Read up part 3 - extracted from -- Karate - the art of "Empty-hand" fighting

Read up part 3 - extracted from -- Karate - the art of "Empty-hand" fighting

Psychological Principles

Since karate involves direct contact between to or more human beings, psychological factors play an important role. In many cases the psychologically strong party wins even when he is out-matched physically. Although this psychological conditioning comes about naturally – until it is almost second nature – in the course of karate training, the examples given below, which embody ancient concepts handed down from the past, offer valuable avenues of approach.

Mizu no kokoro (a mind like water)

This term, along with the one in the flowing section, was emphasized in the teaching of the ancient karate masters. Both refer to the mental attitude required while facing an actual opponent. Mizu no kokoro refers to the need to make the mind calm, like the surface of undisturbed water. To carry the symbolism farther, smooth water reflect accurate image of all object within it range, and if the mind is kept in this state, 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 appropriate and adequate. On the other hand, if the surface of the water is disturbed, the images it reflect will be distorted, or by analogy, of the mind is preoccupied with thoughts of attack or defence, it will not apprehend the opponent’s intentions, creating an opportunity for the opponent to attack

Tsuki no kokoro (a mind like the moon)

This concept refers to the need to be constantly aware of the totality of the opponent and his movements, just as moonlight shines equally on everything within its range. With the thorough development of this attitude, the consciousness will be immediately aware of any opening in the opponent’s defences. Clouds blocking the light of the moon are likened to nervousness or distractions which interfere with correct apprehension of the opponent’s movements and make it impossible to find an opening and to apply the proper techniques

Unity of mind and will

To use a modern analogy, if the mind is compared to the speaker of a telephone, the will is like he electric current. No matter how sensitive the speaker is, if there is no electric current, no communication take place. Similarly, even if you correctly apprehend the movements of your opponent and are conscious of an opening, if the will to act on this knowledge is lacking, no effective technique will be forthcoming. The mind may find an opening, but the will must be activated in order to execute the technique called for.