Often, when we train, we think that our practice is a solitary exercise, that happens to be done in the presence of our fellow karateka. We are so immersed in our own striving to be better, that we don’t have time to think about those around us, other than listening to the instructor’s admonishments, count, and the “kamaete” or “yame” commands. Yet, at the more advanced levels, we begin to ask our students to begin cultivating skills that involve others. These skills require the development of precise timing, automatic response, anticipation, and proper/effective maai (distance).

The kumite drills that both Senseis Wayne and Richard began sharing with the advanced group over the past week are part of this vast curriculum. Exercises of this nature involve partnering up with a fellow student and taking turns in being the initiator and responder. These are not easy drills, as immediately, many of one’s weaknesses are exposed, especially in terms of reaction speed and effective distance. If I could describe the essence of what we are trying to develop here in a single word, it would be… Discernment… the ability to understand your partner’s intent, and respond appropriately, before he or she can act. Karate-do has a number of sayings that revolve about the idea of gradually developing the ability to have a mind that’s like a mirror or like a still pool of water. This concept is found throughout the various martial arts. As one practices it, one becomes better and better at anticipating and responding and builds the skill of discerning or reading others. Without this skill, of course, one cannot make real use of the speed, power and focus that we spend so much time developing. When discernment is combined with strong basics, and just as importantly, the heart and will to commit to action, one’s response can be truly awesome.

In our Christian walk, it is much the same… we continually strive to be better persons, polishing our character, yet there is the threat of spending our lives doing “busy work”. I find it so ironic that oftentimes, the normal blessings of being strong-willed, independent, and self-sufficient, can carry the curses of a lack of discernment. It is most important that we spend time in stilling our minds and try to discern what He has to say to us, so that we can anticipate His desire for our lives and the direction He gives. Then we can take action to align our hearts, minds and responses to His will…and the resulting fruit can be truly awesome.