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Chinkuchi: The Unique Power of Uchinandi By Dan Smith Kyoshi

When taking the opportunity to review how their karate training is going, most karate-ka reflect on: the training done with classmates, the excitement of chasing a dream, the confidence in following a training plan and being promoted to new belts and the feeling of being fit, as the criteria for measuring how 'successful' the training is.

Lets look at the process of becoming a black belt and maintaining a goal of black belt excellence. The process follows a certain path- . A dream- · a qualified Sensei or mentor being identified- · a training plan designed and implemented - · attending classes and getting fine tuned on a regular basis - · training on your own outside of regular class - · attending seminars and tournaments to fine tune and add specific knowledge - · the black belt test.

The regular bimonthly belt tests allow a student to get constant feedback on their progress towards the black belt. Identifying specific things to work on for self-improvement allows a person to make small changes and obtain Kaizen, constant and never ending improvement. This is achieved by striving to identifying at least one thing new they need to learn, or one way to improve what they already know along this path of improvement.

A modern warrior identifies what is important in their life and then attacks those goals with a passion and a positive attitude. Having Kokoro means that your desire to accomplish your goals is unwavering and that you give it your best each and every time. This is a key ingredient to black belt excellence.

The Kaizen philosophy lies behind many Japanese companies that have lead to distinguished innovations. Kaizen means literally: change (kai) to become good (zen). In essence the Kaizen theory comprises of three steps: Plan, Do, Review. If we merge this process into our karate training it could look like this: dream, plan, train (Do), compete or teach (Do), celebrate, reflect (Review), plan, train (Do), and deliver.

Go on, take the time to review your training and it will provide you with a greater understanding to enable you to train smarter. Smarter equates to faster, safer and to a sense of satisfaction as opposed to one of frustration of completing something and being disappointed with the result. It is often the incremental changes that combine to provide a great result. This is the path towards black belt excellence.

We have a special opportunity to get to train with Kyoshi Montoya this week as he visits our great state. An expert in Arnis, Kyoshi Montoya will be working our instructors and students this week on refining their expertise in this area. Next week we will have the opportunity to train with Professor Ken Baker, a great martial artist and an expert in Eagle Claw Kung Fu. He will be here Sunday December 12th and will be hosting a seminar on Eagle Claw for our students. Cost for the seminar is $25 and will be held at the York location at 1:00 in the afternoon. For more information, please see your Sensei.

Respectfully,

Terry L. Bryan, Kyoshi

Quotes:

Anatole France: To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.

Epictetus: First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.

Helen Keller: I long to accomplish a great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker.

Chinkuchi: The Unique Power of Uchinandi By Dan Smith Kyoshi

The Uchinan Chu or Okinawan people use the term "chinkuchi" in Uchinan gushi (Okinawan language) to describe the power that occurs when using the mind and body in a spontaneous action creating maximum power with minimum effort. To achieve "chinkuchi" all of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, breathing and mental intentions are in perfect coordination in a single moment of time.

One of the goals of any Okinawan style karate-ka is to achieve "chinkuchi" at the right moment. It is not possible for all movements to achieve "chinkuchi" due to the situation but every technique should have the possibility. The achievement of this unique power of Okinawan karate is accomplished through the five elements of creating maximum results with minimum effort.

Intention or Zanshin: You must have the correct intention and understanding of the particular circumstances of the situation. Strategy and tactics are of extreme importance. Okinawan kata provides the strategy and tactics to be deployed for multiple situations.

Perfection of Technique: Execution of the kamae, intermediary movement, and timing and distance are elements that when integrated with perfection lead to "chinkuchi". The balance and stability of the postures are effected by the correct use of shitabara, koshi and jushin.

Fluid Movement: Fluid movement comes from the relaxed use of the body. The body moves as one without pauses. Breath control and use of the koshi, shitabara, and jushin are key ingredients to fluid movement.

Speed of Movement: Speed of movement is determined by the acceleration and velocity of the movement. The transfer of energy from the koshi (hip area) to the limbs creates the speed of movement and impact of the technique.

Power of Movement: Muscle contraction and snapping of the tendons and ligaments have to be strong to produce energy to deliver a decisive blow. The correct posture has to be maintained to allow the energy to be transferred to the opponent.