Karate Essence, ‘Ethical Philosophy’ 先手 Sen Initiative
- tdmckinnon0
- Jan 14
- 13 min read
Karate Essence
‘Ethical Philosophy’
先手 Sen Initiative
By T.D. McKinnon
Editing by Zoё Lake
Budō (武道), ‘the art of war’ – often translated as ‘the martial way’ – is actually a very principled methodology emphasising strict, ethical, spiritual, and philosophical guidelines.
We begin 2026 with a new series of articles entitled ‘Ethical Philosophy’. The very first article of the year, the January Blog, is the ‘Sen Initiative’.
Table of Contents
The Relevance of the Sen Concept
The Principle of Sen in Combat
Go No Sen
Sen No Sen
Sen Sen No Sen
Deai
A Personal Perspective of Sen
Sen and the Bully
Conclusion
The Relevance of the ‘Sen’ Concept
I have been asked in the past – especially in regard to Torakan Karate-Do and our main focus – about the relevance of the Sen Concept and other Budō, ethical, spiritual, and philosophical guidelines. To quote one of my students, “With our main focus being ‘reality-based self-defence’, what real use is a bunch of Japanese philosophical jargon?”
Needless to say, this wasn’t one of my senior students, and by the simple virtue of that one statement, it would be some time before that student aspired to the dizzying heights of becoming a senior student of mine.
Remember, the original purpose of karate was not for karateka to fight each other in sport; it was for self-defence. To clarify: we could go way back to Bodhidharma’s (possibly the first) codified practice for self-defence (5th century AD). However, perhaps Funakoshi Gichin Sensei’s origins (19th century AD) with Shōrei-Ryū and Shōrin-Ryū, which addressed defence against the recorded 36 ‘habitual acts’ of civil violence, might be far enough back?
Before there was combat sport, with a rules based game overseen by moderators of referees, judges, timekeepers and the like; Karate was for self-defence only. Nobody bowed to an adversary who was about to attack them, nobody called ‘Begin!’ or ‘Stop!’ or awarded scores, or called ‘Fowl!’ It was unlikely that you would know you were going to be attacked, unless you had well and truly begun your martial arts training. The Sen Concept (taking the initiative) was as essential in that training as how to perform the physical skills.
As a boxer, or a swordsman, or indeed any form of combatant, mastering the Sen Concept (learning the how and when of taking the initiative) is every bit as important as the myriad of physical fighting skills.
The concept of ‘Sen’ in combat is one of the most important knowledge bases to have nestled in your ‘Mushin’.
The Principle of Sen in Combat
Like most of the esoteric Japanese terms I have studied and explored, there is a lot more to the various Sen terms than a direct English translation can explain. However, very briefly, Sen in the Japanese language is as follows:
Sen: precede, precedence, prior, future or ahead, depending upon which dictionary you consult. In Budō terminology it is variously described as initiative. To Initiate: to cause, or facilitate, the beginning of. For the Budōka, it is imperative to understand the concept of Sen in combat.
The following is a summary of the elements of Sen, taking the initiative, as it relates Budō:
Go No Sen - Absorb the attack and, at that moment, when your adversary is at their most vulnerable, counterattack to conclude the encounter.
Sen No Sen - Interrupt the attack with simultaneous engagement and counterattack.
Sen Sen No Sen - Immediately you become aware of an imminent attack, mount a pre-emptive strike.
Deai - Immediately you are aware of the ‘intent’ of an imminent attack, mount a pre-emptive attack.
The above brief of the Sen guidelines is fairly accurate, as far as they go, and will give you an idea of the timing. However, it should be clearly understood that the concept of Sen in combat is about taking the initiative - taking control - and any action that you take in regard to taking control can be construed as a Sen Imperative. For instance, a version of any of the above, where Tai Sabaki is a major contributor of the defence and or the counterattack, might also be called Tai No Sen.
Of course, at the Torakan Karate –Do Dojo, Budō is our main focus; as in response to real-world conflict (Self-defence). Nevertheless, the Sen Principle also relates to Ippon and Sanbon kumite, or sport karate in any of its forms, and indeed sports combat in any guise whatsoever.
In the numerous sporting combat activities, the utilisation of Sen may not be immediately apparent to most spectators. However, if you were to talk to the top competitors and champions about the concept of taking the initiative (as it relates to Sen), although they might not recognise the Japanese terms, they would understand the concept of taking the initiative, the essence of the Sen Principle.
Go No Sen
Ideally, in Go No Sen, absorbing your antagonist’s attack by whatever means – usually a combination of some form of Uke and Tai Sabaki – you then, when your adversary is at their most vulnerable, immediately counterattack.
That’s not to say, that if you fight with a Go No Sen methodology, you simply wait passively for the attack so that you can absorb and counter. The purpose of taking the Initiative (Sen) is to gain advantage over your opponent. For instance, when you control your adversary’s timing by your own presence and tactics, actually dictating your assailant’s attack options, you will have taken the initiative.
