Tag Archives: #workingmanzen

Sensei’s Journal: Entry # 21 – Why Keep A Katannabis Journal

20 Mar

It’s been quite a while since I posted a journal entry. Frankly, and I don’t know why, I’ve felt compelled to disseminate as much information as possible as to the process of developing your own Katannabis. The result is this new resource section https://senseijohn.me/2023/02/13/katannabis-syllabus-resources/ . This link has all your Katannabis resources.

For this journal entry, I’d like to share with you a few of my raw journal notes.

I keep a pad and my beloved fountain pens handy during all of my Katannabis sessions. I want to contemporaneously memorialize my observations and experiences while I am within the throes of the session. After I complete the session, I make my final notes. On a weekly basis I compile all my raw notes and make a list of those areas that require a more detailed exploration. In my experience, topics such as “time-slip,” “spatial distortion,” and the “Mandala-effect,” to name a few are a direct result of this process.

My detailed notes are then filed into one of my many Katannabis three-ring binder type notebooks. These notebooks are organized generally as to the substantive process of Katannabis, effects and experiences of Katannabis, “higher dimensional” notes, psychic self-defense notes and other highly advanced Katannabis experiences. 

I highly encourage you to maintain your own Katannabis journal. It is very important in early stages of Katannabis. I don’t think you can have a rewarding Katannabis experience without documenting your steps along the way. Trust me, your notes will be necessary as you modify your Katannabis syllabus. To this day, two decades later, though I have a core of Kata within my Katannabis syllabus, I still make adjustments to the order in which they are performed and other such adjustments. It is in the modifications that your experiences become heightened.

In addition, when you have a Katannabis experience, you want to document not only the experience but the conditions that gave rise to it. This serves a two-fold purpose. If the experience is positive, you will want to replicate it. If an experience cannot be replicated then it may not be an epiphenomenon of your Katannabis. It may simply be a one-time coincidence. 

If, on the other hand, your experience is one that is unpleasant, and “Yes,” you will have such an experience. You will want to fully understand the experience and the manner in which it arose. Then you can make an informed decision as to whether such an experience was an epiphenomenon of your Katannabis and if so, how to avoid it.

I know this sounds a bit like school and homework. You can make the process enjoyable. I love the feel of writing with a fountain pen, so I keep my pens handy during Katannabis. Each pen is filled with its own unique ink which adds to the enjoyment. I also include little sketches and diagrams. An artist I am not, but again, this adds to the overall experience. In fact, I look at the journaling process as a “Kata” within my syllabus. And, “Yes,” the act of writing can be looked at as a Kata. 

Katannabis ritual meditation is a serious endeavor. That being said, in addition to be enlightening, thought-provoking and eye-opening, it should be enjoyable. In my experience, I find the act of memorializing my experiences adds to such enjoyment. Have a puff or an edible, do you Kata and get out that pen and paper. Until next time, 

Cum superiorum privilegio veniaque * 

Sensei John Szmitkowski

* (with the privilege and permission of the superiors)

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Katannabis – Time-slip: Introductory Comments

7 Mar

Time-slip is a name I created to describe one of Katannabis’ earliest experiential phenomenon. Together with a phenomenon I call “spatial distortion,” time-slip is one of the first epiphenomenon of Katannabis meditation that you will experience. 

I first encountered time-slip while performing the mandala sequences of Suparunpei Kata. In very general terms, time-slip is the perception of an alteration of time as normally experienced otherwise. This can be a perceived slowing or quickening experience of time. It can also be the feeling of “lost” or “forgotten”time. I’ll give specific examples of each in a later submission. For now, I’d like to offer a few preliminary comments. 

As always, don’t let my experiences skew yours. My experiences and observations should only provide a framework upon which to build your own. It is for this reason that your should keep a journal of your experiences, preferably while still under the effects of a Katannabis session. 

You must keep in mind a few rudimentary facts about time. They are provided to make you think about your own experiments and experiences with time as it relates to your Katannabis meditation. Let these comments and your experiences motivate you to conduct more external (science based) research into the topic of time. This will ultimately deepen and enrich your Katannabis ritual mediation. Be intrigued! For example, I’ve attached a photo of my personal notes from a “Time Dilation” video from the World Science Festival. Really interesting stuff especially when you start to put that within the context of your Katannabis.

For this brief introductory article there are two points to bear in mind about time. The first point is a physical one. Time is subject to “dilation.” That is to say: The faster you move through space, the slower you move through time.”

