“Depth Of Winter” Sanchin Pilgrimage

Winter. The days are shorter, colder, bleaker. Even with the cold and snow, I am still able to maintain my outdoor Sanchin and kata regime. I will admit; however, that some mornings I am less than inspired to bundle up and venture out to perform kata. Yes, I am only human.

Over the years, I have collected various poems and sayings concerning winter that provide a source of inspiration. One of my favorites is,

In the depth of winter, 
I discovered 
that within me 
lay an 
invincible summer.
(Albert Camus)

I thought that the above would make a great source of inspiration for a Sanchin Pilgrimage. So, I present to you the

Depth Of Winter Sanchin Pilgrimage

 As a further source of inspiration, I filmed a recent Sanchin performance in the snow and combined it with several other poems & words of inspiration. 

Although I emphasize that no special uniform is required to practice Sanchin, the video was filmed with me wearing my gi (karate uniform). This is because immediately prior to filming the Sanchin, I had filmed various karate kata in the snow for the Goshin-Do Karate blog, WWW.DeFeliceRyu.Com The lack of wearing the appropriate clothing or uniform is NEVER a valid excuse for not performing Sanchin.

You are now ready for the pilgrimage.

Remember, the group dynamic is not fulfilled by all of us being geographically present, rather, it is fulfilled by each of us performing Sanchin in the proscribed manner.

Session Parameters: 

Date: The week of Monday February February 4th, 2013

Time: FIRST thing in the morning! Yes, get out of that warm bed and venture out into the cold, crisp air.

Location: MUST be outdoors

Salient Points:

There is one simple point, just do it and embrace the experience.

The last requirement of this Sanchin Pilgrimage is to remain in an enraptured physical, spiritual and metaphysical state throughout the day by way of the concept of  “Zanshin” (the “remaining mind” which is discussed in my Sanchin DVD and Book).

Once again, you may wish to not only perform the Sanchin Pilgrimage as scheduled, but may also revisit the specific pilgrimage and allow Sanchin to unlock the cage imposed upon your by the drama of daily life. Do this as an integral part of your regular Sanchin practice.

In closing I remain, deciding whether I am the snowman or the real man,

Sensei John Szmitkowski

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Tags: Albert Camus, Jiriki Kata-Do, Kata In Nature, Kata In Snow, sanchin, Sensei John, Snow Poetry, Voltaire, Winter Poetry