Mushin and the Martial Arts | ART OF ONE DOJO

Mushin, the state of "Mind without Mind" is perhaps the most important aspect of the martial arts. It is the state of mind in which we are our best and most effective, yet it is one of the hardest states of mind to achieve. In this episode, we discuss what Mushin is and then go over a couple of ideas on how to achieve it. Mushin. Mind without Mind.
Check out our episode on Shoshin!
• Zen In Martial Arts: S...
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#mushin
#zen
#nomind

[@smittysmith6173]

My kids and I just moved into a new house. We have decided to not have a living room. It’s our new DoJo

[@ArtofOneDojo]

It is the way!

[@scottrussell876]

Bruce Lee said it best in “Enter The Dragon” “Don’t think... Feel...” pretty much all there is to it

[@camiloiribarren1450]

Very important to just focus one one thing. This reminds me of a quote from the film The Last Samurai: Mind the sword, mind the people watch, mind the enemy, too many mind... [pause] No mind.- Nobutada

[@danskarate997]

In traditional karate it is said that mushin can only be obtained when one is physically and mentally exhausted, when this is achieved the mind becomes empty and the practioner can only react. Then one can understand technique. 🙂👍

[@Dragonflyjones67]

Mushin is the highest *State of Mind.* Didn't learn about this concept until I saw *The Last Samurai.* One of best movies in my collection.

[@The-Travel-Man]

"The book of Five Rings" has all of these concepts very aptly laid out. It is the shadow boxing training that really hones them. Add Kime plus Muchimi, and you step up to a completely different level.

[@fourscorpio]

As a professional actor, Mushin is a good skill to cultivate -- we have to be "in the moment" on stage and in front of the camera too. I always felt that my martial arts training and performing were interconnected.

[@darrensamuels1511]

I believe after teaching class for a few years your own art goes a head in leaps and bounds. 🇦🇺🥋🙏

[@bernardortiz7351]

This topic is far, far more important than if a given art is traditional or modern.

[@jeffreywright2294]

Kata and or forms are very important and essential in training

[@jeffreywright2294]

Thank you

[@mymartialartacademy2343]

Very Nice Sir Oss! Respect from Pakistan Peshawar

[@Scorch1028]

Dan, if ken-po means "fist law", and ken-do means "sword way", then essentially "ken" means fist or sword in Japanese. It's interesting that people who lived in fuedal Japan would use the same word to describe a fist and a sword.

[@darkapostate8358]

Shin is pronounced "sheen". Go Rin no Sho covers this very well, the fifth book, or ring, is all about 'no mind'. One must internalize the technique, forge muscle and mental memory, and cast off doubt in order to react correctly and swiftly. If you haven't read Musashi's Go Rin no Sho, for whatever reason, you do your self a disservice. As for "splattervision" that would be Enzan no metsuke, the far mountain gaze. Engaging the peripheral vision to take it the environment, additional threats, and the full body of an opponent. It is something to practice daily if you want to develop it, but is very hard to do while still being focused on a target.

[@MG-bi6mq]

Well said. Something that could help kempoists and other martial arts in the future: make your own prearranged combination and then have a training partner figure out how to counter it. Share the mushin, share the wealth.

[@septred3]

My state of enlightenment was the biggest teacher for me to learn Mushin. Yes, getting out of our own heads is very crucial.

[@StudioGhostUtah]

The closest thing I've experienced to Mushin was actually in an aerobics class. It was a 4th of July event that a local fitness center was holding where you could do three classes, Tabata Cycling, Zumba, and Cardio Bootcamp. You could pick and choose, but there was a reward for those who did all three classes back to back. Early on, I was struggling to keep up with the class, trying to follow the instructions. Partway through, I reached this point where my brain gave up "thinking" and my mind zeroed out. I was aware of what I was doing, but was more or less operating on auto-pilot as I did the step aerobics commands and exercises that were called out. Before I knew it, I survived all three classes and got the cheap plastic medal as my reward. It was weird experience, but a good kind of weird. I've been chasing that feeling ever since.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Sounds like a breakthrough! That's not easy to do!