The second point is a non-physical one. Time is a memory (past), a perception (current) and an anticipation (future). It is the merging of these three events that gives us the impression of a so-called “arrow of time.” I think, repeat, think, that it is this arrow of time that is “slipped” as your perform your Kata during a Katannabis session. My hypothesis is that you become so in the “now” that the memory of the move you just performed (past) is lost as soon as it is performed. You become so entangled with the current move (present) that there is no anticipation of the next move (future). Your body is merely on autopilot through the Kata. Your mind is divorced from the process – it is freed. (See Endnote # 1).Thus, I hypothesize, you no longer experience an arrow of time. (See endnote # 2).

Merge the above two points on time together and consider – You are moving through space, thus a very, very small dilution of time – imperceptible, but exists on some scale, measurable. The sequences themselves are the “snapshots” not “video” thus, all moves are present at the same time, regardless of appropriate sequences. Kata combined with the entheogen, cannabis, also effects directly your ability to perceive time. And there you go. A brief introduction to the epiphenomenon I call “time-slip.” In the next article on the topic, I’ll share with you some of my personal experiences of time-slip. In doing so, I will provide you with an indicia of what to expect so that you can recognize your own perception of time-slip as it manifests in your Katannabis.

Cum superiorum privilegio veniaque * 

Sensei John Szmitkowski

Endnotes:

*with the privilege and permission of the superiors

1. This is a drastically different experience from performing a Kata with a martial intent. In that performance, the overriding principle is one of “Zen-Ken-Ichi,” “Mind and fist are one.” Whereas in Katannabis, with the assistance of the cannabis entheogen, the mind, spirit, soul, whatever you wish to call it is separated from the body so as to vibrate to a higher dimension. This “time-slip” is encountered.

2. Experientially, I can say that my Kata becomes one of those picture books of static sequential images that you flip to create movement. That is to say the Kata is not a video, but rather multiple static images.

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Zazen – The “Big-Bang” Of All Kata

3 Mar

The Big-Bang of Kata: Zazen

Science is in agreement, at least until a new theory is agreed upon, that the universe started with a “Big-bang.” The Big Bang Theory essentially holds that our universe was once an infinitely small point of potential, a singularity. 

Katannabis and Kata-Rx also started out as a singularity; a single point of energy-potential. So, what is the singularity, compressed energy potential, of Kata? And by extension, Katannabis? 

The answer is – Zazen! Yes, seated meditation!

The analysis of my hypothesis begins with the idea that there are Kata said to be hidden within other Kata. Gekisai Kata is hidden within Fuku Kata. Any Kata with a “dai” suffix is hidden within a Kata with a “sho” suffix. If you understand that then you can extrapolate that in so far as the three battles of Sanchin Kata are found within all Kata * Then you can say that all kata are hidden within Sanchin. It is then asked – Within what is hidden Sanchin Kata?

The answer is Zazen – the three battles are found, even if only by minute analysis, within Zazen – you must breathe, move your body, though seated the body still moves on a microscopic cellular level, and state of mind is actually Mushin – no state of mind. By extension, Zazen is also a physical state, a spiritual state and a metaphysical state. Thus, no matter how they are delineated, Zazen encompasses all three battles of Sanchin.

  • Sanchin Kata is hidden in Zazen (seated meditation),
  • All Kata are hidden in Sanchin Kata,
  • Therefore: All Kata are hidden in Zazen.

Now – go practice your Katannabis and think deeply on this.

Cum superiorum privilegio veniaque 

Sensei John Szmitkowski

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Exploring Kata-Rx & Katannabis – Sanchin Kata In A Side Stance

27 Jun

Kata-Rx For Wellness and Katannabis Ritual Meditation (the entheogenic combination of Kata-Rx and cannabis) are both highly adaptable to your personal needs. One of my favorite adaptations is to perform the Sanchin Kata* in a side stance.

This is a very simple adaptation of Sanchin that fosters an augmented meditation experience. It also introduces you to another component of both Kata-Rx and Katannabis known as “Seienchin.” Seienchin is a ceremonial kata that illustrates the duality of our existence. 

Kanji for “Seienchin”, sumi-e ink on rice paper

The kanji (Japanese calligraphy) for Seienchin translates as “Calm in the storm / Storm in the Calm.” In Katannabis, this concept is exponentially increased.

