Shikai is a term used in the Japanese martial arts form of Kendo. Kendo is the art of Japanese fencing, and it focuses on mastering the samurai sword. The name comes from "ken," which comes from the character meaning "sword," and "do," which means "way" or "path". So, the term Kendo translates to "the way of the sword."
Meaning of Shikai
Shikai breaks down into two parts. "Shi" means "four," and "kai" is a lesson you learn, or something you should avoid doing. Put together, the meaning of shikai is four things that you should learn to avoid.The lesson of shikai is to avoid these four things--kyo, ku, gi and waku--in your martial arts training. By keeping these four things out of your mind, you will be a stronger and better practitioner of Kendo.
Kyo
Kyo translates to surprise. In Kendo, you want to avoid surprise, which makes you an easier target for your opponent's attack. When you are surprised, you react a certain way. You might hold your breath, you might jump and lose your posture, or you might just stop moving for a second. All of these responses make you an easy target for attack.
Ku
Ku translates to fear. If you are afraid of your opponent, you will not have as good a chance of defeating him. When you're afraid, you hold back and wait for the opponent to strike. You lose the confidence that it takes to attack with force. This confidence is necessary in a fight, because it gives you power. When you're afraid, you might start to think the opponent is bigger or better than he is, and more of a threat than he is. As a result, you fight with less confidence and lose your power to a more confident opponent.
Gi
Gi translates to doubt. If you are doubting yourself or your abilities, you have the same response you have when afraid. Youl lose the confidence that gives you the upper edge in a match, and act timidly. Another form of doubt is in how your opponent will move. If you have doubt about your opponent's movements, you'll be less likely to react to them in the correct way.
Waku
Finally, waku translates to "confusion" or "being disturbed." This is a state of mind that keeps you from making decisions. When you're in a match with an opponent, you have to be able to make lighting-quick decisions and trust your reflexes all the time. If you are disturbed or confused, you act slowly. Kendo is a martial art that requires you to have a flat and balanced mind. By being calm and balanced, you can perform the best against any opponent. Remember to avoid these four states of mind, and you'll have the balanced state necessary to perform Kendo.
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