Martial Mindsets
Much More Than in the Dojo
In recent weeks, our usual Keiko and Renshu of kata have been greatly underlined by a deep study of the correct mindset needed to deal with a violent confrontation.
I am always aware that skill set and mindset MUST be on equal levels and that both can be improved and geared towards any specific purpose.
I have always believed that, amongst other things, ALL KATA ARE BOTH A PRACTICAL STUDY AND THEORY OF VIOLENCE.
So, what follows are a few of my notes on the subject of mindsets.
The Five Spirits of Bu Ha
Shoshin: (初心) Beginner’s Mind
This refers to the kind of attitude that you probably had when you first started martial arts. You were excited and eager to learn. You had an attitude of openness, eagerness, and no preconceptions of how to do your techniques. You just wanted to learn. This is the mindset you should have, even when you reach the point of learning advanced martial arts.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you already know everything you need to know. Maintain a beginner’s mind, even at the higher levels of your martial art. The person who thinks they already know everything is not open to learning anything. Maintain Shoshin when you are training with others and continue to learn from everyone you meet.
Zanshin: (残心) Lingering Mind
Zanshin is a state of mind where you are totally in the Now—the present moment. It is a state where you are completely aware of your environment and surroundings. You are relaxed, but aware and alert.
Zanshin has also been translated as eight-directional awareness (Haragi is also worth mentioning here, as it incorporates what one feels, smells, and hears—in other words, perception, intuition, and spatial awareness). If you take a piece of paper and draw a straight vertical line and a straight horizontal line, then draw two more lines through the centre point, forming an eight-pointed star, this illustrates the eight-directional awareness of Zanshin (like radar).
In a 3D drawing, Zanshin would cover every direction. It is a state of total awareness—front, back, up, down, and both sides. It is a mindset that is always alert and prepared for action. This can only be achieved by serious practice, not playing around. Zanshin is only achieved by taking your training deadly seriously. (In the words of Hayashi Sensei: “very serious business.”)
Mushin: (無心) No Mind
Mushin literally means mind-no-mind or empty mind. It is a state where you are acting without having to think about your actions. Achieving the state of Mushin is at the core of koryu martial arts and can only be attained through years of CORRECT study.
The moon’s reflection in a lake is only clear when the water is perfectly still. If there are waves or ripples, the reflection is distorted. You could think of Mushin as a state of mind without distortion or thoughts, yet you are still acting.
Think of it like this: when you first learn to drive a car, you must mentally think about everything you do. You consciously think about turning on the indicator, checking both ways, where your hands are, your speed, etc. But once you have mastered driving, you do all these things instinctively. That is Mushin. You act without having to think because you have mastered that specific action.
The Japanese say that Mushin cannot be understood with the intellect—it must be experienced. When you enter Mushin, your mind is quiet, but your body acts. To achieve this state, your mind must be free from any conscious thought, including anger, hesitation, doubt, fear, or overthinking technique. You simply act, allowing your spirit and intuition to guide you. (Proprioception and kinesthesia).
Fudoshin: (不動心) Immovable Mind
Fudoshin can be translated as “immovable mind” or “unshakable heart.” It is a mental and emotional state of perseverance, calmness, and resilience, even in the face of adversity. Fudoshin represents a mind that is totally at peace in every situation, filled with courage and determination. There is no fear in the immovable mind; it remains in a state of complete composure and peace.
When you have achieved the immovable mind, you will feel that you can achieve anything—that you are invincible. Your mind cannot be disturbed, no matter what. In this state, you can face fear, danger, and even death with a calm spirit.
Beyond martial arts, Fudoshin applies to daily life, helping individuals face challenges with composure and resilience. Cultivating a Fudoshin mindset contributes to increased mental fortitude, emotional stability, and inner peace.
Fudoshin is, without doubt, the mindset most advantageous to life outside the dojo. Life itself can be a test of mental toughness, and if these lessons are taught properly, they can greatly help one cope with the stresses of modern life.
It is very much a case of: get to the dojo, train, study, and you are well on your way to coping with whatever life may throw your way.
Senshin: (先心) Enlightened Mind
The enlightened mind is the highest level of the Five Spirits of Bu. At this level, you hold all life as sacred. You perceive how everything fits together as a whole. You understand how each part of the universe is connected, and how an event affecting one part ultimately affects us all.
Once you reach this level, you will see the world in a totally different way. Your thoughts and intentions will be pure and sincere. You will wish harm to none. Your mind and spirit will become one.
Another part of Senshin is the study of Wabi-Sabi and Shibumi, two topics Sensei Colwell had me study deeply, but they are for another post.
Reaching Senshin is truly rare. It is not something you can force—it comes after a lifetime of practice in controlling your thoughts and polishing your spirit.
Heijoshin (平常心)
In Budo, there is an important concept called Heijoshin, meaning a calm, steady mind at all times.
There is also a term to describe states of mind to avoid: Shikai, the four things to avoid in any confrontation:
- Kyo (驚) – Surprise
- Ku (恐) – Fear
- Gi (疑) – Doubt
- Waku (惑) – Confusion
By mastering stress and remaining calm, you can think clearly, execute the proper technique, and make the right decision. “To defeat another, first conquer yourself.”
Heiho
Heiho is a concept synonymous with Miyamoto Musashi, referring to the path to enlightenment through bushido. It does not mean enlightenment itself, but the journey towards victory in combat—not the victory itself, but how one achieves it.
Mastering Heiho means understanding yourself and your art completely. It is about learning what it takes to develop the right mindset and attitude that frees you to be successful in whatever you attempt.
Profound, to say the least.
Written by Steve Lowe Sensei.
💡 Support Budo Mindset Magazine! 💡
If you enjoy Budo Mindset and believe in our mission to highlight traditional karate, inclusivity, and leadership, please consider supporting us! Every coffee fuels our work and keeps this platform thriving! ☕🥋