Try it yourself for FREE:

You can try my Kata-Rx for FREE, safely and conveniently in the comfort of your own home by enrolling for FREE in my online class: https://kata-rx.teachable.com/p/preview-kata-as-moving-meditation

Respectfully submitted,

Sensei John Szmitkowski

Instagram:

Follow Sensei John on Instagram. Simply follow “1day1lifetime” for daily updates on all of Sensei’s projects:

Katannabis (the entheogenic combination of Kata-Rx & medical cannabis);

Kata-Rx & Koan daily meditations;

Kata-Rx for wellness & mindfullness;

Enjoy your Instagram experience with Sensei John.

Endnote:

  • * The Kanji for Sanchin translates as “Three Battles” – I define the three battles of Sanchin as the Physical Dimension )breathing & bodily movement), the Spiritual Dimension (states-of-mind, psyche, emotions) and the Environment within which they occur (physical & non-physical dimensions).

Exploring Katannabis – Advanced Meditation

9 May

Kata-Rx For Wellness and Katannabis Ritual Meditation (the entheogenic combination of Kata-Rx and cannabis) are both highly adaptable to your personal needs. One of my favorite adaptations is to perform the Sanchin Kata* in four directions (you can learn Sanchin online for FREE  https://kata-rx.teachable.com/p/preview-kata-as-moving-meditation ).

You can see this advanced form of Sanchin Kata in the video below which was filmed at the beautiful Lower Salt Rive, Tonto National Forest, Arizona.

This is a very simple adaptation of Sanchin that fosters an augmented meditation experience. It also introduces you to another component of both Kata-Rx and Katannabis known as “Seienchin.” Seienchin is a ceremonial kata that illustrates the duality of our existence. 

The kanji (Japanese calligraphy) for Seienchin translates as “Calm in the storm / Storm in the Calm.” In Katannabis, this concept is exponentially increased. Below is a unique video of Seienchin filmed amongst the herd of wild horses that call the Lower Salt River, Arizona home. 

Kanji for “Seienchin”, sumi-e ink on rice paper

Try it yourself for FREE:

You can try my Kata-Rx for FREE, safely and conveniently in the comfort of your own home by enrolling for FREE in my online class: https://kata-rx.teachable.com/p/preview-kata-as-moving-meditation

Respectfully submitted,

Sensei John Szmitkowski

Instagram:

Follow Sensei John on Instagram. Simply follow “1day1lifetime” for daily updates on all of Sensei’s projects:

Katannabis (the entheogenic combination of Kata-Rx & medical cannabis);

Kata-Rx & Koan daily meditations;

Kata-Rx for wellness & mindfullness;

Enjoy your Instagram experience with Sensei John.

Endnote:

  • The Kanji for Sanchin translates as “Three Battles” – I define the three battles of Sanchin as the Physical Dimension )breathing & bodily movement), the Spiritual Dimension (states-of-mind, psyche, emotions) and the Environment within which they occur (physical & non-physical dimensions).

Sensei’s Journal: Entry # 18 – Katannabis, Snowstorms & Darts

7 Feb

Two days snowed in! 

No internet, no cable t.v., both knocked out by the high winds. What to do? Katannabis*meditation three times a day, write, and throw darts (which helps me write). Invent an entirely new, unheard of dart practice routine? Sure, why not.

It was the day after “Snowmaggedon.” Outside temps being in the single digits with below zero wind chills I didn’t mind staying in and having an extra day off work. I finished my noon time (second for the day) Katannabis. I took a break from writing.  I was practicing darts while watching “Bellies and Bullseyes” on YouTube when an idea for a new practice routine came to mind. I thought it through and then tried it and Damn it was fun!

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). 

As such, my darts practice is undisciplined. It but it generally contains a few simple routines:

1. throwing the cricket numbers counting the total number of hits;

2. twenty darts at 20 (100 darts at 20 once a week);

3. take out 121;

4. 20 darts at double 16, 8, 20, 10;

5. around the board counting the number of hits.

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.

I put on a video of two players. In this instance as I was already watching Bellies and Bulleyes, I used one of the featured games. It was the championship match between Eric Bristow and Jocky Wilson (Episode Part 25 of Bellies and Bulleyes). Lets say I want to “play” a game versus Eric Bristow. I watch the video of him throwing. Then I throw when Jocky Wilson throws (you can pause the video if needed). I then continue in this manner until the game is done. If Bristow checked out and beat Wilson I look to see how my score faired against Wilson’s score. For instance Wilson my have been on 32 when I needed 132 to check out. If Bristow didn’t check out and Wilson won, then I see how my score faired against Bristow’s. I never checked out before the pro, but I can dream about it. Hmm, maybe a nine-darter!

