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Post by Colin Wee on Nov 1, 2006 11:02:46 GMT 8
martialviews.blogspot.com/2006/10/short-fuse.htmlThere was a blog post 'Short Fuse' above in MAViews that talked about anger and martial arts practice. My take is that there has to be a place for anger, especially in self defence. Certainly the negatives of everday anger such as stress, heart disease, unhappiness, uncontrolled actions, 'going postal,' etc., is not what I'm referring to. The controlled use of anger, the focus, the white rage logically helps optimise physical performance. If it does, and it allows the person better chance of protecting themselves, it must be included in the martial arts practice. And where else do I see it but when a person kiais in the pattern. About half a year ago I reminded myself that the kiai in itself is also a weapon. When I embarked on training myself up for my trip back to the States, I noticed that I was doing a kiai for the sake of the kiai. The muscles were used properly of course. But the sound was just a normal shout. Not a weapon. When I did make it a weapon, it added power to the shout, and it made the shout RELEVANT to the pattern. The kiai for the white belt pattern is the same as the black belt patterns. This is because all patterns need to be approached with the same intensity - they all have techniques which will literally destroy an opponent. The short of it is that we have to harness our emotional energy into the pattern. Don't kiai for the sake of it. Read my post in the blog - we can link some emotional control into training. We need to be aware of this as we approach each lesson. Each lesson must train us for confrontation. Each lesson needs you to be aware of possible confrontation. Each technique must be done with the focus you will need if you are fighting for your life. Or someone elses. Colin
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Post by supergroup7 on Jan 10, 2007 2:54:16 GMT 8
Colin, I was going to respond to this posting AGES ago.. but then I became distracted, and busy and forgot about it.
First, I think that this is a very interesting topic. I have seen moments in my life where anger motivated me to DO something rather than just stand there. I can see where you are coming from in this posting.
However, I was of the understanding that we want to control our emotions, and to keep calm, and relaxed as we fight. I thought that emotions of fear, or anger tend to tense up our muscles, and cloud our mind so that we cannot react to what is attacking us.
I guess that it would be a balance within us, and that we could use our anger as a weapon, if we learned how to stay calm at the same time as motivated by our anger?
My kiai isn't really angry.. it's fierce, it's centered, it's all there.. but it's not angry. It's more of a command wall of "thus far, and no further!" sent to my opponent. It's an expelling of truth. It creates something.
I'm quite a spiritual person so I'm going to go a little religious here.. please bear with me:
When I read in the bible of the start of creation, it pretty much says that everything was emptiness and void until God said "Let there be light!". I picture that sound as God's KIAI that has affected everything for eternity... where there is any darkness, and sorrow.. there will be light, and life.
So now that you see where my perspective is.. that is how I view my Kiai. It is an expression of my inner truth. My opponent will not vanquish me, and I will be victorious. There is no other choice... and it will be so all the way until the end of my last breath because I will not give up.
Mireille
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Post by Colin Wee on Jan 11, 2007 14:39:33 GMT 8
However, I was of the understanding that we want to control our emotions, and to keep calm, and relaxed as we fight. I thought that emotions of fear, or anger tend to tense up our muscles, and cloud our mind so that we cannot react to what is attacking us. It's easy to talk about this on the forum or in the dojo. The truth of the matter is that few people can switch on and off so easily. I think I'm a very controlled person, but I can't assume the same for my other practitioners. So you're right, we want to control our emotions because if we've got killing implements at the edge of our arms, it'll not be any good if we're abusing them. Or if anger prevented us from using our tools most effectively, then we're sunk too. But to control our emotions is not the same as 'controlled rage'. Rage let loose is stupid and stops you from using proper technique. Controlled rage allows you to channel that energy into a purposeful use of your abilities. In effect, this is an emotion that can be 'allowed' given the right circumstances. Allowing yourself 'controlled rage' may reduce the incidence of uncontrolled emotions. It might help keep your mind clear. Colin
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Post by supergroup7 on Jan 13, 2007 13:04:54 GMT 8
Colin.. are you suggesting "channeling" the rage, and using it as a tool instead of letting the rage control you?
