oneself physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
One of the elements that can assist in every area is focus and concentration. One needs to be able to concentrate fully and focus on the task at hand to be present and to be effective.
To be present is a state where you are totally aware of what is happening now; this instance. Many of you may have seen Brian Rainie’s license plate frame that states “You Must Be Present to Win”. That is the essence – if you are to win, you must be present (in the now).
In martial arts, the Japanese term that is used to describe this state of being is kime.
As stated in Joe Hyams’ Zen in the Martial Arts, kime is described by Bruce Lee as the following: “The secret of kime (tightening of the mind) is to exclude all extraneous thoughts, thoughts that that are not concerned with achieving your immediate goal.” [1]
A street fight or altercation can last 30 seconds to several minutes. It is critical that during an altercation, every moment you are 100% focused on the task at hand to stay safe. To reach that level of focus and concentration where a sight or sound does not distract oneself takes practice.
Every class session you should strive to be completely focused and concentrate on the drill at hand and not let what is happening in other aspects of your life, what is happening across the room, or what lies ahead of you after class be a distraction. If you do not practice a state of complete focus and concentration, you will not be able to easily get to this state when you absolutely need to.
Practicing forms (Hyung) are also a great way to practice concentration and focus and being in the moment. When practicing your forms you should be able to go through the forms with no extraneous thoughts entering your mind. You should focus and concentrate on each technique one at a time without thinking about the last technique or the upcoming technique until you finish the current technique. If you start going through the forms and other thoughts enter, stop and start over. See if you can get through your forms with no other thoughts entering and you are clear and present in the moment for each technique.
Meditation is one way to work on being able to concentrate and focus. There are many classes and sessions in meditation around the Bay Area if you would like to learn to meditate.
Regards,
Kelly
“When you train, do so as if on the battlefield. Your eyes should glare, shoulders drop, and body harden. You should always train with intensity and spirit as if actually facing the enemy, and in this way you will naturally be ready”. ~ Anko Itosu (1830–1915), Okinawan Karate Master, from his letter 10 Precepts of Karate written in 1908
Reference
1. Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams
Sunday, August 1, 2010
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