Swords and Arrows

Post By: Deena Hucko 

Perhaps we had a touch of spring fever in Ken Jutsu class this week. Someone suggested we try knocking arrows out of the air with our bokken. Everyone agreed it would be an interesting exercise.

We warmed up by tossing balls into the air, then drawing our swords and "cutting" them. After honing our reflexes on the foam balls, we were ready for the real thing. Sensei Lee has a compound bow and a set of arrows with tips wrapped in red duct tape. As each of us took a spot at one end of the karate floor, Sensei Lee sighted her weapon and shot a series of arrows.

I took my turn with some trepidation. It seemed a little crazy to be standing there letting someone shoot live (albeit padded) arrows at me, and I had a flashback to when I was 12 years old. My brother and I were outside with a group of neighborhood children, in the fields behind our houses. One of the boys had a bow and arrow, and suddenly he aimed it straight up and shot an arrow into the air. His face turned to shock and fear as he realized what he had done, and everyone started to run. Except me. As the others ran, I felt a calmness that told me to stay still and watch the sky. Time slowed down, as it sometimes does, and I waited.

Back to the dojo, I was in place on the karate floor, waiting for the first arrow, fighting the sense of panic that was rising inside. Suddenly, I found that calmness. I was able to relax and wait for the arrow. While I can't claim to have knocked any out of the air, I was able to watch and step aside when the arrows approached.

Finding the calmness inside is an important part of martial arts training, where it is known as "mizu no kokoro" or "mind like water". To develop this calmness, we work on controlling our breathing, and on performing our techniques under duress in the dojo. Learning to face fear is part of that development, building confidence and courage. It is a lesson we are able to take out of the dojo and apply to our every day lives.

And that sky bound arrow of my youth? Fortunately, I watched it fall to the ground without harming anyone.

Interview with Sensei Randy

1. How long have you been training?

I have been training in the martial arts for almost 19 years.

2. What martial arts have you studied?

I started in Aiki Ju Jutsu before I started training with Sensei Harp. The style (Kaze Arashi Ryu) was very rough. I was sore for 2 straight years! When I started with Harp, it was a new deal....the same art without the extreme pain in every class. I have studied and trained in Aikido, when I was living in Florida for a couple of years. I enjoyed it and learned a different perspective on the Aiki arts. The intent is totally different than Aiki Ju Do. I also have taken a few classes (when I was visiting my very good friend in Philadelphia) in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Those guys were crazy!! It was all about hurting the other guy and winning. They wouldn't tap.

3. What do you love most about the martial arts?

 Martial arts has given me strength, resolve and discipline. The ability to defend myself and those I love is just another added benefit that thankfully I have never had to use. It has taught me how not to get into bad situations as well.

4. What do you think is special about Harp Karate compared to other schools?

The people I have trained with are what makes Harp so special. Our Dojo seems to attract the best of the best. We all care about each other on and off the training floor.

5. How did you first become involved in the martial arts?

I had wanted to take up the martial arts since I was about 17, but after a severe knee injury when I was 18, I didn't think it was possible. But after my second knee operation at the age of 39, it felt good so I went for it!! I went to about 5 or 6 schools. When I watched Aiki being executed, I said "that's so cool!" so I started and have never stopped.

6. What is your proudest moment in the dojo?

Although receiving my first Black Belt was a very proud moment, I think I was even more proud when a couple of people that I helped to train for their Black Belts received theirs. And receiving my 2nd degree in Aiki and my 1st degree in Ken Jutsu when I was physically in sub-standard health really made me feel good about myself.

7. Who in the martial arts has inspired you?

Of course, watching Bruce Lee in the movies was the first inspiration for me. Another person who received his Black Belt in Aiki at the age of 63 or so, made me realize I could keep training for a long time. And of course, Sensei Terry with her 1000 day Seigan after some trying times in her life made me keep going when I wasn't sure I could.

8. Where do you see your training going in the next five years?

I am looking forward to working on improvement in my Aiki techniques and continue with my Ken Jutsu training. I love Ken Jutsu. The feeling of the sword in my hand has become so comfortable and satisfying.

9. What is your favorite technique, kata, or other activity in the dojo?

I would have to say that although I love Aiki and Ken Jutsu, the involvement with the exceptional people I train with is my favorite part.

10. How have the martial arts changed who you are?

It has given me confidence, humility and a feeling of strength that I did not know I had in me. It has made me realize that there really isn't anything you cannot do if you set your mind to it.

Photo By: Ken Smith

Weapon of Choice

Post By: Lee Phelan

We are lucky to be able to train with a variety of weapons at Harp Karate. At green belt karate student can begin practicing with the sai, nunchaku, and the bo. Later are the tonfas. In Aiki Ju Do students learn the chujo, chojo, and dijo.  Once a student in either art reaches black belt, they can begin practicing with the sword.

At first I never liked weapons. The practical side of my brain would think things like: "When am I going to be walking down the street with a katana or bo in my hand?" However, I have now learned that weapons can teach us much more about balance, power, coordination, and body mechanics than I once thought. A weapon truly is an extension of yourself, and it can teach you a lot.

If forced to choose a favorite, I would have to pick the sword. For me it truly expresses our concepts of opposites. This is a very powerful weapon, even though it takes little in terms of physical strength to use it. At first the cuts and defenses seem simple, but they are complex with countless variations. It is also a very beautiful and elegant weapon, despite being so deadly and dangerous.

Think about your own weapon of choice!

Photo By: Rob Wiltshire