Tsuri no Kokoro

     You already know that Mizu no Kokoro describes the "mind being as the surface of water, undisturbed by the wind."  Tsuri no Kokoro means "a mind like the moon."  This concept refers to the need to be constantly aware of the totality of the opponent and his/her movements, just as moonlight shines equally on everything within its range.  With the thorough develop-ment of this attitude, the subconsciousness will be immediately aware of any opening in the opponent's defenses.  

     Clouds blocking the light of the moon are likened to nervousness or distractions which interfere with correct apprehension of the opponent's movements, both psychological AND physical, will be both immediate and accurate and one's responses, both defensive and offensive, will be appro-priate and adequate.   

     Furthermore, if the surface of the "mind's water" is disturbed, the images it reflects will be distorted, or by analogy, if the mind is preoccupied with thoughts of attack or defense, it will not apprehend the opponent's intentions, creating an opportunity for the opponent to attack.

     This is why I keep emphasizing the need for you to "stop thinking" about what you will do next.  What you will do next is not determined by you.  It is determined by what happens next.  This is a generally foreign concept to the Western Mind but it is essential to becoming a very adept karateka.

     In Isshinryu, as you experience Jiu Kumite, you learn quickly that pre-planned attacks or defenses often are blocked or deflected.  You also ex-perience that those techniques which you use which happen "instantly" without your thinking about them, are often the most successful.  This also requires a kind of "trust in yourself" to be able to respond (like the moon re-flects some other light-sources rays) to whatever is happening IN THE MOMENT that it happens.

     Fortunately, I live this kind of life all of the time, in my work, in my play, in my social interactions and in karate.  As you begin to see the advan-tages of learning Tsuri no Kokoro, you will begin to see its advantages to your live in general.

 John Gagnon

Rokudan, Isshinryu Karate Do, Renshi, OKF