[@matthewthompson2844]

So we all need to Go Ultra Instinct!! (if you aren't familiar please look it up)

[@opinionantropologica7639]

Kata is one of the best tools you can have as a martial artist. For the ones that dont like katas, is because you dont understand them... kata is like reading, you do not memorize words, you learn the concepts and the structure so you can read all kinds of letters. Kata is the fundamental pillar of an art. Can you fight with kata? not specifically, but you can learn the techniques and strategy to fight. Of course you can learn to fight without kata (the same way you can learn to read without going to school) but you cannot go to college if you do not go to school

[@AliFayeFaye]

we have set warmups instead of katas

[@MikesDadvice]

I like to refer to Mushin as action without thought, many will say reaction, but I believe that a reaction is too late...example: you react to an attack, you act in the presence of danger. I am sure that everyone, at some time, has experienced a moment of Mushin...you don't think about how to walk anymore, right?... The part many people are missing is the awareness that comes with it

[@freelancerblitz2579]

I know very little of mushin beyond this video but what you said about kata hit the nail on the head i understand that exact feeling, also resently had an Acro "a large steel prop for holding up walls during building renevation" fall on me at work, i saw it out the corner of my eye and thu instinct essentially performed a "head block" and deflected it to the side, If i didnt i probably would have been serious hurt , both my colleague and the idiot customer that stacked it poorly, were gob smacked

[@dakentaijutsu2010]

Mushin is to move without thinking! At least that's what I learned while in Kyokushin!

[@jamiahwatson1251]

I watched shoshin yesterday actually and didnt see you make a vid about the other mental states I also watched the vid main four mental states of karate and I was going to ask when you were gonna make vids on the other three memtal states.😂😂

[@fed_zed_3738]

I'm a black belt in Shotokan Karate and Traditional JiuJitsu and I've played violin for as long as I've done karate so since I was 3. And I would always enter what I just knew as "the zone" in which my mind went blank but I continued to play the song on violin, and then I'd just blink and snap back into focus. It came gradually with martial arts but it took me a little bit longer.

[@chrislampkin7896]

I have also discovered Tsuki No Kokoro. Mind like the moon. I am not sure if I made this one up... taiyo no Yoniki ni which means mind like the sun.

[@Soldier-of-God.]

Great philosophical topic, vastly relevant and at times often ignored in the martial arts. Too often we tend to focus only on the physical aspect of training, while ignoring the psychological, or spiritual side of training Sensei Dan. I most definitely agree, that kata does prepare us, in becoming instinctive and sporadic, when it comes to combat. Since performing katas respectively, it teaches our mind and body, to perform movements, naturally and abruptly, without premeditated thought. To dismiss techniques, just because they might not suit us personally, or we cannot make them work effectively, it does not mean, that they are useless or impractical. Like Bruce Lee used to say, we should take and make usage, of what is necessary and practical for us personally, while not having to worry about things that do not suit us. In a real fight not everything will go according to plan, 100%, so it is important to be able to adapt and think of a sporadic solution, on the spot, there and then. Katas tend to correct our stances, speed, accuracy, breathing, as well adequate body alignment. All factors that can be transferred, when it comes to sparring or fighting. Trying to overthink about things, can limit us and also restrict us from reacting naturally and accordingly, in regards to an opponent and the situation, Osu!🇲🇽🇦🇺🥋👍🤟✌👊

[@KungFuCooter]

I love teaching. My biggest fear during teaching is that the 2 new lessons that I planned for class aren't going to be something that engages the students or that they don't enjoy training in. I feel the pressure of trying to bring something of value to each of my classes. Much like KZbin. Its all about me being able to present value to my students. If you are ever in South Carolina I'd love for you to come train with us.

[@MikesDadvice]

In regard to Kata...I find 3 uses for Kata: 1. teaching/learning movements and sequences. 2. as you mentioned, meditation, going through the easier Kata and focusing inward on the feeling of the motion and my breathing. and #3. many people tell me that I "can't" do this, but it works for me, that's shadowboxing, I go through the Kata at "combat" speed with full power in every move, it is an excellent workout and teaches me balance points and aspects of movement I hadn't considered before.

