Hara (Part 3 of 4)

The most common Japanese expression used to describe the bodies "Center" is Seika Tanden. It is therefore regretful that most instructors and senior practitioners of Karate cannot provide even a cursory explanation of Seika Tanden.

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

Hara (Part 2 of 4)

The semblance of the letter "X" and the human body may allow the Karate practitioner to comprehend the crucial role of the bodies "Center". The upper and lower points of the letter "X" may be thought of as our hands and feet, while the intersecting lines may be likened to our bodies "Center". Unfortunately the majority of Karate practitioners are entirely consumed with the furthest points of the letter "X", the hands and feet. This is ignorantly rationalized by concluding that these are the points of the body that hit the opponent. Peeling away these superficial layers of Karate technique will expose how the hands and feet are influenced and enhanced by the bodies "Center".

In the third posting of this series I will translate and explain the most common phrase used to describe the bodies "Center".

Doryoku,
Scott Middleton

Hara (Part 1 of 4)

The Japanese word Hara is commonly translated into English as "abdomen". This cursory examination of the word Hara fails to capture the significant role that it plays in many of the Japanese arts.

While referring to Hara in the Martial, Spiritual, or Therapeutic arts of Japan it may be assumed that the lower abdomen is being referenced. Karate, Aikido, Chado (The way of tea), Ikebana (Flower arrangement), and Shiatsu (Therapeutic finger pressure) amongst other arts follow this ideology.

It is my personal opinion that the word Hara is to general of a term and should not be used to characterize the crucial role of the abdomen. Hara more accurately describes an area of the human body that ranges from the base of the sternum to the top of the pubic bone.

In the next three postings to Watashi no Karate Michi, I will detail information and explain common terms that more accurately describe the bodies "Center".

Doryoku,
Scott Middleton

Inaugural Posting

The name Watashi no Karate Michi was chosen deliberately after a considerable amount of contemplation on my behalf.
I have devoted most of my life to pursuing excellence in Shotokan Karate. The Karate path I have chosen to follow is not wide with appealing curves and scenic bends. The road I have taken is straight, narrow and paved with hardship.
The Japanese phrase Watashi no Karate Michi can be translated as "My Karate path". The practitioner of Karate must appreciate the significance of the Japanese word Michi.

A dictionary translation of the Japanese word Michi:

Path, way, journey, course of action,moral principles, and right way of life.

The practitioner will face many challenges in their daily struggle to perfect the physical movements of Karate. Dedication, commitment, and relentless effort are the ingredients required to overcome the hurdles on the path to perfection. The practitioner will refine their character as a consequence of pursuing the perfect Waza (Technique). This is where the beauty of Karate emerges.

The intention of Watashi no Karate Michi is to assist and hopefully inspire those that follow the same Karate path as myself.

Doryoku,
Scott Middleton