|
Mu Shin Tai Do is not a martial art in the accepted understanding of the words. However, in the tradition of Kyu Do (Archery) and some systems of I-Ai-Do (Sword) it stems from formidable fighting arts to an art of inner discovery. Thus, its forms are simply tools to co-ordinate calming the mind and conditioning the body and may be practiced alone or with a partner.
Mu Shin Tai Do also embraces the Tendai Buddhism philosophy of “Ichi San San Ichi’ (One in Three. Three in One) further expressed as Mind, Body and Spirit are One.
(Shin Ki Ii Tai) and a means of experiencing the teachings of the Buddha.
All movements are natural in accordance with universal principles of flow and flexibility and techniques also focus on their therapeutic value. This means practice takes on a co-operative form with a partner or as solo practice. Body techniques involve Kansetsu(Locking).Osae(Holding or pinning). Nage(Throwing). With each being applied through the application of Kata (Pre-set form). Kakarikeiko(Controlled practice).Jiyu Keiko(Open practice)and with each aspect stemming from practices of the sword.
Mu Shin Tai Do lays strong emphasis on the following:
1. Chowa=Harmony(Within one’s self, partner and environment)
2. Mantra=Chanting. Two mantra are used to open and
close the practice. Hannya Shingyo.
Endon Sho.
3. Reishiki=Etiquette . How one acts towards others and
dojo
4. Tendai meditation practices of Samatha(Stopping)
and Vipasanya (Seeing)are also employed in the following forms.
(Joza Sammai.=Continuous seated mediation)
(JoGyo =Continuous moving meditation)
(Hangyo Hanza Sammai=Half seated. Half moving).
Each is a standard Tendai meditation practice.
These practices then ,may be understood as ‘Zen in
motion’.
Mu Shin Tai Do is a practical means to a spiritual end
and is known as ‘Hoben’ (Expedient means)
Therefore, there is no emphasis on grades or colored
belts .Progress is through practice alone.
Practice focuses on two important areas.
1. The mechanics of the physical body.
This looks at posture and ways in which the body’s
positioning may be disturbed easily.
2. The Mind which generates the body to action.
This looks at how Mind may be lead.
As in Zen, the bokuto (Wooden sword) is used in practices but not as a weapon but rather as an extension tool of inner discovery through either partner or solo practice. Sword practices include essentials such as Kihon(Basic techniques).
Henka(Variation of technique). Kata (Pre-set form). Kakarikeiko(Controlled practice). JiyuKeiko (Open practice).
Budo and Akatsu.
When one thinks of martial arts in their origin(Bujustu) and modern applications of sports and self defense(Budo), one may simply think of ‘Fighting’. Yet both suggest something more than simply fighting. One(Jutsu)represents The mystery of art. Whilst Do represents the little known concept of Path or Way. The commonality between the two is that ultimately Mind, or ego, plays no part. Thus, Bu Do becomes a Way or Path of overcoming ones lower self. This is not easy to achieve. But effort brings reward. In the awareness that practice is a means of subduing ones lower self a new appreciation of others and daily life begins to take place. This is the beginning of ‘Akatsu’(Victory over self).
EMPHASIS
Mushin Tai Do strongly emphasizes that which may be learned of Buddhism, Tendai philosophy and about oneself and others through the practice of martial arts and not the martial arts themselves .This is not to suggest the practicality of martial arts is overlooked. In fact, one aspect must effectively exist in order for there to effectively be the other.
| 
Mu Shin Tai Do