Maybe it was the Katannabis, maybe I simply just had a really fun darts practice or simply enjoyed being home like a sixty year old school kid on a snow-day, but I had a helluva lot of fun with it. I hope you do to – – – 

And by-the-way you can try my Kata-Rx and Katannabis for FREE.

You can enroll my Kata-Rx for FREE, safely and conveniently in the comfort of your own home by enrolling for FREE in my online class: https://kata-rx.teachable.com/p/preview-kata-as-moving-meditation – if you desire, just add your own medical cannabis.

* Katannabis is the entheogenic combination of my Kata-Rx program and medical cannabis.

Until the next time, I remain, 

Sensei John Szmitkowski

Follow Sensei John on Instagram. Simply follow “1day1lifetime” for daily updates on all of Sensei’s projects:

  • Kata-Rx for wellness & mindfullness;
  • Katannabis (the entheogenic combination of Kata-Rx & medical cannabis);
  • Kata-Rx & Koan daily meditations;

Enjoy your Instagram experience with Sensei John.

Endnotes:

1. My current darts include the following (screen shot from my GoDarts profile page):

(Wish’in I was) “On The Road (again) With Kata”

21 Nov

Ah, the call of the open road.

For as long as I can remember, I ride my motorcycle every day regardless of weather. Not; however when the roads are covered in snow or black ice. But give me clear asphalt and I’m on two wheels logging the miles. Even if its “just” my daily commute, the trip is always something new.

Dojo (Winter) – circa 2001

Still, I find myself missing a nice long road trip. A few days on the road, nights in a cheap motel meeting people along the way, changing scenery. When I lived in Arizona, I logged at least two road trips a year to New Jersey to work or see family. Since I’ve moved back to my home state, that “need” is gone.

Yup, I’ve got the itch to burn the miles. Unfortunately, its the busy season at work and a few days off is impossible. So, what to do?

The answer – Kata!

My last road trip was the return trip back to New Jersey after the Arizona house sold. I made that trip alone as my wife flew out ahead of me and my road companion Chloe had passed.

Chloe on the road – circa 2006

I started the trip the Monday of Thanksgiving week 2014 and arrived in New Jersey Thanksgiving Day. Too late for either Thanksgiving dinner or pumpkin pie. But it was another safe road trip in the books.

Naturally I used kata along the way to enhance the pleasure of being on the road and to refresh myself physically and mentally during the four day, 2,600 mile trip. As I knew it would be my last long trip for a while, I videoed my kata and journey. Looking at my videos, I realized I can again enjoy the memory of the journey through my kata. So, Monday of this week, I began to perform my “On The Road Kata.” As for this writing, I’ve completed the first two days (Monday and Tuesday) kata and am working on day three (Wednesday) as this is posting. Tomorrow, I’ll symbolically end my journey.

Come along, try a kata or two (some I recreated based upon my needs during the trip) and watch the videos. Here’s the journey:

Day 1: Monday – San Tan Valley, Arizona to Shamrock, Texas ( 789 miles)

1. Takiyouku Shodan modified to use Sanchin Kata method on the blocks – last kata performed in my house

2. Wansu Kata – Route 66 Casino/Truckstop west Albuquerque, New Mexico

3. Seipai Kata – slow to stretch my muscles Flying C Ranch Truck-stop, west of Santa Rosa, New Mexico

4. Sanchin Kata Hybrid – Best Western Motel, Shamrock Texas

Day 2: Tuesday – Shamrock, TX to West Memphis, Tennessee (1,169 miles traveled)

1. Hybrid Kata – using Seienchin, Suparunpei and Sanchin Kata to get the “blood flowing” (5:30 a.m. illuminated by truck headlights)

2. Ananku Kata – Truckstop Shawnee, Oklahoma

3. Fuku Kata – Rest Area, Altus, Arkansas

Day 3: Wednesday – West Memphis, TN to Salem, Virginia

1. Hybrid Kata 5:30 a.m. using Suparunpei and Hakutsuru Kata)

2. Kunchaba Kata – my weekly Wednesday Kata tribute to Shihan Wayne Norlander filmed at Loretta Lynn’s Country Kitchen, Hurricane Mills, Tennessee. (See Endnote # 1 for a video which includes a touching soundtrack by Warren Zevon).

