Aji

[Peter West]

Until this sensei realise his path was wrong Attachment 1184



note: I'm not saying that Peter's path is wrong.

It's only an exercise, I'm sure it won't do any harm either way.

[chidokan]

I sometimes go really slow three times and ultra fast once...It gives me a clue as to what is not 'natural' and is missing by looking at the quick version... I know what I want as 'slow' and want it all in 'fast'. So missing in 'fast' means more work on that point in 'slow'.

[kaneboSALA]

True, though the question is why you want to go so slow and why do only a few arts do it. What might they be working on that differs?

Excellent question!

Now we can look at what "slow" means from different perspectives.

While we've primarily talked about 1) movement speed and how we can adjust our timings, and 2) not rushing so you can be more aware of what your body is doing, a 3rd item would be "breath".

Kyudo may seem slow compared to Iaido, but the underlying purpose of each movement is very much the same. That is to move with breath.

In Iaido, we are told to try to complete one kata in a single breath. Before you get there, each movement should also be controlled by breath. I would sometimes slow down to work on this.

In Kyudo, we are told specifically when to inhale and exhale at every point of the demonstration. We are told to align our breathing with the 4 members of our tachi. The speed is adjustable, but is describe as "faster than regular, but not rushed".

I think just working on breathing can give you a lot of input on whether you can/should go faster or slower... That and the scenario of the kata. Forget all the other technical points. They just get in the way =P

[Durandal]

It's only an exercise, I'm sure it won't do any harm either way.

Don't worry, my reply was just ironic and generic about the right way and compliment from a sensei.

I agree with you that as an exercice, this practice can bring only good things to someone's training.

[Macu]

Hello, just wanted to add that naturally in a battle field arrows were shot in a single breath.. or so I have heard

[chidokan]

I will have to look at my archery practise tonight and see what i do... i know I am conscious about how I breath when drawing the big bow I have, but not so much with the lighter one...

[hl1978]

Excellent question!

Now we can look at what "slow" means from different perspectives.

While we've primarily talked about 1) movement speed and how we can adjust our timings, and 2) not rushing so you can be more aware of what your body is doing, a 3rd item would be "breath".

Kyudo may seem slow compared to Iaido, but the underlying purpose of each movement is very much the same. That is to move with breath.

In Iaido, we are told to try to complete one kata in a single breath. Before you get there, each movement should also be controlled by breath. I would sometimes slow down to work on this.

In Kyudo, we are told specifically when to inhale and exhale at every point of the demonstration. We are told to align our breathing with the 4 members of our tachi. The speed is adjustable, but is describe as "faster than regular, but not rushed".

I think just working on breathing can give you a lot of input on whether you can/should go faster or slower... That and the scenario of the kata. Forget all the other technical points. They just get in the way =P

So are you trying to syncrhonize your movement with breath, or are the movements driven (propelled) by breath.

[kaneboSALA]

So are you trying to syncrhonize your movement with breath, or are the movements driven (propelled) by breath.

The 2nd one Ultimate goal: Scenario read by the mind, mind enacts the breath, breath enacts the movement of the body

The synchronization in Kyudo is of breath with your fellow members. Only then will the movement by synchronized.

So simple in concept, so complex in practice. Straight forward in goal, yet so much room for creativity in achieving said goal. So exciting and interesting just thinking about the possibilities! =D

[Peter West]

These things should be the resultof your training, not the goal of your training. Just practice.

[kaneboSALA]

These things should be the resultof your training, not the goal of your training. Just practice.

When i'm in a plateau and nothing seems to work, the words "just practice" get me through it.

All other times, these goals constantly remind me why i love to train in these arts. =)