An answer to a question posed on the message board on www.daishodojo.20m.com.
This is a contact point and information web-site for our group. Having thought about the answer for a while now, here is my interpretation. I do not say it is correct for everyone and is my understanding at present. I hope it helps those of you who are looking this deep into training and inspires some of you to look deeper.
I believe it was Buzz who posed the question about Sanshin No Kata, the question went along the lines of " if someone uses a fire type attack do we use a water type of technique to counter it?"
Chi : Earth stability, the attitude of confidence and strength. The confrontation is won before it has started. You stop them in their tracks. You are immovable as a majestic mountain or a mighty oak tree. You give no ground nor take any, remember that the earth is round, you do not have to go through an obstacle.
Sui ; Water responsiveness, the attitude of fade and strike. You withdraw from your aggressor's attack, and respond with a blast of power. You are as a wave in the surf rising back and then crashing on the shore. Water is also able to get where other elements cannot and can also wear away massive rocks with erosion. Guerilla tactics in and out type of attacks staying out of range until you can attack and then get out again.
Ka ; Fire expansiveness, the attitude of foresight. You perceive the potential for attack and are committed to stopping the aggression the moment you perceive it. You are as a fireball hurling forward. Some times you may have to take the initiative and attack as (or before)you are attacked. Be aware this can be seen as an assault if you are able to stop an attacker by attacking them first. Remember those cameras we spoke of?
Fu ; The attitude of intellect. You are free moving and skillful enough to know exactly where you need to be in order to take control of the aggression, positioning yourself to take advantage of your momentum. You are like a cloud of smoke that one tries to grasp as you slip and curl from between his fingers and out of his grip. Not just a physical technique any of this Sanshin stuff, knowing that the alley belongs to "Big Nick" the mugger or the biker gang can save your arse. If you know not to go through it!
Ku ; The void, the source of all elements. You use your skill and knowledge to face unknown attacks and acquire the appropriate attitude in response. All of the rest of the elements weaving in and out of each other so that oneself does not know which element he (or she) is in at any one time. Adapting to each twist and turn of the situation, be it a fight for your life or a bad day at work or within a relationship.
As I said I hope it helps! Any comments on this can be in the next issue of the "The Bug" so, in the words of the famous song, come on everybody!
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Takamatsu Sensei. aplying a form of Jime. (note the Uke's whole body is restricted)