Genri (Principles)

Kata no Genri

Principles of Kata

Kumite no Genri

Principles of Kumite

 1.

Zanshin

Usually translated as awareness it literally means to leave the spirit there or retain the spirit.   It can also be associated with concentration

Zanshin

Usually translated as awareness it literally means to leave the spirit there or retain the spirit.   It can also be associated with concentration

2.

Tsukuri Ashi

“Tsukuri” means to make and “Ashi” is foot so the literal meaning is to make foot. The common translation is footwork

Timing (Maai)

Usual English meaning adopted by the Japanese

3.

Koshi wo Tsukau

Koshi is hip and Tsukau is to use. The normal translation is to use the hips.

Koshi no Chikara

“Koshi” as above and “Chikara” means strength or power. The power of the hips

Heiho

“Hei” derives from the “Heitai” meaning soldier. “Ho” is translated as the way so the literal translation is the way of the soldier. We translate as Tactics or strategy.

 4.

Kokyu

This is translated as breathing as is fundamental to body rythem and timing.

 

Kime

The common translation is power but it also means tension, which is the literal meaning.   Sometimes denotes dynamic tension.

 5.

Metsuke

“Me” means eyes and “Tsuke” is to make a focus position. This term is used to denote looking in the direction of the movement before the movement begins. Focus on your opponent before moving

Tsukuri Ashi

“Tsukuri” means to make and “Ashi” is foot so the literal meaning is to prepare for the next movement of the feet. The common translation is footwork

6.

Kime

The common translation is power but it also means tension, which is the literal meaning.   Sometimes denotes dynamic tension.

Tai Sabaki

 

“Tai” is translated as body and commonly used in the term Shin, Gi Tai meaning mind, spirit and body.   “Sabaki” means neatly evade and is used to express the term body movement.

Yoko Sabaki

“Yoko” is translated as side and commonly used in “Yoko Geri” denoting side kick. “Yoko Sabaki” is commonly translated as side movement.

 

7.

Timing (Maai)

Usual English meaning adopted by the Japanese

Chikara

Translated as power or strength

8.

Te wo Kaesu

“Te” means hand and the phrase “wo kaesu” means to turn the hand to palm up . The term is used for the usage of weapons and stresses the importance of the handwork with the weapon and the hips.

Ma wo Toru

“Ma” means distance the phrase “wo Toru” means to take the or estimate the… The term therefore is translated as to take the distance or gage the distance.

9.

Chikara

Translated as power or strength

Chushin wo Hikuku suru

The translation of “Chushin” means centre point of the spirit or centre of gravity. The term “wo Hikuku suru” means to position lower.   The literal translation is therefore to make the centre of gravity low

10.

Chushin wo Hikuku suru

The translation of “Chushin” means centre point of the spirit or centre of gravity. The term “wo Hikuku suru” means to make the…   The literal translation is therefore to make the centre of gravity low

Fukai Waza

The term “Fukai” translates as deep and “Waza” denotes technique. Deep techniques are meant as driving close to the opponent.

 11.

Asai Waza

The term “Asai” is the opposite of “Fukai” meaning shallow. Expressed with “Waza” it denotes shallow techniques such as feints or partial engagement tactics

Passing Note!

The commencement of everything in Budo starts with “Rei”, which comes from the word “Reigi” meaning etiquette or manners. The common term in conversation is “Reigi Tadashiku” meaning correct manner. The spirit of “Rei” is therefore of paramount importance. The second phase is the start of “Yoi ,” translated as preparation in mind spirit and body. The concentration in this area is the prerequisite for all exponents and can be the difference between victory and defeat or winning and losing. “Kamae” is the third sequential phase and represents the need to make posture necessary to be ready for what needs to be done or readiness for everything and anything. This denotes both posture and mental readiness. The usage of the terms” Rei, Yoi, Kamae” must be used with the utmost sincerity and seriousness and will set the platform for “Zanshin”, which becomes apparent as the 3 steps are taken.

It should be noted that if one element above is missing this also denotes a lack of respect to the opponent, judge or teacher.

The finishing element of both kumite and kata are of the same importance as the start and can be the failing of the practitioner. The “Zanshin” is paramount before closure can commence, followed by “Naore” to finish and Rei again to denote respect and spiritual and mental closure.

These must be learnt well and there must be no complacency in these areas if the true mind and spirit of Budo is to be learnt.