The Core of Okinawan Karate is Kata.
And regardless of the
kata in question there are 3 parts.
1. The Opening, where
you begin.
2.The Middle, where
stuff happens.
3. The End, conclusion
of the exercise.
Regardless of the
complexity, or the age of the form in question, these definitions are still
there.
The Opening makes sense
for you have to begin somewhere. Perfecting that movement is simple sense.
The Middle is where
most of the stuff of one’s art resides. Techniques, application potentials,
work to application movement realization.
The End is where you
stop, or is it.
That is what I want to
talk about.
Kata, practice or performance,
there is little difference, does not stop when the kata does. Kata is not just
something to complete and then go on to the next thing.
The perfect ending is
as important as all the rest.
You end the exercise.
You find perfect balance and composure to fit your moment. You become quiet,
ready to stop where you are and even begin again.
Your composure becomes such that your awareness is heightened for whatever comes next!
You do not drop your hands,
lose your center, sulk away to whatever comes next.
You become composed at closure,
aware, alive, living to the fullness,
Or so it is to me.
Tom Lewis, Sensei, concluding Seisan kata.
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