3. Gekisai Kata (Deconstructed) – Comfort Inn Motel, Salem, VA. Kata on the road like this led to my “Kata Laboratory.”

Day 4: Thursday, Thanksgiving Day (2014) Salem, VA to Bergen County, New Jersey

1. Sanchin Kata (Shobu version) at a gas station on highway I-78 in Pennsylvania.

Thanks for reading and watching. Have a really Happy Thanksgiving, 2017.

Sensei John Szmitkowski

     For information on my “no-risk”, kata seminars, please visit the seminar page using this convenient link https://senseijohn.me/seminar-kata/
My seminars are the ONLY seminars that allow you to pay at the conclusion, thus insuring your complete satisfaction!

ENDNOTES:

1. My video tribute from the road to Shihan Wayne Norlander featuring the song, “Keep Me In Your Heart” by Warren Zevon. I miss the Karate-Do training we shared and motorcycle rides we took.

 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/

© Copyright 2017 Issho Productions & John Szmitkowski, all rights reserved.

You may wish to view my other blogs –
   my fishing blog which includes my fishing journals and the interrelationship between martial arts protocol & ideology to fishing http://flyfishingdojo.com
and
 the Goshin-Do Karate blog at http://defeliceryu.com

Sensei’s Journal: Entry # 13 – Katannabis & College Memories

26 Jul

A therapeutic benefit of Katannabis (the entheogenic combination of Kata-Rx and medical cannabis) meditation sessions is the ability to recall suppressed memories. Recently I recalled my college experience. This was unusual as my experience was not a fulfilling one. Definitely not one I would look back upon with fondness.

I attended Fairleigh Dickinson University (FDU) in Rutherford, New Jersey. I graduated in 1984 (Magna Cum Laude). I didn’t attend my graduation and simply choose to have my diploma mailed. The University was great. A wonderful institution in a remarkable setting. It was my ability to engage in it that was “off.”

With the exception of the first semester, I worked full time and attended class in the evening. So as to graduate in four years, I also took summer evening classes. There wasn’t a lot of free time to experience the so called “college experience.”

But, there was that first semester. I had saved what I thought was enough money for tuition. This allowed me to work part-time a few evenings a week and attended college full-time during the day. That was a great experience. Unfortunately it didn’t last. I needed more tuition than I anticipated. I changed to the evening sessions and got a full time job – again. My memories of college retained my experiences of the next seven semesters. That first semester was buried deep in my consciousness.

My Katannabis allowed me to recall many, many fond memories of the semester that I had long forgotten. I wrote a comparison of memories from that first semester and those of the subsequent seven semesters wherein I went at night. Lo and behold there were many more. Better still the memories were more rich and fond. 

My Journal Notes

I realized instead of allowing the seven evening semesters to define my college experience. I can choose to focus on the memories of that first semester. I felt better and Katannabis helped.

Try it yourself:

You can try my Kata-Rx for FREE, safely and conveniently in the comfort of your own home by enrolling for FREE in my online class: https://kata-rx.teachable.com/p/preview-kata-as-moving-meditation

Respectfully submitted,

Sensei John Szmitkowski

Follow Sensei John on Instagram. Simply follow “1day1lifetime” for daily updates on all of Sensei’s projects:

  • Kata-Rx for wellness & mindfullness;
  • Katannabis (the entheogenic combination of Kata-Rx & medical cannabis);
  • Kata-Rx & Koan daily meditations;

Enjoy your Instagram experience with Sensei John.

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Sensei’s Journal: Entry # 12- The Panther

19 Jul

Seasonal work demands have dictated a change in the frequency of my Katannabis* meditation session. What was once my daily routine ( https://wordpress.com/post/senseijohn.me/3731 ) has become a weekly session on Sunday nights. Sunday being my only day off. 

To describe the effect of this change, I offer the poem The Panther, by Rainer Maria Wilke. Katannabis is now like the image that rushes into the Panther’s eye.

The Panther:

His vision, from the constantly passing bars,

Has grown so weary that it cannot hold anything else.

It seems to him there are a thousand bars; 

And behind the bars, no world.

As he paces in cramped circles, over and over, 

The movement of his powerful soft strides 

Is like a ritual dance around a center

In which a mighty will stands paralyzed.

Only at times, the curtain of the pupil lifts, quietly –

An image rushes in,

Rushes down through the tensed, arrested muscles, 

Plunges into the heart and is gone.