I've seen wrestlers do something like that.. I think... or football players.
Does the emotion trigger forth adrenaline?
When would you be able to imitate this in karate training?
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Post by Colin Wee on Jan 18, 2007 8:46:34 GMT 8
Colin.. are you suggesting "channeling" the rage, and using it as a tool instead of letting the rage control you? I've seen wrestlers do something like that.. I think... or football players. Does the emotion trigger forth adrenaline? When would you be able to imitate this in karate training? That's right. It's giving yourself permission to feel a controlled type of rage ... rather than allowing this raw emotion to overwhelm you. I suppose it is somewhat similar to the 'focus' that professional sportsmen use before a game. Does the emotion trigger off adrenaline ... of course. Or it is triggered by adrenaline. When would I be able to imitate this in karate training? I don't know. The only time when it came close was when I was first training at Proctor Dojo. But that was when I was ... inexperienced. Karate training is really poor when it comes to assimilating modern sporting practices. Colin
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mat
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Post by mat on Jan 19, 2007 0:37:40 GMT 8
There are reports in numerous RYU's of Sensei getting their faces actually deformed from letting the anger out of the bag.
Some stories I read - online I think - are that they became beast-like in their traits and movements.
I have no difficulties imagining that. I can easily imagine getting into such a state.
But what struck me is that they actually let it out in the dojo. I don't remember about the injury rate, unfortunately.
I've myself experienced that in sparring. To a very limited extent. When I'm actually not feeling in the mood and I get hit a lot, letting anger out actually changes how the match goes.
I've seen my dojomates do so too. But usually, when they get angry, they get easier to hit if I stay calm. And the other way around too. If they're calm, I get angry. The time I actually got best results against Sensei is when I actually pictured/imagined that my family was threatened. It's one of the first time Sensei almost didn't touch me. I simply wouldn't let one pass.
Otherwise, I must say he kicks my sorry ass and majorly, I might add.
I haven't repeated the mental image either. But it sure was interesting to do.
All real situations I've been in involve a lot of beer, a bar and an infortunate friend that got into trouble. So I can't account for a real situation. Most of the time, the situation got talked through anyways.
Be well,
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Post by supergroup7 on Mar 16, 2007 21:17:03 GMT 8
It would have to be a "focused" emotional energy, and not a random flailing of strikes. Or in other words, it would have to be like a lightning strike rather than like an exploding bomb...
Would there not be a danger that one would be charging ahead like a furious bull with such anger that one would neglect considering alternative responses, and potential danger?
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mat
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Post by mat on Mar 27, 2007 2:20:11 GMT 8
. Would there not be a danger that one would be charging ahead like a furious bull with such anger that one would neglect considering alternative responses, and potential danger? For sure there is. And that's what was written by ... it's been three years or so that I've read that article. What I remember was something like : 1st stage - anger 2nd - controlled and unleashed then, the author proceeded to say that most anger-type ryu-ha were letting out the essential part which was supposed to be tranquility of mind. I just hope to be back in training before the end of the year :-( cheers
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Post by supergroup7 on Mar 30, 2007 23:04:08 GMT 8
IT really makes sense... and I have felt this kind of "controlled rage" when I was performing kata. There are certain kata that really bring it out of me. Bassai Dai is the first kata that comes to mind: The last 8 moves of that kata always feel like I'm "bringing down the house" with focused anger. In fact, the last knife hand strike that I do always has this sense of finality to it.. as if there is NO way that my opponent(s) will rise from that attack. My kiai tends to echo this concentrated "anger". It seems to take on the growling sound of a feral Tiger breaking the neck of it's victim. ( Yeah.. I'm full of strange images when I do kata. :-) )
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Post by supergroup7 on Mar 30, 2007 23:10:55 GMT 8
I think that anger is a natural, healthy expression, Mat. I've seen it displayed by little infants almost as soon as they are born. It is a way of saying "This is what I desire, and that thing is an obstacle. I will find a way to get what I want!" Our anger motivates us to seek change, and put forth energy towards achieving something. I believe that anger becomes unhealthy when we bury it, cover it, brood on it, feed it, and allow it to control us.
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