Represents **Earth** and **Form** (Chi). The tangible, grounded, and stable aspect of reality.
What this means to a karateka
This is where most start, it is the linear movement patterns, strait punch, block, or kick (even a mawashi is strait target thinking) force on force concept.Symbolizes **Fire** and **Change** (Hi). Dynamic action, energy, and the process of striving for realization.
What this means to a karateka
This involves an understanding of body mechanics, preventing an opponent from being able to move or in their movement, not being where they targeted. Jamming the force, or evading by moving to your mechanical advantage and their mechanical disadvantage. Evading the force or jamming the force concept.Represents **Void** and **Emptiness** (Ku). Infinity, wholeness, and the ultimate reality beyond duality.
What this means to a karateka
This means not only moving out of the way, but also using an opponent's energy against them. Feeding the force back to itself concept.These forms express the complete universe:
| Mental States & Mindset | |
|---|---|
| Term | Meaning |
| Mushin (無心) | “No mind”; a state of flow without conscious thought |
| Zanshin (残心) | “Remaining mind”; awareness and readiness even after a technique |
| Fudoshin (不動心) | “Immovable mind”; mental stability and calm under pressure |
| Shoshin (初心) | “Beginner’s mind”; keeping an open, eager attitude |
| Heijoshin (平常心) | “Everyday mind”; natural calm mindset under stress |
| Satori (悟り) | Enlightenment; sudden intuitive understanding |
| Kime (決め) | Focus and decisiveness; mental and physical commitment to a technique |
| Physical Movement & Force Principles | |
|---|---|
| Term | Meaning |
| Muchimi | “Sticky/heavy force”; weighted, rooted movements with flow |
| Chinkuchi | Coordinated contraction of muscles at the moment of impact |
| Kuzushi (崩し) | Breaking balance (of opponent) |
| Tai Sabaki (体捌き) | Body movement; evasion, angling |
| Aiki (合気) | Harmonizing energy; blending with opponent's movement |
| Ki (気) / Chi (气) | Internal energy or life force |
| Strategy & Timing Principles | |
|---|---|
| Term | Meaning |
| Maai (間合い) | Proper distancing and timing |
| Sen Concepts: | |
| - Sen no Sen | Attack at the exact moment the opponent attacks |
| - Go no Sen | Counterattack after sensing the opponent's move |
| - Sen Sen no Sen | Preemptive strike; reading and acting before the opponent |
| Enzan no Metsuke | “See a far mountain”; broad awareness in combat |
| Internal Development Principles | |
|---|---|
| Term | Meaning |
| Seishin (精神) | Spirit or willpower |
| Shin Gi Tai (心技体) | Heart, technique, and body in harmony |
| Makoto (誠) | Sincerity; alignment of intent and action |
| Rei (礼) | Courtesy/respect; the foundation of all martial conduct |