Zanshin
Encyclopedia
Zanshin is a term used in the Japanese martial arts
. It refers to a state of awareness – of relaxed alertness. The literal translation of zanshin is "remaining mind".
In several martial arts, zanshin refers more narrowly to the body's posture after a technique is executed.
, zanshin means the body posture after the loosing of an arrow; the posture is intended to reflect the higher meaning of zanshin, which is a mental aspect maintained before, during, and after an action.
In karate
, zanshin is the state of total awareness. It means being aware of one's surroundings and enemies, while being prepared to react.
In the context of kendō
, zanshin is the continued state of spirit, mental alertness and physical readiness to meet the situation (such as an opposing attack) that must be maintained when one returns to kamae
after attacking. It is one of the essential elements that define a good attack.
During the practice of aikidō
, the usual method of practicing zanshin is to focus on the just-thrown uke, or opponent, while holding kamae
and maintaining awareness in case there are additional attacks or attackers. In Iwama Style
training, zanshin is practiced as general awareness of one's surroundings, of which uke is just a small part.
Within the context of ninjutsu
, especially inside Bujinkan
, zanshin is a collective simulated combat in total or partial darkness, that allows one to become more acquainted to fighting without the aid of light.
Japanese martial arts
Japanese martial arts refers to the enormous variety of martial arts native to Japan. At least three Japanese terms are often used interchangeably with the English phrase "Japanese martial arts": , literally meaning "martial way", , which has no perfect translation but means something like science,...
. It refers to a state of awareness – of relaxed alertness. The literal translation of zanshin is "remaining mind".
In several martial arts, zanshin refers more narrowly to the body's posture after a technique is executed.
In various martial arts
In kyūdōKyudo
, literally meaning "way of the bow", is the Japanese art of archery. It is a modern Japanese martial art and practitioners are known as .It is estimated that there are approximately half a million practitioners of kyudo today....
, zanshin means the body posture after the loosing of an arrow; the posture is intended to reflect the higher meaning of zanshin, which is a mental aspect maintained before, during, and after an action.
In karate
Karate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
, zanshin is the state of total awareness. It means being aware of one's surroundings and enemies, while being prepared to react.
In the context of kendō
Kendo
, meaning "Way of The Sword", is a modern Japanese martial art of sword-fighting based on traditional Japanese swordsmanship, or kenjutsu.Kendo is a physically and mentally challenging activity that combines strong martial arts values with sport-like physical elements.-Practitioners:Practitioners...
, zanshin is the continued state of spirit, mental alertness and physical readiness to meet the situation (such as an opposing attack) that must be maintained when one returns to kamae
Kamae
is a Japanese term used in martial arts and traditional theater. It translates approximately to "posture". The Kanji of this word means "base".Kamae is to be differentiated from the word , used in Japanese martial arts to mean stance...
after attacking. It is one of the essential elements that define a good attack.
During the practice of aikidō
Aikido
is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial studies, philosophy, and religious beliefs. Aikido is often translated as "the Way of unifying life energy" or as "the Way of harmonious spirit." Ueshiba's goal was to create an art that practitioners could use to...
, the usual method of practicing zanshin is to focus on the just-thrown uke, or opponent, while holding kamae
Kamae
is a Japanese term used in martial arts and traditional theater. It translates approximately to "posture". The Kanji of this word means "base".Kamae is to be differentiated from the word , used in Japanese martial arts to mean stance...
and maintaining awareness in case there are additional attacks or attackers. In Iwama Style
Iwama style
Iwama Style is the style of aikido that was taught at Iwama dojo by the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, and especially the lineage passed on through Morihiro Saito, a close disciple who was given responsibility over Iwama dojo by Ueshiba....
training, zanshin is practiced as general awareness of one's surroundings, of which uke is just a small part.
Within the context of ninjutsu
Ninjutsu
or may be:*the arts associated with espionage and assassination in feudal Japan, see Ninja*modern schools of martial arts claiming to be based in these traditions, see Modern Schools of Ninjutsu*fictional depictions, see Ninja in popular culture...
, especially inside Bujinkan
Bujinkan
The Bujinkan is an international martial arts organization based in Japan and headed by Masaaki Hatsumi, it is best known for its association with ninjutsu. The system taught by this group, called Bujinkan Budō Tai jutsu, consists of nine separate martial arts traditions .-Origins:Hatsumi's...
, zanshin is a collective simulated combat in total or partial darkness, that allows one to become more acquainted to fighting without the aid of light.