Shin Shin Shin Gan is an expression you may hear during your training in Japan. It can be translated as the heart and the eyes of the divine. Shin 神 (kami, sacred, divine) Shin 心 (heart) Shin 神 Gan 眼 (eyes). Shin Shin Shin Gan. Your eyes can be easily deceived. In fact, all of […]
Shin Shin Shin Gan 神心神眼 Read More »
In the dojo, you often here the expression, Chikara wo Nuku. Chikara 力 means power or force. Nuku 抜く means to pull out or withdraw. You may hear for example `katana wo nuku`, to pull out (unsheathe) your sword. This concept is not only important in martial arts but the married life arts as well.
Chikara wo Nuku 力を抜く Read More »
Previously, we discussed, Datsu Ryoku or the the release of tension. Recently, Hatsumi Sensei has been using the phrase Mu no Riki Gaku, or the Science (study of) the Power (dynamics) of Nothingness. 無の力学。Zen Monks often draw an enso (round circle in ink) to represent nothingness. This is an enso with some bamboo inside with
無の力学、 Mu no Riki Gaku Read More »
In the dojo you may hear terms like `chikara wo nuku` or datsu ryoku suru. They refer to the idea of relaxing, or releasing tension at a certain moment in the flow of movement with an opponent. Some teachers, in Japan, try to teach this by making their students release all tension from their bodies
The Japanese festival of Setsu Bun. According to the Japan tradition, this the day before the start of spring and it is celebrated by family members throwing roasted soy beans at a person dressed as a demon and shouting `out with the demon! In with the prosperity!`. Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi! The roasted
Out with the demon! In with Prosperity! Read More »
This year`s training started at the honbu with Sensei unveiling his latest art acquisitions. As Sensei often remarks the greatest martial artists are inevitable great painters and proficient in many fields of art. In a recent conversation over lunch, Sensei generously invited my visiting sister and I to lunch, he spoke of how, when he
Art for your Happy New Year! Read More »
The Skipping Stone Ishi Tobashi 石飛ばし （Mizu Kiri 水切り) By now, you may have heard that Hatsumi Sensei is using the analogy this year (2015) of a skipping stone to convey aspects of his martial art movement to us, his students. It is a wonderfully poetic expression to help us understand a very natural occurrence.
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Yoga Asobi presents Indian BBQ party posted by Tomoe Gozen Summer is here…Time for Indian BBQ! Some of my yoga friends will come to Kasumi An Study Center for a yoga retreat on June 27th. We will have a Indian BBQ party which is prepared by professional chef Mr. Tsutsumi of the Ayurveda restrant “Ayurda”
Yoga Asobi presents Indian BBQ party on June 27th! Read More »
Kajou Chikusei. I often write Kajou Chikusei in my calligraphy, paintings and pottery. It seems like it was one of the first gokui (inner teachings) of Ninjutsu that Hatsumi Sensei taught me. So it feels natural to share it with you here as I start this new journey at the kasumian. At the kasumian, you
Let’s get together, have some fun, and improve ourselves in Kasumi An Study Center! The purpose of the Class is to bring people together, enjoy practicing yoga/Japanese and to foster our connections to nature and those around us. You can expect to laugh a lot, meet new friends, and, with a little luck, discover something
Yoga Class and Nihongo Class by Tomoe Gozen (May 5th – 7th) Read More »