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Post by Please Delete on Jul 7, 2012 1:01:50 GMT -5
In Battodo we often talk about jo-ha-kyu. It is also a common term in Japanese music and drama, talking about a slow build-up to a crescendo. In budo it implies slow, faster, fast. On the one hand, when techniques are done with this attitude, there is a sense of power being built up and then crashing into the opponent. But what is the reality? Why is jo-ha-kyu important? And will it work in a non life-and-death situation such as SCA?
My own observations:
1) Fast, twitchy movements are often more likely to elicit a fast, twitchy response.
2) Changing the time of the attack messes with people--they can end up locking themselves into a slow time, even as you speed up.
3) Jo-ha-kyu is most evident when coming to itto-no-maai (one sword distance) and entering the killing zone. In this case, the context makes sense as you slow down upon approaching the danger zone, but you get faster as you reach (and eventually pass) the point of no-return.
4) Big, slow motions are more likely to elicit a response that you can work with.
Thoughts? How does this concept work (or not) for you?
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Post by tengumoon on Jul 7, 2012 5:53:50 GMT -5
Thank you so much for this timely (pun?!) reminder
I am training for a cross school tournament in September and this will give me just one more thing to train and remember... If interested please look up Swordplay 12 to be held in Brisbane Australia 2nd weekend of sept
Jo ha kyu is a major part of my combat training as well as my day to day life... There is a time to act and a time to rest For me it implies, nay requires, a sense of self discipline, thoughtfulness and control of actions; both in combat and the rest of life
The other major philosophy I adhere to in combat is kyojutsu, I think they go together nicely.
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