Get the Martial Arts and Self-Defense Part 3
When you are studying martial arts for self defense, it is important to make sure that you are using the correct technique with respect to the type of attack that is happening. This also includes your state of mind, since it is responding to the attack as well. Mr. Hayes has discussed the five states of the mind during an attack, they are; (Godai no kata five element form – earth, wind, fire, water and void).
These particular states of mind manifest themselves when we are under pressure. For example when we are surprised or caught off guard we could freeze (or) pull away from danger. The later being the best reaction. With correct study and training of the interaction between the mind and body we can close the gap between martial art technique and self defense techniques. The other day a student from our school was walking home from work when a person tried to grab them. The student’s reaction was to pull away and escape and avoid engaging the attacker. The student indicated that the training helped them to react in a manner than was fitting to what was needed at that particular moment.
Japan www.bostonmartialarts.com
The correct type of training for the student is very important. The best thing to do is to learn with an instructor who is qualified to teach. Training should always help a student reach their goals. If you want to learn how to defend yourself then study self defense and how the mind and body can work together.
My Teacher (Stephen K. Hayes) blog post talks about this subject : www.skhquest.com/2009/08/18/what-you-resist-may-save-you/
One of the most interesting things about ninpo to me is thinking about the dynamics Mark describes above and considering how they would apply to daily life. What would a water response look like if the attack came in the form of a nasty rumor at work? A financial problem? Ninpo is awesome because it is so universal.
Yes to Joe. I think about that all the time: sometimes water-have the patience to pause and see what happens before reacting; sometimes fire-firmly disallow what is happening. To me, everything in Mark’s dojo is a metaphor and I never go home without a huge gift, never. How fabulous.