Mushin - Clarity of Mind

Hanging in the dojo above the office door is an original caligraphy by the late Iwata Norikazu Sensei, esteemed internationally renowned iai-do teacher. The caligraphy depicts the kanji for 'mu-shin'. There is never a short translation for japanese phrases and such a combination can fill up a page in a dictionary. Popular translations include 'empty mind' 'without cerebration' and 'clear mind'.

Many martial artists will attest to striving to reach a state of 'mushin' in their practice, in other words, the 'ability to react to situational demands without cerebration'. Simply put, it is the ability to deal with an attack in a seamless and natural way without overt thought processes, blending with and neutralising the attacker. Keeping the mind free and clear means that it is not loaded with scenarios, techniques and solutions. Over analysing things in martial arts is often a western trait, which although not always a bad thing, can get in the way of an exponent absorbing and 'feeling' the technique and, in respect of aikido, can inadvertently block a tori from 'connecting internally' with their uke.

Over the years I am sure many aikido teachers have been asked by students the question "What technique would you use if attacked with X, Y or Z?" I am sure some teachers have attempted to answer said question, while students come up with ever more bizarre scenarios. In truth the question cannot or should not be answered. Fixating on one technique in your head if, God forbid, you were attacked and unable to extract yourself from the confrontation without physical intervention,will narrow your options dramatically. Making rational decisions when your adrenaline is pumping and you are trying to control your fear is not as easy as many would think.

In the dojo I am often heard saying to students, "try and tap in to the bow wave and not wait for the ship to hit you." In other words try and 'blend internally' with the uke's intentions before the physical attack is launched. Aikido thus becomes intuitive and not reactive.

When a driver of a motor vehicle starts skidding on the road often the first 'thought' is to apply the brakes, when in fact the intuitive solution would be to use the accelerator and steer into the skid until the wheels gain traction on the road surface again. All braking would do is to lock up the wheels and accentuate the skid.

When an aggressor pushes someone, it is a natural reaction to push back and thus you have confrontation. The same occurs when a person grabs another and pulls them, the defender often pulls back. A high proportion of street fights end up on the floor in a scrappy wrestling match, each person trying not to get hit rather than aiming the punches. It is a human and very normal reaction. The most difficult solution to such an aggressive move is often the best one, when the mind and body is allowed to function in a state of mushin. Step into the'void' and offer no equal physical response, then use the aggression of the attacker against themselves.

A state of mushin helps to cleanse the practitioner, keeps them healthy and mentally alert and leads to true clarity of mind.