To be sure I still perform short meditations throughout the day. If I did not, I could get through the demands of the day. It helps be cope whereas daily Katannabis expanded me as a person.

The key is to maintain myself until the seasonal demands end and I again have the capability to return to my daily Katannabis.

* Katannabis is the entheogenic combination of my Kata-Rx program and medical cannabis.

Try it yourself:

You can try my Kata-Rx for FREE, safely and conveniently in the comfort of your own home by enrolling for FREE in my online class: https://kata-rx.teachable.com/p/preview-kata-as-moving-meditation

Respectfully submitted,

Sensei John Szmitkowski

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Katannabis Kata Syllabus – Origins

12 Jul

This week I would like to compare the Kata I used to develop my Katannabis syllabus and the original kata of the Goshin-Do Karate system. The Kata are presented in the order taught. Kata in bolds italics were incorporated into my Katannabis syllabus.  (For more on the syllabus, please click here: 

Goshin-Do Karate Kata * (for videos of these Kata please visit):

Taikiyoku

Sanchin

Ten-Ni-No

Fuku

Gekisai

Kunchaba (removed)

Kanto

Seienchin

Wansu

Ananku

Chi-Ni-No

Seisan

Gojushiho

Seipai

Chinto

Suparunpei

Regularly I will also perform the Goshin-Do Kata that were not formally placed into the Katannabis syllabus within the Katannabis ceremony. This allows me to more fully explore the Katannabis meditation experience.

Try it yourself:

You can try my Kata-Rx for FREE, safely and conveniently in the comfort of your own home by enrolling for FREE in my online class: https://kata-rx.teachable.com/p/preview-kata-as-moving-meditation

* The Goshin-Do Kata span the student ranks from white belt to San-Dan, Third Degree Black Belt.

Respectfully submitted,

Sensei John Szmitkowski

Follow Sensei John on Instagram. Simply follow “1day1lifetime” for daily updates on all of Sensei’s projects:

  • Kata-Rx for wellness & mindfullness;
  • Katannabis (the entheogenic combination of Kata-Rx & medical cannabis);
  • Kata-Rx & Koan daily meditations;

Enjoy your Instagram experience with Sensei John.

Sensei John’s Journal: Entry # 11 – Physicality & Spirituality

5 Jul

July 4th, 2021. (Sunday)

The three day holiday weekend gave me ample opportunity to treat myself to in-depth Kata-Rx and Katannabis (the entheogenic combination of Kata-Rx & medical cannabis) sessions. This allowed me to delve deeply into the interrelationship between Physicality and Spirituality. In the coming weeks I’ll post some of my observations and conclusions.  For now, some introductory comments.

Physicality and spirituality concepts and methods are for most polar opposites. Physicality is found in the gym, or now, in a “cyber-gym.” Spirituality is found in the various Houses Of Worship. Both are desired, but sought through separate pursuits. In fact, the two are as intertwined as the classic “Yin / Yang” symbol. They are also directly proportionate. The more arduous the physical, the more profound effect on the spiritual. And, vice-versa. This is because the more arduous the physical the greater the draw to the “dark side” of states-of-mind. Thus the greater the need for the light of the spiritual. On Father’s Day my youngest daughter sent me a gift. A book,  inward by yung pueblo. I found the following:

reminder:

when the body is tired

the mind will often create

worries to focus on. *

This observation is is one that was revealed during my Katannabis exploration. Now, the question becomes how to mitigate the dilatory effects of arduous physicality? The answer is Kata. The methodology is to be found in either Kata-Rx or Katannabis.

In the coming weeks I’ll post my observations of the relationship between physicality and spirituality. This will start with the concept that Kata is the bridge between physicality and spirituality. 

Until then, I remain,

Sensei John Szmitkowski

ENDNOTES:

  • inward, yung pueblo (Andrews McMeel Publishing, Kansas City, Mo, 2018) p. 18. 

Try it yourself:

You can try my Kata-Rx for FREE, safely and conveniently in the comfort of your own home by enrolling for FREE in my online class: https://kata-rx.teachable.com/p/preview-kata-as-moving-meditation

Follow Sensei John on Instagram. Simply follow “1day1lifetime” for daily updates on all of Sensei’s projects:

  • Kata-Rx for wellness & mindfullness;
  • Katannabis (the entheogenic combination of Kata-Rx & medical cannabis);
  • Kata-Rx & Koan daily meditations;

Enjoy your Instagram experience with Sensei John.

