Elkhorn Dojo

this "martial play" as Iseri sensei called it is at the heart of Tengu Ryu. Most bokken partner practice falls short of the peak of this curve. Introducing unknown variation into the kata adds a degree of awareness.

Plum blossoms are the first to bloom in the spring, so they represent courage. This year's blossoms were placed in a vase given to me over 20 years ago by a student, Gary Spinney. His aiki practice changed his life.

this is an excerpt from Daniel Bacon's nikyu test essay:

"The Practical Sense of Zanshin
There is a very old Japanese saying that exemplifies this: 'When the battle is over, tighten the chin strap.' this relates to the time after battle when one would naturally want to relax (let down one's guard-ed.)--meaning that the danger may not be over, that we must keep a continuous alertness. It should be second nature to the martial artist."

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/174zR2aiPN/

the goal of Tengu Ryu is non-reactiveness. this does not mean we that we do not respond quickly. it means we maintain a mental and emotional calmness that allows a pure response.

Fudōshin (不動心) means “the immovable mind.” It describes a mental state that remains calm, clear, and unwavering regardless of pressure, fear, or sudden change. In budō, fudōshin is not emotional hardness or rigidity, but stability rooted in awareness. The mind does not cling to anger, anticipation, or hesitation; it responds naturally to what arises. When surprised, attacked, or challenged, one does not freeze or rush, but stays centered. Cultivated through repeated training, breathing, and correct posture, fudōshin allows technique to emerge without conscious interference, expressing calm strength, adaptability, and presence in both martial practice and daily life.

#不動心 #武道 #合気道 #武道精神 #心の鍛錬 #精神修養 #禅と武道 #平常心 #集中力 #稽古 #道場 #心身一如 #日本文化 #修行

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1178923461119622&set=a.343802111298432

Shu–Ha–Ri (守破離) is a traditional Japanese learning framework that describes the natural evolution of mastery in martial arts, arts, and even life practice. It is not a rigid ladder but a living process, guiding the student from imitation to innovation.

Shu (守) — To Protect / Obey
Shu is the stage of faithful learning. The student follows the teacher’s forms, techniques, etiquette, and rhythms exactly as taught. There is no attempt to alter or personalize the art. This is not blind obedience, but deep respect: by repeating correct forms, the body absorbs structure, timing, posture, and spirit. In martial arts, Shu builds safety, discipline, and humility. The ego is quiet, and trust in the lineage is essential. Foundations are laid here, and skipping Shu weakens everything that follows.

Ha (破) — To Break / Detach
Ha begins when the student starts to understand why things work. The forms are no longer copied mechanically; they are tested, compared, and adapted. The practitioner may study other schools, feel variations, and adjust techniques according to context, body type, or situation. This “breaking” does not mean rejecting tradition, but freeing oneself from rigid dependence on it. Mistakes increase, but insight deepens. Ha is a phase of questioning, refinement, and conscious choice.

Ri (離) — To Separate / Transcend
Ri is the stage of natural expression. Technique flows without conscious effort, and form arises spontaneously from principle. The practitioner is no longer bound by styles, yet fully embodies them. Teaching becomes transmission rather than instruction. In Ri, the art is no longer something you do—it is something you are.

Shu–Ha–Ri reminds us that true mastery is a journey from form, through understanding, into freedom.

concepts #守破離 #武道 #武道家 #道場 #師範 #先生 #学び #武道コミュニティ #武術 #武術トレーニング #武道家 #合気道家 #合気道 #道場スクロール #漢字 #座禅 #禅の概念