Sensei introduced us in November to “controlling the space with Mutō Dori”, and last week for the first class of 2017, he said the yearly theme to be Kannin Dokuson, “mutual respect.”
Each time Sensei comes up with a new theme for the year, it is important to read “between the lines” to follow Sensei’s train of thoughts. So, hereafter are a few possible hints to help us get it.
In a few days, we are entering the year of the fire rooster. (1)
Traditionally the fire rooster is called “Hō Ō”, the Phoenix. (2)
When you study the two kanji, you have 鳳 the male phoenix, and 凰, the female Phoenix. In other words, it is a representation of the Taichi, the Inyō (yinyang) of Taoism.
Inyō is represented by “zero” as we established recently in previous posts. Controlling the space means “balancing harmoniously” this complementarity between Uke and Tori during the exchange. This is the essence of Mutō Dori.
At the Shidōshikai meeting, Sensei developed his vision of “Kannin Dokuson”.
From a post by my friend Alex Esteve from Spain, Sensei was referring to “la integración y perseverancia en el respeto mutuo, respetarse y respetar al oponente”.
The way I understand it in English is to: “persevere to integrate Mutual respect, self-respect, and respect for the opponent (in our actions).”
This is the Sanshin of 2017!
But Kannin Dokuson is more than that. (3) And I will write more about it in my next entry.
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1. Each Chinese zodiacal sign is linked to one of the 5 chinese elements (earth, metal, wood, air, fire). Last year was the fire monkey.
2. 鳳凰, Hō Ō, Chinese firebird; Chinese phoenix
3. 貫忍 独貴
KAN
一貫/ikkan/consistency; coherence; integration
貫/kan
NIN
忍/nin/endurance; forbearance; patience; self-restraint
DOKU
独り/hitori/one person|alone; solitary
SON
尊/son/tattobu/to value; to prize; to esteem; to respect; revered; noble
Shiro Kuma 