[@SenseiEmmett]

Mushin, zanshin & fudoshin are all important, but remember to always keep that shoshin.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

You could argue that Shoshin is required to properly achieve Mushin :)

[@SenseiEmmett]

@@ArtofOneDojo That is very true

[@AliFayeFaye]

We talk LOL While practicing a flow drill with a partner, we strike up a conversation that has nothing to do with martial arts. This separates the student's mind from the moment to every day life, leaving their body to rely on muscle memory. I have witnessed this to be the quickest way for students to achieve mushin, however I have noticed experienced black belts find it difficult to get out of mushin. As we advance, you have to defend yourself against unknown attacks and then explain/teach what you just did. About half of the black belts have trouble with this because their bodies are so used to defending without thinking that they forget what they have just done. 😂

[@truevinister6278]

Try some Wim Hof breathing methods

[@billc.4584]

Nice.

[@progect2501]

i my self have experienced mushin a few times. but my most powerful experience with it when i was practicing kyudo (Japanese archery) were mushin is one of the goals. the reason its my most powerful experience with mushin is that i had entered such a zen like state that i didn't even realized i had released my arrows until i was ready to retrieve them. in some ways i went a little too empty minded because just my body went through the motions my mind had very little two do with it.

[@NYKgjl10]

Another excellent video. You should do a Sanda martial art video. Now, that I would like to see. Be safe and keep up the good work...Osu!!

[@emsantiago]

Mushin is comparable to the State of Flow.

[@davemorris4118]

I get this type of training from my internal martial arts Tai chi and Xing yi my Sifu stresses the relaxation with intent and it helps me with my external training in Shuia Chiao

[@ninjaspam2000]

"Those pre choreographed techniques are not likely to work as written." I have been and seen both sides of this. This comes back to something said in the movie the karate kid. If you do right there no can defend. Most people never train their techniques right. When you learn a technique is the demo happening under stress. Is the response to an actual attack. Then from that response is that option available. Then the subtleties come in like are you presenting the opportunity to draw that particular attack? This is the reason why everybody stresses pressure testing techniques. The problem I have with pressure testing is if you never learn the technique correctly no matter how much pressure you put on it you'll never execute it correctly. There has to be a practice of solo study two person Dynamic study and then pressure. When you apply pressure too soon a technique that was learned and never refined becomes junk. When you apply pressure too late or not at all it fails. You have to refine your understanding under the crucible of progressive pressure.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

That is why we have technique lines...to apply these techniques on a body to study the motion and reaction. But the techniques themselves are major teaching tools that demonstrate how the basics work in conjunction with principles. Like a language, you have to learn how the grammar works with the vocabulary. Once you understand a Kenpo technique properly you should be able to freestyle smoother. You aren't expected to take 5 Swords and apply it in a real situation...but you ARE expected to apply the application and principles it teaches.

[@ninjaspam2000]

The thing is it doesn't mean it isn't possible to make it happen. In a fight. The question is have you gotten to the point to where you have mastered your ability to draw the conversation you want to have? For instance a boxer is trained to look for holes in the defenses of their opponents. Skilled boxers will learn how to shield their defenses. A master boxer will. Purposely open a hole in the defense to draw an attack from their opponent. This allows them to work past the offensive and launch attacks of their own. This is taking it to the level of influence.

[@rkesslerjj]

Mosh pits are fun.

[@southernking1431]

Sounds exactly like Ultra Instinct from dragon ball super

[@jamiahwatson1251]

Can you do a video explaining all the dan levels of the black belt and how you achieve them like this so he can see pls.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

The Dan Levels different from each art and you achieve them differently, but this could be a topic to explore.

[@jamiahwatson1251]

@@ArtofOneDojo Great thanks alot!

[@squifflessquaffles6339]

Toph in LOK told Korra when they were sparring that her (Korra's) problem was that she was thinking.

[@keithwestmoreland8877]

Mr dan thank you again ...mushin... to me it is to Total mind and body situational awareness knowing your body knowing who you are and second accepting accepting that you are a warrior... I know in our current Society that it is not cool AR Vogue to consider yourself being a warrior why not???? To totally understand who you are and understand why you are the Way You Are that does not happen until you accept... as far as situational awareness goes or mushin... listen to your internal voice when someone's coming up on you you are going to feel it.. when that little voice quote inside of you says get the hell out of here it's telling you for a reason.. when I am in public unfortunately.. I know pandemic has been bad for everybody trust me how much do I know that one...but improvise accept and overcome... when you are in public look at people smile interact you see a beautiful woman oh yeah so single as a single guy... sorry smile when you come across another guy that's looking at you look back at him nod your head at him that's letting him know that you see him people when they want to attack somebody they are not going to go after somebody that's got situational awareness they are going to go after someone that has got the face in the phone they are not looking around they are not aware of their surroundings they are walking through life with a head hanging down.. for any predator... they go after the weaker targets make yourself a hard target.... over the past six months a lot of people have been saying the same thing about me and I want it to relate that to everyone to hopefully make them see.. they say I put a substantial internal message I'm nice I'm engaging I'm fun to be around but you do not want to f*** with me.... Now Grant you when you got people trying to kill your skinny Southern butt.. and these erotic Adventure some places called Afghanistan and Iraq and Libya and Syria and Yemen... know your surroundings all the time but still be in the moment ... is about living with who you are

