Zanshin

Last night's Gakushu class was focused on Zanshin, literally a Japanese word describing a relaxed yet alert mind, a 'remaining mind', or 'finishing.' We discussed the importance of being mindful, of having a sense of self-control. Sensei used the analogy of sleeping to explain the importance of Zanshin. "When one is asleep, they are not here, (unconscious), they are physically present but not mentally. When someone is awakened, they are suddenly present. Mindful, alert."
Whatever it is you do, be mindful, be alert. Finish. Zanshin.
It is no wonder that all aikido techniques end with shite's zanshin. We are finishing, focusing the mind through the throw, until the very end.

This is a pretty deep concept in Aikido, so I thought I'd leave you with that to marinate in. Or leave you with a remining mind on the concept... and turn to something a bit lighter...

Thinking about Zanshin lead me to a cool blog, Zanshin Art. And to a fun little blog. I am in no way meaning to show disrespect, and hope you all enjoy it. Also, I am not in the habit of 're-blogging', but this was too fun not to share.
Enjoy! Osu! :)

"Make your own O'Sensei"
(for the printout/cutout page: http://aikidoargentina.org/osensei_oaa.jpg)