My Katannabis Kata Syllabus

14 Jun

This week I want to share with you the specific Kata that I perform during my Katannabis sessions. Again, Katannabis is the entheogenic combination of my Kata-Rx and medical cannabis. 

An important note:  For those readers that do not know a Kata. Don’t worry, you can learn a Kata that I specifically designed for you for FREE. Using  this “One Day / One Lifetime” Kata, you, too can experience the life enhancing benefits of Katannabis. A link to my FREE online course where you can learn at your own pace in the comfort of your home is contained in Endnote # 1.

Before I reveal my Katannabis Kata, I need to emphasize that you do not need to learn these specific Kata. Any style’s Kata syllabus can provide the necessary Kata. (To view Kata videos, please see Endnote # 2 )To assist you in creating your own Katannabis syllabus I have placed the kata into levels of functionality; what is to be desired from the kata performance. For purposes of this article I have used general descriptions as to the purpose of each level. Each level builds upon the next facilitating the transformation from a physical-based reality to a more spiritual-based experience. A deep discussion is beyond the ken of this article, his will be more greatly discussed in future articles.

Level 1:

Facilitates the physical: Kata are strong, swift and create a need for oxygen intake. One important characteristic is that the kata contain similar sequences and a similar pattern with one building on the other. (see Endnote # 3)

my Katannabis Kata:

Fuku

Gekisai

Level 2:

Similarly facilitates the physical experience but using one Kata. This Kata should be somewhat unique within the system containing, inter alia, a unique pattern and sequences.

my Katannabis Kata:

Kunchaba

Level 3:

Contains two Kata, one a physical Kata and another that introduces the enhanced breathing methodology of certain Goju-Ryu Kata (see Endnote # 4)

My Katannabis Kata:

Ananku

Seipai

(Now starts my Sacred Trinity of Kata)

Level 4:

One Kata should now achieve the same physical to spiritual (represented by the enhanced breathing). Whereas the previous level symbolized this with two Kata, this level reinforces the transition with one Kata.

My Katannabis Kata:

Seienchin

Level 5:

Fully encapsulates the Katannabis experience in one Kata.

My Katannabis Kata:

Suparunpei

Level 6:

Hard-wires the spiritual experience into your physical reality

My Katannabis Kata:

Sanchin

Zazen (using Sa, Ta Na Ma concepts)

Seems relatively simple. Trust me, the above summarizes a decades of my mental “Kata Laboratory.” For almost fifty years, I lived my motto of “Think * Sweat * Experiment” with Kata. It hasn’t always been easy. In the future, I’ll dissect each kata, the functionality of each level and the slight modifications of the kata. At this juncture I will note that the modification highlights and emphasizes a physical posture that is found within all the kata of Katannabis. That posture serves to connect one kata to the next, one level to the next. Thus, while performing individual kata, the entire Katannabis experience is unified. All is in fact, one.

Respectfully submitted, 

Sensei John Szmitkowski

ENDNOTES:

1. You can learn my Kata-Rx for FREE, safely and conveniently in the comfort of your own home by enrolling for FREE in my online class: https://kata-rx.teachable.com/p/preview-kata-as-moving-meditation

2. To view the Kata mentioned in this article, please use this link:  https://senseijohn.me/kata-syllabus/   and select the Kata you wish to view.

3. Examples include the Taikiyoku series of Kata, the Gekisai series of Kata, The Pinan series and the like.

4. At this point, the Katannabis performer may need to learn these kata. At a bare minimum, the kata Sanchin MUST be learned.

Social Media:

Follow Sensei John on Instagram. Simply follow “1day1lifetime” for daily updates on all of Sensei’s projects:

  • Kata-Rx for wellness & mindfullness;
  • Katannabis (the entheogenic combination of Kata-Rx & medical cannabis);
  • Kata-Rx & Koan daily meditations;

Enjoy your Instagram experience with Sensei John.

Cannabis As An Entheogen In Katannabis Meditation

31 May

I wholeheartedly advocate the wellness and mindfulness aspect of Kata. I fell in love with kata at age ten; fifty years ago. I embrace the idea that anyone can and should learn and perform kata. Thus, Kata need not be taught solely as part of a karate program. I called this belief “Kata-RX.” 