[@joekestel909]

Ever hear of the reptilian mind set. Thanks for the owl eyes drill

[@gringo3002]

I'm attempting to learn Japanese, but I've just barely gotten started.

[@SleevelessMTG]

Mushin= ultra instinct

[@highchamp1]

Too busy Keeps the mind focused (also works for scary stuff) abseiling, jumping off things etc. Isolation (in training) Training in the country (no distractions) Everyone does silly stuff (daydreams) Hard work or study (cures that) that's my experience after (high) school. True you do (some) dumb stuff (when developing in an interest or hobby) but you should learn from it.

[@littlegiantrobo6523]

I kind of combine some practice from Musashi and some breathing practice from buddhist meditation. Here is what I do: Position yourself, as best you can, so that you can look as far into the distance as possible, preferably with some stuff around, such as across one of your rooms or down the length of a street as far you can see. Look toward the greatest distance you can, but not at it. Focus on nothing. The idea is that you are looking at nothing so that you can see everything. While you are doing this, breathe like this guy teaches: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pICthZWNeJKIgsU If you relax breathe this way for even one minute while looking at nothing so that you can see everything, I think you (whoever is reading this) will notice some changes. Now, do all you karate like that.

[@ArtofOneDojo]

That's really cool, thank you for sharing, I'm going to try this.

[@littlegiantrobo6523]

@@ArtofOneDojo Cool! I hope it works for you as well as it did for me.

[@assoverteakettle]

I know it's always dangerous to interpret one culture's ideas to another without data loss but there are many parallels in Western culture including: - Conscious incompetence to unconscious competence skills acquisition. - 10,000 hours of practice to be an expert - Self- hypnosis and meditation techniques for self-improvement - The Hawthorne effect where people alter their behavior when they are being observed or scrutinized. Example: people on an assembly work faster. During this time of COVID-19, when many of us martial artists have had to suspend active practice, the question is how can we use the above techniques along with visualization and mental imagery to accelerate our learning by using techniques that can take us closer to "no mindedness" whether we call it mushin, or unconscious competence? For the record, I don't do kempo but love all kinds of martial arts - both traditional and modern - and try to take something away from all these martial arts KZbin channels whose hosts are kindly sharing their experiences for free that i can apply to my martial arts and training. Good advice is good advice regardless of whether your school's floor is hardwood, tatami, or BJJ/wrestling mats.

[@hancehinerman8099]

🥋🙇🏼‍♂️🙏🏼

[@ShaunCKennedyAuthor]

Is this similar to the Chinese concept of Wuwei?

[@ArtofOneDojo]

I believe they are very similar concepts.

[@pedrosantos109]

Have you made a video on Fudoshin?

[@ArtofOneDojo]

Not yet, still working our way through them! :)

[@eliqk3qt2rg5v]

So basically ultra instinct(from Dragonball super) lol To be honest ultra instinct is actually based on mushin.

[@darknoob1894]

do you have you're own kenpo school ?

[@ArtofOneDojo]

No, I used to teach at a few local schools teaching children's classes but haven't' for the past year or so, been focusing more on the channel :)

[@darknoob1894]

@@ArtofOneDojo that's very cool, keep up the great work love the channel 👍

[@kaisersoze9886]

So this idea of mushin or no mind is misleading these states of mind you are talking about are bull shit the martial arts ripped off of zen. As much as I hate to say this I am a zen master you may think you know what its like to still yourself and blank out the mind Now have you the idea of mushin is not enlightenment terms for that are kensho or satori No mind really means you have a mind the size of all the oceans just like mushim or no heart means you have a heart filled with compassion First you karatekas steal our words now hipsters are wearing man buns Gassho