Mushin, Zanshin, and Yoyu

There is a lot of discussion on mushin. A fair amount on Zanshin. And a distant third is yoyu. For non Japanese art practitioners, lets define the generic definition of each. Mushin is translated as no mind. This means to be void of thought allowing the subconscious to direct any actions. Zanshin literally is remaining mind; but, is better understood as the state of awareness. Zanshin can also be described as total focus on your opponent and surroundings. Yoyu is defined as margin. It is the margin of time needed to make or change your technique.

Unlike in the movie The Last Samurai, you can not acquire mushin in a few seconds like Tom Cruise's character. To do something without thought takes hundreds or thousands of repetitions over a long time. It must be so ingrained into your body that it does not require a thought process to complete. This is why kihon (basics) is stressed in martial arts. They are the foundation for higher physical and mental development. To help clear the mind of external distractions, meditation can be used. This also takes a long time to accomplish; but, continual progress will be realized along the way.

Zanshin can be practiced in class. While practicing solo kata, imagine your opponent in combat. Don't just go through the motions of performing techniques. This is repeated over and over in class but is often ignored. You must focus and work on the mental side of martial arts as well as the physical technique. When facing a partner in paired practice, always maintain awareness of them and your environment. When the paired kata is over, maintain zanshin and be ready for a surprise attack. As your zanshin grows, you will be able to sense more and subtler things around you.

As your ability to acquire and maintain mushin and zanshin improve, yoyu will improve. When you have an awareness of your opponent and your surroundings with no distracting thought, you can react or adjust your technique without thinking. In sports, this may be considered 'In the Zone'. Everything becomes clear and the desired actions are performed withoutconscious thought.

Concentrate on these the next few training sessions. Make a few reminders in 3, 6, 9, and 12 months to review how you think you are doing. Ask yourself, how has my kata improved, am I relaxed in paired techniques, is it only on techniques I know well. Do not get discouraged if you do not see progress at every check point. It takes time and there is always room for improvement.