I have made it part of my training to review kendo matches from Japan. I am always amazed by how the contestants exercise a great degree of self control and how they respect each other. Since ancient times the samurai were expected to show a great amount of self control, and to set an example of how to live life and treat people. The famous swordsman Yagyu Munenori kendo teacher to the Shogun took this idea further explaining that there are two types of kendo the death-dealing sword and the life-giving sword. The difference between the two is that one does not give the opponent any room to attack while the life giving sword allows the opponent to use his technique and defeats the opponent by another means. Munenori goes on to say that in order to reach the life-giving sword you must transcend the death-dealing sword. It is clearly the goal of kendo to have a life-giving sword attitude while in a kendo match. This shows you can win without being a bully. In spite of the fact that many people in kendo say that sport kendo in Japan is all about focusing on winning kendo matches, a fact I believe was always the case since ancient times. Character development is the core goal of kendo. I believe that character development and the life-giving sword are one in the same and should not be over looked.
Mokuso is defined as: The act of composing one’s breath, posture mind and spirit while in the seiza position. In kendo the mokuso exercise has a greater significance than at first glance. Mokuso is performed in a span of two to three deep breaths with the eyes slightly open so that one is aware of the surroundings, hearing yourself breath and focusing on your deep breathing. The act of breathing deeply infuses your blood with extra oxygen and has a cleansing, calming effect. Momentarily your awareness is drawn inward. It is no coincidence that the mokuso is very short, the short time allows for quick preparation and of composing oneself for battle. The three deep breaths with eyes slightly open can be done at anytime you have a rest period. Mokuso is not a true meditation, but is tailored to have many of the benefits.
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Every living being has a rhythm in which they live life, some are fast paced others slow paced. Rhythm in a attack is no different. The dictionary has a few words to define rhythm: 1 the rhythm of the music beat, cadence, tempo, time, pulse, throb, swing. 2 poetic features such as rhythm meter, measure, stress, accent, cadence. 3 the rhythm of daily life pattern, flow, tempo. When you find yourself blocking an attack most of the time it is because you do not sense the oppenents rhythm and are caught off guard. It is possible to merely step out of the way of an attack just by knowing the rhythm of an opponent. Sense your own rhythm and adjust your attack to the oppenents rhythm or changing your rhythm as it suits the situation.