Virtual A&S Post

The last month has had me remaking my banner pole. This started with 1” dowel and I cut the mortice and tenon joint using a ryoba (hand saw), a chisel, a rasp and other files (to clean things up). Then to add a bit more structural integrity I added two dowel pegs.

---

On to things that are a little less photogenic. I have been exploring densho of the schools of Japanese martial arts that I study. Looking for interesting concepts to explore. In the process, I have found a couple of interesting quotes about martial philosophy, that I thought I would share.

“It is the very mind itself that leads the mind astray; of the mind, do not be mindless.” (Takuan Soho)

“If you are impatient to win a battle, you will yield an opening and are bound to lose”

“Don’t make an opponent of an approaching enemy. If they rise against you, trust your feelings; finally, know sutemi (techniques from sacrifice)”

Lastly, within my martial studies I have settled on the unarmed combat of the kukishinden ryu, as my area of focus for the next little while. I have detailed translations of the densho, and it is the foundation upon which everything else is built.

Where possible I am trying to find the kuden (口伝 - verbal transmission) for given kata and waza. So that I can improve my understanding of the mechanics. (So much of Japanese martial arts, is glossed over with the phrase “there is kuden for this”)