I was recently contacted by email by someone asking for a basic explanation of the concept of Zanshin (so alert you dominate). So I thought I would share it with the rest of you as well. However if you know me you know there is no simple definition of budo concepts but I will do my best… lol.
Zanshin is the 2nd of two very important states of budo found in Donjitsu Do and other Japanese martial systems. Zanshin is something that will come in time with confidence, strength in character and knowledge of oneself, martial strategies and how our surrounding play a part in combat. It is a calm that will come over you and it is something that anyone can achieve and could be applied to many different situations. However, in this context we are taking about one on one combat. For your opponent, don't think of it as a look or stare you give but a feeling that you project to another that gives them a feeling of dread or a sense that they will undoubtedly lose an altercation with you. The literal translation of Zanshin is "remaining mind" For you it should be a balance of mind body, spirit and will. It is a state of total mental alertness of yourself, your surroundings and your opponent. It is a complete unwavering commitment and readiness to meet the situation at hand. This is the concept of defeating your opponent without action. Again please keep in mind that this is only a fraction of the meaning of Zanshin.
Zanshin is the 2nd of two very important states of budo found in Donjitsu Do and other Japanese martial systems. Zanshin is something that will come in time with confidence, strength in character and knowledge of oneself, martial strategies and how our surrounding play a part in combat. It is a calm that will come over you and it is something that anyone can achieve and could be applied to many different situations. However, in this context we are taking about one on one combat. For your opponent, don't think of it as a look or stare you give but a feeling that you project to another that gives them a feeling of dread or a sense that they will undoubtedly lose an altercation with you. The literal translation of Zanshin is "remaining mind" For you it should be a balance of mind body, spirit and will. It is a state of total mental alertness of yourself, your surroundings and your opponent. It is a complete unwavering commitment and readiness to meet the situation at hand. This is the concept of defeating your opponent without action. Again please keep in mind that this is only a fraction of the meaning of Zanshin.
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