Karate Essence Ethical Philosophy 無心 Mushin: Mind Without Mind By T.D. McKinnon Hanshi Photograph & Editing by Zoё Lake Mushin: the term is a shortened form of, ‘Mushin no shin’ (無心の心). This Zen expression means, basically, ‘mind without mind’; referring to the state of ‘no-mindness’, or the state of mind that is not fixed, not cluttered by thoughts (anticipation or concerns about which techniques et cetera) or emotion (anger, fear or excitement), and therefore...

Karate Essence Ethical Philosophy 初心 Shoshin: Beginners' Mind By T.D. McKinnon Hanshi Editing by Zoё Lake ‘Shoshin is the quintessential mindset for learning. With Shoshin, there is an openness and eagerness, a sense of curiosity and a lack of predetermination. No matter the level of study, with Shoshin, there are always many possibilities.’ Table of Contents Beginner’s Mind Reflection of Broader Values Applying Shoshin Political...

Karate Essence Ethical Philosophy Photograph & Editing by Zoё Lake Zanshin Enriches all By T.D. McKinnon Hanshi Zanshin is not the exclusive property of Karate, of course; or even the martial arts in general. Zanshin is a necessary characteristic of any credible soldier, police officer, security operative, and martial artist in general. Also, outside of any fighting formats, the Japanese art of ikebana (flower arranging), Chado (the tea ceremony) and Sumi-e (ink painting) requires...