Kata and Passion

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Lori
Posts: 865
Joined: Thu Sep 17, 1998 6:01 am

Kata and Passion

Post by Lori »

I was looking for the old post on running with the wolves for Allen-san - and came across this one... and it hit me kind of hard - for this is EXACTLY the worst thing about being injured - when this kind of expression becomes limited by the injured body - so what is the point? I'm not sure - but I know that without kata to provide that outlet - that vehicle - and that balance - it's been very very difficult to find a replacement. So feel the passion in your kata - you will never know how important it has become to you unless you can't do it!

posted November 08, 1998 12:53 AM
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Today after our Saturday morning workout - I became involved in a discussion about our emotional connections to our study of karate. We were talking about getting under all of the superficial trappings of our daily lives and allowing our most primitive passions to flow through - most especially during kata. I have come to recognize a certain beauty in even the beginning level katas when students are making a connection to their primitive sides - the emotional component adds spirit and a beautiful intensity to the moves that goes beyond technical accuracy and proper mechanics of motion.
Personally, I know that kata is a vehicle for me to work through overwhelming emotion - highs, lows, joys and sorrows. A student of mine observed that to him, karate is right between heaven and hell - a vehicle to both. I know that many utilize workouts of different types for the mental benefits, and I believe there are studies about chemicals released during these types of exercise that not only provide a "high" but also serve to adjust even hormonal levels in the body. Some of my women students who are involved with fellow karateka have known this fact for some time actually! And as for the sexual benefits of karate study...hmmm...maybe I should start another thread on that one!

So, in light of the search for "mushin" and the workout highs, try a little passion in your kata study - hold tight though - you may find yourself on an intense ride...

Peace and passion,
Lori
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Jackie Olsen
Posts: 619
Joined: Fri Sep 18, 1998 6:01 am
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Kata and Passion

Post by Jackie Olsen »

Amen to that Lori,

My sensei and I have been discussing what to work on even though my movements are limited. (at this point great circle blocks and softness will have to suffice). I believe this is my biggest challenge yet... to keep the fires burning within.


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In Beauty,

Jackie
miked
Posts: 343
Joined: Fri Sep 18, 1998 6:01 am
Location: Los Angeles, CA

Kata and Passion

Post by miked »

Hi Lori!

There is no karate without Sanchin and there is no Sanchin without conditioning. There is nothing without passion!! Only numbness, and some pain. Passion for what we do (no matter the activity) brings out the best in all of us. Lori, would you have continued as a Uechi-ka, instructor and moderator without a passion for the art? What we practice is an art (martial as it may be). Great art requires great passion. I'm sure you have all seen or taught students who were technically skilled but who just didn't have "it". The "it" that was missing was the passion for the practice. The eyes are the mirror, watch them.

And without the passion how could one transcend to the martial aspect? No amount of technical drilling will replace that which is most precious to us all, our spirit and soul.

All the best,

Mike
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