Seika
The Japanese word Seika is made from combining two Kanji characters (Japanese language symbols) and can be translated into English as "below the navel".
The translation of Seika may appear to be obvious and straightforward to the Karate practitioner, but requires some further clarification. The average instructor or senior practitioner may explain that the location of the bodies "Center" is located approximately four finger widths below the navel. Unfortunately the novice will assume from this explanation that the bodies "Center" is located on the skins surface. It can be more correctly stated that the bodies "Center" is located four finger widths below the navel in the "core" of our body. Think of the Seika Tanden being located inside of the Hara (See the August 16th, 2010 posting on the Hara).
Tanden
The Japanese word Tanden is made from combining two Kanji characters and can be translated into English as "cinnabar field" or "red field".
The Japanese word Tan is translated to "Cinnabar" which has been historically been used in traditional Chinese medicine, and is the common ore of mercury. It is red in colour.
Understanding the Kanji character for Den will reveal why it is translated into "field". The brushed symbol is in the shape of a square with a cross in its center. Rice has long been the staple of Asian diet and is highly revered by its people. Rice is grown in sectional fields that if viewed from above would have the appearance of the brushed Kanji symbol.
The Westerner may have a difficult time fully understanding how deeply rooted Seika Tanden is in Japanese society. In our society we view strength as something tangible. The perfect "V" is what we idealize on TV and magazines in North America. Broad shoulders and a narrow waist. We will also harbour our fear and stress in the shoulders. In Japan strength is viewed differently. A pyramid shape would be considered the height of refinement from years of dedicated training.
The "One point" will explained in the final posting of this series.
Doryoku,
Scott Middleton