For example: through your Zanshin, sensing an imminent attack, you might fake an attack; a balk that tricks your adversary into striking through an apparent hole in your defences, only to be effectively absorbed and counterattacked, potentially finishing the encounter.
The first of the following links is one typical ‘Go No Sen’ handling of a right cross attack situation. The second link shows a similar application of ‘Go No Sen’ to a ‘straight left, right cross’ attack situation. Number three link could fit into Go No Sen, by treating the grab as the assault, which would make it ‘absorb and counterattack’. It could also be treated as a Sen Sen No Sen, by treating the grab as a threat rather than an attack, making the trap and overhand Mawashi Empi a ‘Sen Sen No Sen’ move.
2. A circular, deflecting, two handed Mawashi Uke, preceding a collar jerk, & a Mawashi Empi finish.
Sen No Sen
There are many ways of taking control. Having control of the when, how and where, you can effectively absorb (block and or evade) whilst simultaneously delivering an effective counterattack, to potentially finish the encounter.
For example: Leaving your face, apparently, unguarded and offering your chin, you capitalise on your adversary’s attempted punch. Knowing the when and where, it will only depend on the how, as it happens:
Sen Sen No Sen
When confronted by an adversary/opponent – your awareness in the appropriate state of Zanshin – you read your adversary’s intention to attack and, taking the initiative, you immediately launch a pre-emptive strike.
In a self-defence scenario, particularly if your adversary is in possession of a bladed or blunt force weapon, Sen Sen No Sen is a highly advisable mode of action.
The first link is a borderline between a ‘Sen No Sen’ and a ‘Sen Sen No Sen’; as the assailant is reaching out to possibly grab, then perhaps strike or choke the defendant. However, the adverse intent is definitely there, and the appropriate action is taken. In the second link, sensing that the adversary is sizing up for something… a pre-emptive move to control the situation is warranted.
Deai
Facing an adversary in a real life combative confrontation, behaving according to proper etiquette, you have:
1. Given the adversary no reason to attack you.
2. Attempted to resolve the impending confrontation by all means possible.
3. Attempted to remove yourself from the location.
Now – your awareness in the appropriate state of Zanshin – you find yourself, unavoidably, facing an adversary intent upon violent assault. Deai may be a highly desirable option.
Be aware that defending yourself using Deai methodology might appear, to an onlooker, that you randomly attacked your adversary.
Deai: attack your assailant as soon as you are aware of his violent intent upon your person.
A Personal Perspective on Sen
Defending yourself against an attacker is not fighting. If someone attacks you when you have not agreed to fight, and you defend yourself that is not a fight; that is self-defence. In a self-defence situation there are no rules; you do whatever it takes to come out of the confrontation as quickly, and with as little damage to yourself, as possible.
In a self-defence situation, behaving according to proper etiquette, you have:
1. Given the adversary no reason to attack you.
2. Attempted to resolve the impending confrontation by all means possible.
3. Attempted to remove yourself from the location. Unless, of course, you are defending someone, either because you are employed to do so or you have chosen to do so for some other, altruistic reason.
Whilst working in high-risk security, physically and philosophically leading the life of a Budōka, and cleaving to the principles of Sen in combat, usually delivered me relatively whole on the other side of many adverse situations. The following is a short example of a fairly typical anecdote from that period.
Sen and the Bully
“Wait!... Can’t we talk about this?” I said, stepping between the assailant and my client. His immediate response was to throw a right hook. Executing a left age-uke – while using Tai-Sabaki to close distance and slip inside his hook – intercepting the punch and, continuing the momentum, snaking around his neck, I locked-on a headlock. Sen No Sen: taking the initiative, intercepting an attack while simultaneously counterattacking.
Struggling briefly, he attempted to grab my privates; I was wearing a groin guard. I inserted my right thumb into his eye socket, and he began to scream. Go No Sen: block/evade and counterattack.
After soliciting an apology and a promise to behave civilly, I released him. However, as he became aware of the growing crowd of observers, he transformed… from terrified, to embarrassed, and finally he was almost snarling with indignant anger.
Plainly… he was about to attack. Pre-empting his obvious next move… ‘Smack!!!’ I whipped out an Uraken (back-fist) that split his mouth and snapped his head back. He never even saw it coming. Sen Sen No Sen: pre-empting and taking the initiative before the attack is launched.
Putting his hand to his mouth and looking at the blood, he said, “What was that for?!”
“You know very well…” I said simply.
Even angrier now, he was clearly formulating another attack plan… I hit him again, the same Uraken, harder this time, targeting his ear, and he staggered, knees wobbling…
“Stop hitting me!” he cried, frustrated and embarrassed.
“Give it up and go home then!”
Suddenly, breaking away, he ran to his vehicle… returning a moment later, brandishing a large pair of shearing scissors.
Earlier, my client had said, “He is a big guy, has obviously done some boxing and is a southpaw; and I wouldn’t put it past him to be carrying a knife or something.”
