Using Distance - and Sensing Intention

1984, Bamberg Germany

 

 My martial arts training makes me hyper-sensitive to the potential intentions of others - and even more so - of imminent attacks/threats.

Often, I have been able to sense attacks before they begin. In Japanese martial arts this is related to the concepts of "Sen" (initiative), and using the "Hara" (your core, the source of Ki/Chi/Qi) to sense the intention of an opponent.

"Go no Sen" is to attack, after the attack
"Sen no Sen" is to attack the attack, just as it begins
"Sen Sen no Sen" is to sense the intention - and either leverage strategy - or adjust the distance ("Maai") as a defensive measure to nullify the potential attack - or attack before the attack begins.

At the advanced level - a practitioner may learn to mask their intention - sufficient to launch a successful surprise attack.

These concepts have been trained into my muscle memory - and subconscious - and express themselves not only in moments of anticipating/responding to threats of physical danger - but also in my day-to-day life - and in my business dealings.

It is instinctive - when I am moving in a crowd, walking along a sidewalk, entering/exiting a room/building, rounding the corner of a building, entering an alley - and during client negotiations and meetings.

I seek to maintain a "Maai" that is advantageous to myself - and allows me to "move the shade" (Miyamoto Musashi,"Go Rin No Sho" Book of Five Rings, Fire Book) - and uncover the opponents real intentions.

There are those that only train when they are in the Dojo - and then there are those that make the entire world their Dojo - and the training never ends.

It is the difference between training for appearances - and weaving the training into your DNA.