In the last “. . . That’s OK” (Online Kata) session I wrote about performing kata either in a chair or in bed as a means to mitigate physical and psychological debilitation. (see “Group Kata In Bed . . . That’s OK” with this LINK: https://senseijohn.me/2014/02/02/group-kata-in-bed-thats-ok/
This session, I would like to take that concept one step further. There are those people that are temporarily so afflicted by physical discomfort that even the thought of performing a kata in bed is too challenging. When this occurs, then the answer lies within the problem itself – if the thought of kata in bed is too difficult, then keep kata in your thoughts. So, for this “. . .That’s OK” (Online Kata) session, let’s play kata mind games.
I think we all can benefit from this experience. Not only do I think you will find it challenging, I know this session will give you a greater sense of appreciating the little things each day that you routinely do and take for granted.
As with all OK (Online Kata) sessions, you may perform either Sanchin Kata, my Shibumi Kata, or any karate kata for this session. So –
Play’in Mind Games . . . “That’s OK” (Online Kata)
Remember, the group dynamic is not fulfilled by all of us being geographically present, rather, it is fulfilled by each of us performing our kata within the online kata session parameters.
Session Parameters:
Date: starting Monday, February 17th, 2014;
Time: anytime you are physically or emotionally debilitated;
Location: wherever you find yourself at the above time
Salient Points:
- Sit quietly and close your eyes;
- Accept your physical, emotional or psychological discomfort;
- Visualize your kata;
- Imagine that you are performing the kata at a greater level than your are capable of; Your movements should be faster, stronger, sharper and more fluid than in reality;
- As you picture the movements, be aware of the psychological concepts that accompany that movement;
- Allow the perfection of your mental imagery to absorb into your physical and emotional self so as to dissipate your discomfort – you are physically, emotionally and psychologically a whole and perfect being.
Kata Sommelier: I would recommend that you try this session as follows:
- First, visualize your most favorite kata and mentally perform it as perfectly as possible;
- and then immediately
- Repeat the process with your least favorite kata, again perform it as perfectly as possible;
- Do you notice any differences in the (mental) performance of these two kata?
The last requirement of this “. . . That’s OK” session is to remain in a positive physical, emotional and mental state throughout the day by way of the concept of “Zanshin” (the “remaining mind”). For information on the Zanshin state-of-mind, please use this LINK: https://senseijohn.me/2014/02/23/zanshin-remaining-mind-shibumi-project/
Once again, you may wish to not only perform this “. . . That’s OK” session as scheduled, but may also revisit the session as a regular part of your kata practice.
In closing I remain, play’in kata mind games, but . . . That’s OK.
Sensei John Szmitkowski
NEW feature: Help support Sensei’s efforts to bring you the most unique kata experiences –
Come visit my store on CafePress!
all items have a minimal mark-up of only $ 0.75 to $ 1.00 over base prices! Here are ONLY SOME of our support products:
For a refreshing and innovative discourse on kata and bunkai, please feel free to visit Sensei John’s Kata Laboratory and “THINK * SWEAT * EXPERIMENT” using this convenient link: https://senseijohn.me/category/kata-laboratory/
Sensei John is now on Facebook, under – FLY FISHING DOJO, you are invited to send a Facebook friend request.
For the official Goshin-Do Karate-Do blog, please visit WWW.DeFeliceRyu.Com
You may wish to view my blog dedicated to the interrelationship between martial arts protocol & ideology to fly-fishing and fishing in general by clicking WWW.FlyFishingDojo.Com
Kata-RX For wellness 
Leave a Reply