It is moments like this that give me deep pause.
Last night I had a deep, introspective Katannabis Session. This morning at 6:00 am, I went out on my deck and performed Sanchin-Dai Kata as a Blood Kata. Usually, I perform a full Kata-Rx (no cannabis entheogen). Most Wednesday’s (my sacred day) I am alone at home with only my dog, Maharet as a companion. I felt compelled to perform a Shugyo (intense, deep, prolonged) Katannabis session once alone. That session began at 8:30am. It was during that session, which lasted about two hours, that I intuited a “compulsion” to immediately release a video of my Sanchin-Dai Kata and the majority of my personal prayers. Some of the prayers and breathing intonations are redacted as this is way beyond your present capabilities to understand. Still, for whatever reason, I was “pressed” into releasing the within video. I have no idea why and, frankly, would prefer not to.
In any event, the video is of Sanchin-Dai Kata which I formulated to encompass the Sacred Trinity of Kata (Seienchin, Suparunpei & Sanchin, which are reflected in the Kata). This facilitates the ability of a non-martial artist to acquaint themselves with the possibility of Kata as a form of prayer and sacrifice. Know and understand clearly – this is what works for me. It may not work for you. It is a matter of introspection and faith which is a subjective relationship with the transcendent Divine.
Again, the inspiration for all of this was when, a few years ago, I stumbled upon a translation of and ancient papyrus scroll – the Gospel of Mary, hidden in a desert cave, and written over two thousand years ago that contained – the word ——- KATA! 
My obligation is now fulfilled (two more hours later after my session). Enjoy with caution, these are deep waters.
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The poem came to me during my morning (5:30 am) Kata performance. As there are bears that roam this early, I usually perform my morning Kata on my deck high above the Earth. The day was a Sacred Day. The Sacred Day being Wednesday. My dear friend and Karate-Do comrade Sensei Wayne Norlander passed away May 18th, 2011, a Wednesday. Each Wednesday thereafter (without fail) I would perform his favorite Kata in his honor. I think his immortal spirit whispered the poem within the song of the birds and the breeze (see videos, with sound on). Miss you Sensei Wayne, but your spirit is eternal, and eternal you endure (nod to Dante Alighieri).
Not a quote that you would expect from an indigenous karate master. Mention “There is no first attack in karate”, “Kata begins and ends with respect” and similar adages and everyone’s on board the train. Talk about banishing non-physical entities and, well, people kind of stare up at the ceiling wondering, “How to I gracefully exit this conversation?” For those readers looking for the exit, read endnote # 1 then, take a deep breath and ask yourself, “Can you handle this?” If not, leave, in fact, “Get out – Now.”
During a recent Katannabis Blood Kata session, I felt persuaded to release my personal notes on the more advanced esoteric concepts of the mandala sections of Suparunpei Kata. These very powerful mandala form an integral component of my Sanchin-dai Kata. It is this powerful section of Suaprunpei that combines with the esoteric aspects of Seienchin Kata and Sanchin Kata (my Sacred Trinity of Kata) that gives experiential “life” to Sensei Toguchi’s words.
I had utilized my nightly Katannabis Blood Kata ritual to try to work through and gain insights into this recent event that has “Path altering implications.” It was a productive session that led to many insights. 
As is my practice, I jotted down a few notes (naturally with my beloved fountain pens). I meditated and went inside to start my day. I wanted to codify and memorialize my thoughts from these last two sessions. Over my first cup of coffee (now about 10:00 am), I did so. I am at a good place as far as interpreting the insights, visions and interpretations from the path so far. I hope that throughout the day and during tonight’s Katannabis Blood Kata I will make even more head way. (See Endnote# 2) Maybe, I’ll even understand how I got to this exact crossroads and what it all means. The Path got me here. The Path will reveal what’s next.
You see the Esoteric Kata Path reveals itself not when you want or demand answers, but when the Path is ready to give you not an answer but the hint of one.
I had carried her collar with me by attaching it to my motorcycle. When I traded it in for a new motorcycle seven months ago, I put the collar aside for safe keeping. And – naturally – misplaced it. Until now. Perhaps this is but one of the many signs that I have found along the Path. 
My regular readers know that an integral part of my daily Esoteric Kata practice includes not only precursor Kata, the Sacred Trinity of Kata and Zazen, but also the unique Ghost Hand Kata. 
To this end, my notes are always handwritten. I do not use my laptop or any mechanical means of writing or recording my session. I personally prefer to use one of my many fountain pens. I am able to indulge my two loves, Kata and the fountain pen. Use of a fountain pen is not necessary. It is; however, necessary that the notes be handwritten. 
I also use symbols for each kata within my session. I started this practice over two years ago. Truthfully, I am not sure why, but it works and is fulfilling. In fact this has resulted in a very interesting Kata symbology. The symbols themselves, though a component of my session notes, also become individually sanctified;
The format of my notes is basically the same format for each session. Kata symbols, other “standard” features, my notes for that specific session all appear on strategic locations on the page. This aids in the sanctification of the session notes. 
My Father, who passed away in 2012, puts his hand on my shoulder.
The St. Christopher medal was my father’s. He gave it to me around 2008 to keep me safe when I was making cross country motorcycle trips from my house in Arizona to the family encampment in New Jersey;
My full Katannabis journal (in reverse chronological order): 
My original black belt represents the period during which I became comfortable with developing and experimenting with the physical aspects of kata. I had also earned the title of “Sensei” (literally “Before-being”, but loosely “Teacher”). This period brought about a deep rooted imagination to discover so-called “hidden” self-defense techniques in the Kata. Thus began a period of introspection and discovery.
Decades later I was awarded my fourth degree black belt and the title “Karate-Do Renshi” (karate advanced teacher or coach). At this time I began to develop my concept of the “Three battles of Kata” to represent the idea that there was more to kata than just the physical. There was the spiritual which codified state-of-minds, emotions and psyche and the environmental which represented the interrelationship between Kata and the physical environment. These were the earliest stages of my Kata-Rx for wellness program and its humble beginnings with my “Sanchin Kata for everyone” campaign and book.
Even more decades later when I was awarded my Seventh Degree (nana-dan), I began to develop my Katannabis program – the entheogenic combination of my Kata-Rx and medical cannabis as a meditative, mind-expanding practice.
Generally I find that after a good Katannabis meditation session my darts throwing is fluid and smooth. My mind is free of pressure and the idea of “achieving results” or improving. I simply throw for enjoyment and relaxation. True, I do want to hit the target, but thats a mere desire. I don’t add-on baggage and pressure. This allows my mind to wander (rather than concentrate on practice). 
I have a few dart set ups in my collection, including one prized somewhat rare set from Accudart. I throw then all. (See endnote # 1) Choice of dart varies mostly depending on my mood, but sometimes my hand and joint discomfort will warrant one set over the others. At present I’m mostly throwing my newest set, the Shot Ronin Rei in 23 grams. 
I was feeling good from the Katannabis meditation session, comfortable with being “locked” inside and enjoying both the darts and the “Bellies and Bullseyes” when it hit me. How about playing a virtual game against once of these legendary pro players. As I threw more and more darts I let that idea germinate. Eventually I came up with this new, dare I say innovative, practice routine. I tried it and liked it. I wonder if anyone else has. Here’s what I came up with. Have you ever tried it? If not, give it a go and let me know what you think.
Wednesday morning while performing my pre-dawn Seipai Kata at the shop where the truck is parked, I was treated to a spectacularly bright view of the planet Venus.
Esoteric Kata 
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