“Thanks for the heads up; forewarned is forearmed…” I had replied, “Most people are inclined, initially, to show the weapon off for effect. If he does that, I’ll take it from him and stick it where the sun doesn’t shine!”
I was calm, relaxed in my Zanshin, trusting that my Fudoshin would produce the appropriate Sen response… when my client spoke up from behind me...
“Take them off him, Thomas, and stick them where the sun doesn’t shine!”
Suddenly unsure, my adversary looked me in the eye… and I smiled. He ran to his car and drove quickly away.
To understand the principle of Sen that best suits you, you must first understand your own nature. However, lest you become predictable in combat, you should train in all aspects of Sen; your Fudoshin will thank you by reacting appropriately.
Conclusion
Sen and the individual:
It is advantageous to understand yourself and know which Sen aspects best suit your personality. As you may guess from the number of video clips under Sen No Sen, it is my personal favourite. However, that being said, you must train in all aspects of Sen; do not be predictable in combat.
As previously stated, I personally view Sen from a Budō viewpoint. Sport combat, regardless of the particular rules, is a game, with referees and judges et cetera, and is expected to be fought fairly. Real-world conflict has no such rules, referees, judges or expectations of a fair fight; and your very life may be at stake.
In my experience, armed with Zanshin, Mushin and Fudoshin (gained through Shoshin and supported by Senshin), the Budōka or advanced Karateka – protected by the full Mantle of the Spiritual Warrior – being fully cognisant of ‘The Principle of Sen in Combat’, will respond to any attack with the most appropriate Sen aspect.
In my humble opinion, without the full knowledge and understanding of ‘The Principle of Sen in Combat’ locked safely within their Mushin, any Budōka is at a distinct disadvantage.
Thank You
A big thank you to our demonstrators from the Torakan Karateka; without whose assistance, of course, the ‘Reality Check’ Blog would be sadly lacking. Assisting me this month were Tyler and Alan. And as always, a special thank you to Kelly, our technical wiz.
Thank You to the Readers
As always, thank you for following the ‘Karate Essence’ and I hope you will all take value from the new 2026, ‘Ethical Philosophy’ Blog posts.
Thank you also for continuing to support my latest book, ‘A Budōka Odyssey’. The reviews continue to be excellent!
Top reviews from Australia
Reviewed in Australia on 8 April 2025
Verified Purchase
This book is easy to read in short or long sessions - such an inspirational life story of an amazing guy. Well worth the read.
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reviewed in Australia on 28 May 2024
Written by a man who has lived the life of a modern warrior. His ability to recognise the lessons and gifts in any situation and the having the humility to seek out those who can help you better yourself are important traits we should all endeavour to achieve not just in our own martial arts’ odyssey but in life.
Top reviews from the United Kingdom
Carl Slee
5.0 out of 5 stars
‘A Fascinating Book’
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 October 2024
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A fascinating book, and not just for those interested in martial arts. Although if you are, this is one of those rare books that will help in not just the development of karate skills but in the facilitation of those psychological states (rarely discussed) of the true karateka.
From early childhood to the present day, Shihan McKinnon shares his adventures as, Truant, Soldier, Nightclub bouncer and Bodyguard as well as Business man but always as a fighter. And in this book he shares with us the ‘gifts’ and ‘Lessons’ that come from such a ‘life worth lived’.
A rare book, in that I found myself re-reading pages, chapters or passages over and over to further understand how such insights related to my own life. And this is the ‘gift’ of this book, I think that each person, whatever gender, age or interest will find something at some point within it, that is very personal and that will reverberate for them, long after reading.
Thank you Shihan
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 July 2024
I have to say that I found this book to be compulsive reading. For someone who was born and raised in the West of Scotland I was immediately drawn to T.D. McKinnon’s Scottish roots. He writes in such a concise and realistic manner. As someone with no knowledge of karate and martial arts, I have nevertheless found the main themes of the book easy to follow and this has made me review experiences drawn from my own life. The concept of ‘gifts and lessons’ applies to all life, not just karate. I would recommend this book to anyone, particularly those who are deeply involved in a sport of any kind, and who is striving to be the best person they can be. Read, learn and enjoy.
Thank you for this book, T.D. McKinnon.
Top review from the United States
Minimal shopper
5.1 out of 5 stars
‘A Fine Man Shares a Life of Budō’
Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2024
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At over 500 pages there is a lot of content in this autobiographical journey. A quick overview is as follows:
Author Shihan TD McKinnon has had ALOT of fights in his life; starting under the age of 6! He tells the narrative of his life through all those fights and what he learned about himself and life along the way. I appreciate that he doesn’t make self-defense fighting seem glamorous and one sided. He talks about injuries, dangers, and making alternate choices to physical violence as a reality.
This book emphasizes lessons like ‘never quit’, ‘move on to the next venture’, ‘stay in the moment and learn what you can along the way’. I recommend it for young and old, karate people and non-karate folks. He carries the journey into today with a very relevant subject - training and aging. Take it on your next plane trip, or beach vacation. And if you’re a karate instructor, you can work it into your teaching. This book does not disappoint!
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