This week we did a long training, moving continually for hours.
Our endurance increases by taking on this kind of challenge.
And by keeping the attention continually on what we are doing, our concentration deepens.
The boost in physical endurance, and in the stability, clarity and focus of the mind, persist, and elevate training going forward.
This kind of training is not required, and is not suited for all members. But some are doing it and benefitting from it.
As a proviso: it should be clear that mere rote repetition of kata or other techniques is not very beneficial. Done mindlessly it can be harmful, degrading the meaning and usefulness of the techniques, reducing them to empty form, and reinforcing useless physical habits.
However, repetition with a clear understanding of the intention and application of each technique, the ideal form for which to strive, while monitoring of the condition of mind to assure that it does not drift into daydreams, internally, or distractions, externally, make this kind of training valuable. Then it is a real challenge, with excellent results.
In the months ahead we will continue to do this, extending the training period.
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Post and photo Copyright © 2024 Jeffrey Brooks, MountainKarateNC.com, Yamabayashi Ryu Karate, Saluda, NC
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read True Karate Dō by Jeffrey Brooks
“One of the best books I’ve read in years, inviting and compelling. Jeff Brooks moves effortlessly from martial arts to Buddhism to consciousness studies, self-transformation, and related fields in this wide-ranging and Illuminating study that has much to offer both novice explorers and veteran practitioners. A splendid achievement.”
— Philip Zaleski, Editor, The Best Spiritual Writing series
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