Mind and Martial Arts

The Mind and Martial Arts 1985 We were training in a park in Boston and it was a cold winter day there was snow and ice on the ground. We started the randori (random movement within the context of the training) we were punching and low kicking grabbing, throwing. The ground was wet, icy and muddy. We were trying to move each other into a part of the ground where the footing was bad. We had to feel the ground with our feet and make adjustments on the fly all the while remembering the slippery spots. At the same time we needed to punch, counter attack and control our training partner.

The first phase of Mind training in martial arts is mindfulness: where are you now and what are you doing now and how is this affecting the world around you. I pushed my training partner into position on some ice and mud and then moved in for the take down as he slipped. I remember seeing him slipping and falling and then coming right back on his feet and rushing me with a grab and punch and grab. We stopped, and started laughing at how fast everything happened. The push slip, take down ukemi (ground hitting and recovery without getting hurt) and counter attack was so fast.

NOTE: You have to train to do this safely but being mindful and aware is very important in Ninpo Kihon Happo (The basic and advanced training. We finished our training with some Ninpo Meso (Mediation) and awareness drills that Mr. Hayes had given us to close the training.

"The present is our only opportunity for power."

Stephen K. Hayes (Wisdom from the Ninja Village of the Cold Moon)