Post by Administrator on Oct 25, 2018 12:56:35 GMT 10
Sanshin: The Three Minds
The name Sanshin is often translated as “three hearts”. However, the kanji shin (心) can also be translated as “mind”. In western language we tend to separate the idea of the mind as that of logic, and heart involving emotion or character. It may be more correct then to read the Sanshin as “Three Minds” or “Three Mindsets”. The number three refers to the 3 different ways to train the movements. The three methods are:
1.Shoshin Gokei (初心五型) “Beginners Mind Five Types”
2.Gogyo no Kata (五行の型 ) “Five Element Examples”
3.Goshin no Kata (悟心の型) “Enlightened Mind Example”
While the core movements of the Sanshin do not change, how they are trained depends on which of the above methods is utilized.
Shoshin: The Beginners Mind
The Shoshin Gokei level or method involves performing the 5 kata solo against an imaginary opponent. From a practical sense, this could be viewed as the most rudimentary level of the training where a beginner begins to develop the primary or base movement of Gyokko Ryu. Each kata is done consciously to condition the hand and leg coordination of the body. Simply put, the student is learning how to perform each movement.
However, we can dig a little deeper by looking at the choice of naming this level as “Shoshin”; in Zen Buddhism this phrase means to have an open mind when studying a subject. To have Shoshin is to leave any preconceptions behind and to view the subject fresh every time. In terms of the movements, this would carry a spirit of exploring. This allows focus to change within practice of the movement.
In my own training I have been emphasizing how the hips move to create power . It feels to me as this is built within each of the Sanshin movements. Yet, that only reflects my own training. When Shiraishi Sensei demonstrated the Sanshin, he performed with a sensation of almost falling forward in addition to his “foot, spine, hand” methodology. When Noguchi Sensei demonstrated it, there was an emphasis on swinging the arms to generate momentum. Someya Sensei emphasized proper shifting of weight and angling of attack. While the core movements were the same for each, emphasis changed, as each shared what they felt at the time was the hidden value of the movement.
Gogyo: Applying the Elements
When the 5 movements are practiced as Gogyo no Kata, they are performed against an opponent. At this level, a student learns how the theory of the base movement translates into training against an opponent. The Gogyo forces the student to take timing, distance, and other factors into account when applying the technique against an attacker.
The movements should only be adjusted minimally to apply them, but never the less require adjustment; different height/reach of attackers may require adjustment in distance and foot work, the attack itself may require a different vector of attack, the strike may need to be adjusted depending on the opening and distance, etc. etc. The point is to fine tune the base movements, as well as learn how to adapt when conditions vary.
Goshin: Obtaining Wisdom
The last level is Goshin; the wisdom mind. Here, the kata are performed as a method of meditation to obtain enlightenment. While the first two levels require conscientious focus to develop and adapt correct movement, this stage almost requires the absence of conscience thought; the movements are done continuously – moving in and out of each kata spontaneously – until the practitioner obtains a moment of “enlightenment”. Enlightenment in this sense would be some kind of epiphany.
Almost universally, meditation involves some aspect of quieting the mind, and the Sanshin in this case is used as a vehicle for that. I believe this has two functions; first you’re training your body to move unconsciously, and secondly you’re allowing yourself to observe your movement in an abstract and detached way.
This was written by Scott Hamilton and felt it warranted sharing
Scott Hamilton is an 8th Dan in the Bujinkan
The name Sanshin is often translated as “three hearts”. However, the kanji shin (心) can also be translated as “mind”. In western language we tend to separate the idea of the mind as that of logic, and heart involving emotion or character. It may be more correct then to read the Sanshin as “Three Minds” or “Three Mindsets”. The number three refers to the 3 different ways to train the movements. The three methods are:
1.Shoshin Gokei (初心五型) “Beginners Mind Five Types”
2.Gogyo no Kata (五行の型 ) “Five Element Examples”
3.Goshin no Kata (悟心の型) “Enlightened Mind Example”
While the core movements of the Sanshin do not change, how they are trained depends on which of the above methods is utilized.
Shoshin: The Beginners Mind
The Shoshin Gokei level or method involves performing the 5 kata solo against an imaginary opponent. From a practical sense, this could be viewed as the most rudimentary level of the training where a beginner begins to develop the primary or base movement of Gyokko Ryu. Each kata is done consciously to condition the hand and leg coordination of the body. Simply put, the student is learning how to perform each movement.
However, we can dig a little deeper by looking at the choice of naming this level as “Shoshin”; in Zen Buddhism this phrase means to have an open mind when studying a subject. To have Shoshin is to leave any preconceptions behind and to view the subject fresh every time. In terms of the movements, this would carry a spirit of exploring. This allows focus to change within practice of the movement.
In my own training I have been emphasizing how the hips move to create power . It feels to me as this is built within each of the Sanshin movements. Yet, that only reflects my own training. When Shiraishi Sensei demonstrated the Sanshin, he performed with a sensation of almost falling forward in addition to his “foot, spine, hand” methodology. When Noguchi Sensei demonstrated it, there was an emphasis on swinging the arms to generate momentum. Someya Sensei emphasized proper shifting of weight and angling of attack. While the core movements were the same for each, emphasis changed, as each shared what they felt at the time was the hidden value of the movement.
Gogyo: Applying the Elements
When the 5 movements are practiced as Gogyo no Kata, they are performed against an opponent. At this level, a student learns how the theory of the base movement translates into training against an opponent. The Gogyo forces the student to take timing, distance, and other factors into account when applying the technique against an attacker.
The movements should only be adjusted minimally to apply them, but never the less require adjustment; different height/reach of attackers may require adjustment in distance and foot work, the attack itself may require a different vector of attack, the strike may need to be adjusted depending on the opening and distance, etc. etc. The point is to fine tune the base movements, as well as learn how to adapt when conditions vary.
Goshin: Obtaining Wisdom
The last level is Goshin; the wisdom mind. Here, the kata are performed as a method of meditation to obtain enlightenment. While the first two levels require conscientious focus to develop and adapt correct movement, this stage almost requires the absence of conscience thought; the movements are done continuously – moving in and out of each kata spontaneously – until the practitioner obtains a moment of “enlightenment”. Enlightenment in this sense would be some kind of epiphany.
Almost universally, meditation involves some aspect of quieting the mind, and the Sanshin in this case is used as a vehicle for that. I believe this has two functions; first you’re training your body to move unconsciously, and secondly you’re allowing yourself to observe your movement in an abstract and detached way.
This was written by Scott Hamilton and felt it warranted sharing
Scott Hamilton is an 8th Dan in the Bujinkan