I not only advocate Kata-Rx, I practice it daily. Twenty years ago, I started feeling that something was missing. Kata sustained and nourished me. But I felt more was possible. Through contemplation and experimentation I realized that a more fulfilling experience and a greater ascendancy was possible. Cannabis was the key. Cannabis accelerated the process. What do I mean?

Experience showed me that a certain level of mindfulness was achieved after performing Kata-Rx for about thirty minutes followed by ten minutes of Zazen meditation. Experimentation showed me that a micro-dose of cannabis prior to the start of Kata-RX accelerated the mindfulness process. The micro dose prior to Kata-RX took me to that heightened state at the very start. The Kata-RX experience then took me further. The result was stunning. 

This is illustrated by the chart below. Starting at the bottom, you can see the levels of ascendancy that are possible through Kata-Rx. All the tools of ascendancy are within you and Katannabis which is the entheogenic combination of Kata-Rx and medical cannabis.

A word about cannabis dosage. I want to stress that it is important that you use a micro-dose of cannabis. You are not looking to get “stoned.” 

You must be able to perform the Kata with technical proficiency. Sloppy, stoned Kata will NOT invoke the physical and mental benefits of Katannabis. If stoned you will not achieve the fullest Katannabis experience.

The casual observer should not notice a difference in your Kata performance during the Katannabis ceremony. I emphasize casual observer because to the enlightened observer (one that has expanded consciousness through Katannabis) a difference can be seen in your eyes during the Kata. The eyes reflect your your inner consciousness. Thus, they will disclose an enhanced Kata experience to those with similar vision.

So a little goes a long way. Consideration should also be given to the manner in which you interact with and utilize the cannabis. Simply put, treat the cannabis with respect. Just like your kata, the more respect you pay to cannabis the more embracing your experience and relationship with the herb.

Until next time, I remain,

Sensei John Szmitkowski

Follow Sensei John on Instagram. Simply follow “1day1lifetime” for daily updates on all of Sensei’s projects:

  • Kata-Rx for wellness & mindfullness;
  • Katannabis (the entheogenic combination of Kata-Rx & medical cannabis);
  • Kata-Rx & Koan daily meditations;
  • Kata Laboratory where you can “Think – Sweat – Experiment” with your Kata & Sensei John’s innovative concepts.

Enjoy your Instagram experience with Sensei John.

Sensei’s Journal Entry # 9: Kamawan

12 Apr

I’m going to use this week’s nightly Katannabis to more deeply explore the depths of meaning of this cryptic sign that was displayed outside “hard-core” dojo in antiquity.

As you can see, the sign has two elements. A Kama (sickle) and a Wan (rice bowl). Together they symbolize the word “Kamawan.” While there is no direct translation of Kamawan, the phrase is interpreted variously as “It doesn’t matter” and “I(we) don’t care.” Martial oral tradition has a more figurative interpretation. When hung and displayed outside “hard-core” Dojo, the phrase Kamawan was interpreted as:

“We don’t care if you enter or not, we don’t care if you challenge us or not.”(See endnote # 1)

I’ve often meditated on the implications and applications of Kamawan. Last month during a nightly Katannabis session, I began to see more, let’s say “spiritual” applications. Normally, I would include my thoughts in a journal entry and post it here. However, since I somewhat recenlty discovered Instagram, I’ll post my observations daily all this week on Instagram. Simply follow me at “1Day1Lifetime.

Great News! Kamawan for FREE!

You can try my Kata-Rx for FREE, safely and conveniently in the comfort of your own home by enrolling for FREE in my online class: https://kata-rx.teachable.com/p/preview-kata-as-moving-meditation

Until next time, Kamawan,

Sensei John Szmitkowski

Follow Sensei John on Instagram. Simply follow “1day1lifetime” for daily updates on all of Sensei’s projects:

  • Kata-Rx for wellness & mindfullness;
  • Katannabis (the entheogenic combination of Kata-Rx & medical cannabis);
  • Kata-Rx & Koan daily meditations;

Enjoy your Instagram experience with Sensei John.

ENDNOTES:

1. Kamawanu is an integral part of oral tradition of Goshin-Do Karate-Do. It is the companion to the tale of Dojo Yaburi, or those that would challenge a Dojo owner and keep his fees for one month’s teaching – if he was not up to the challenge. The following reference to Kamawanu may be both of interest and helpful: Furuya, Kensho, Kodo: Ancient Ways (O’Hara Publishing, Santa Clarita, CA, 1996) p. 40.

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