|
|
Stages in training and practice |
Newsletter 10/03
In budo practice many have been written and said about the approach of how to develop from novice level to mastership. Although all agree that sweat, blood (sometimes) but no tears are necessary every instructor has his own recipe (otherwise so many schools, ryu, ha etc were not required). As we all may agree knowledge cannot come with mass volume at once; it is rather gained in stages. In this context development of martial arts knowledge is attained, in general, in three stages, namely keiko, tanren and renshu.
Keiko. This is the first stage and quite simply means training or practice. During this period the focus is on the development of the physical aspect of training. Power and speed are developed along with technique. Basic techniques and kata are learned by repetition in a fast and slow mode, by breaking down the kata into its component parts, by understanding how the techniques work in a fighting situation. With this practice the practitioner develops his physical abilities in power and speed, apprehends technique, develops coordination between technique and movement, begins to understand the principles of Maai (combative distance), Ma (timing), Metsuke (correct use of the eyes) and Seme (pressing or pushing), in order to control an opponent. This study takes from five to six years of regular practice. Overlapping with it, from about the fifth or sixth year, the practitioner will begin the practice of Tanren.
Tanren means to forge in the same way that a katana sword blade is forged, with hard work and sweat and many hours of dedication, folding together the hard and soft elements in the body, mind, and movement just as the sword gains its strength out of hard and soft steel. The practitioner increasingly practices without concern for the correctness of the movements (though they must remain correct and effective), repeats kihon and kata uninterrupted with a feeling of Shinken Shobu (a fight to the death with a real sword) and incorporates all elements learned at the previous stage to his jiyu kumite practice, with the focus in efficiency of his technique. During this phase posture improves, movements become more natural, techniques become more effective, timing is improved, the fighter is becoming better controlled and less predictable. As confidence increases and Kigurai (bearing, demeanour) develops, training moves into the next phase called Renshu.
Renshu. Ren means to polish, to perfect by continued practice of both keiko and tanren. It also means to polish the spirit and character through the requirements of detail and interpretation. To demonstrate a compassionate nature that can pass on knowledge without egotistical pride and arrogance. This will lead to the level of Renshi meaning a person whose performance and character is polished by training (in certain organizations this is a grade awarded after the rank of 6th). Following this stage, actions seems to be slower and softer, appearing to a bystander as less effective; however the technique comes from a refined efficiency, not applying force until that very moment technique actually touches the opponent and kime is applied; the body remains relaxed but spirit and mind is constantly aware and prepared. It is only after demonstration of the simplicity of the correct action has become natural and apprehension all of these stages by direct experience has been achieved, that the practitioner may reach Kyoshi (teacher level).
Have we now closed the circle of
knowledge? I am afraid no. As an ancient Greek philosopher has said ’’I am
getting older, always being instructed (or educated)’’. It is this continuing
process which will bring the person to the next level that of Hanshi, were
enlightment is reached. It is that stage where simplicity comes not from
ignorance but from deep knowledge. It is the same principle that our ranking
belt system signifies; white for novices, indication of their ignorance and
simplicity of actions, becoming dark and ultimately black from sweat and dirt as
a result of hard training, indicating a higher degree of knowledge, return to
white, as frayed from continuous practice throughout the years, indicating the
simplicity of actions as a result of deep knowledge.