Nishiyama-sensei would often say...

Nishiyama-sensei would often say that the two essential and related purposes of training were for application and to calm the mind. Without a calm mind, clean, clear, exact application would not occur. Technical chaos would ensue. We must train with a relaxed body and an open, clear mind. Mind comes first—not the thinking mind, but the feeling mind. Therefore, we must train for both grace and power.

Grace is an ephemeral, abstract, subjective concept. It is both a physical and spiritual quality. Power, on the other hand, is neither ephemeral nor abstract. It is the aggregate of breath, balance, form, focus, intention, and situational awareness.

In kata and to a certain extent kihon, speed is not the primary concern. Instead, timing, acceleration, distance, breath control, flow, and biomechanics take precedence. However, in combat, speed is essential. So too is position, both in terms of distance and centerline placement. A third crucial aspect is strength. This is not brute force, but rather the supple, adaptable, kinetic, relaxed, and functional strength that develops over years of dedicated training.

Just as strength training must be purposeful, scientific, and staged to support and enhance performance, so too must technical training follow a logical and progressive sequence. It is the instructor’s role to cultivate this structure so that students develop autonomy over time.

The concept of Shu Ha Ri describes this progression:

• Shu (守): Learning and following the fundamentals
• Ha (破): Breaking away, experimenting, and deepening understanding
• Ri (離): Transcending structured learning and attaining mastery

An unstructured, chaotic instructor creates scattered, confused students. The best instructors work on multiple levels simultaneously—guiding the group while ensuring each individual student finds their personal path within the learning framework.

The internal structure of karate is highly linear and sequential, much like mathematics or chess. There is a clear, progressive learning path. Unlike more fluid and intuitive disciplines such as painting or modern dance, karate requires precise skill acquisition and cumulative knowledge.

Precision is another vital element of all karate training. In combat, knowing when and what to strike, recognizing targets of opportunity, and executing with accuracy, speed, and power from an advantaged position is crucial.

A meaningful karate journey extends beyond dojo training. Three key elements are essential:

1. Formal training – Receiving instruction in the dojo under the teacher’s guidance
2. Personal practice – A home training routine reinforcing and deepening learning (ideally in a 2:1 ratio: two hours of independent practice for every hour in the dojo)
3. Physical conditioning – A structured body-conditioning regimen tailored to support karate practice, including cross-training, nutrition, hydration, and recovery.

To calm the mind, one must cultivate stillness, quiet, openness, warmth, and stability. To train for application, one must build a consistent body practice, incorporating variety and adaptation to foster resilience. Study is also crucial—understanding karate’s history, lineage, philosophy, and psychology enhances one’s practice.

Rest is equally important. Managing stress, simplifying life, and occasionally taking breaks from training can bring renewed vigor.

Part of the karate journey is sharing knowledge when called upon, assisting in the dojo, and being a supportive training partner. Teaching, when the time is right, is a happy burden—an honor that should be approached with humility and readiness.

Nishiyama-sensei believed that, no matter how old or infirm one became, one could always do something. The karate life is demanding yet deeply fulfilling. For those with tenacity and good fortune, it offers a path to continuous growth, strength, and meaning.

 By JT Sensei.