Tag Archives: Snow Poetry

“Depth Of Winter” Sanchin Pilgrimage

3 Feb

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

snowman 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,

HANKO

Sensei John Szmitkowski

NOW AVAILABLE – SANCHIN VIDEO SERIES designed specifically for the NON-MARTIAL ARTIST who desires to learn & unlock the secret treasure of Sanchin. Here is a convenient link a promotional video about the Sanchin DVD filmed on location at various scenic locations throughout Arizona. LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-pC-tPUrYE

** If you experience any difficulty in purchasing online using the above links, please contact me via a “comment” on this blog & I will e-mail you instructions on how to purchase a Sanchin product using a check or money order ***

Sensei John is now on Facebook, under – FLY FISHING DOJO, you are invited to send a Facebook friend request.

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

First Snow of 2013

20 Jan

As some areas of the United States experience the first snowfall of 2013, I offer the following from the poet Basho for your pleasure and contemplation.

New year’s first snow . . . Ah
Just barely enough to tilt
The daffodil.

snow daffodil

Please feel free to experience this gentle snow by going into the snow and performing Sanchin Kata, or another Kata of your choosing, perhaps you may find inspiration in the following videos:

1. Historical retrospective of Wansu Kata, featuring Sensei John in the snow, link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzFyFa9cM5Q

2. Historical retrospective of Gekisai Kata, featuring Sensei John in the snow, link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xH4E_4_2U08

Until the next submission, I remain barely tilted in the snow,

HANKO

Sensei John Szmitkowski

NOW AVAILABLE – SANCHIN VIDEO SERIES designed specifically for the NON-MARTIAL ARTIST who desires to learn & unlock the secret treasure of Sanchin. Here is a convenient link a promotional video about the Sanchin DVD filmed on location at various scenic locations throughout Arizona. LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-pC-tPUrYE

You can find information on how to purchase a Sanchin DVD & Book by clicking the following convenient link:http://www.dynamic-meditation.com/references.html

** If you experience any difficulty in purchasing online using the above links, please contact me via a “comment” on this blog & I will e-mail you instructions on how to purchase a Sanchin product using a check or money order ***

Sensei John is now on Facebook, under – FLY FISHING DOJO, you are invited to send a Facebook friend request.

For more on either Sanchin Kata as meditation or my new book on Sanchin Kata, please feel free to visit the “Sanchin Book” page of this weblog, or my website WWW.Dynamic-Meditation.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

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