Ki Intent

What we are introducing here is a method of "Self Inspection," which allows us to see our actions and motivations more clearly. "Mind and body" refers to "intent and action". Thought or plans are not really intent. How many times have we thought we did something or planned to do it, but without the "intent," it is hard to put our plans into reality. Movement, itself, is not action. Looking busy does not really get the job done.

We use the term "Ki" for our intent or commitment. When our ki is focused (or extended) and we commit our whole body to action, we can accomplish much more than just a thought and movement. Through experiments where the results are concrete, we can see more clearly what occurs when, for instance, we react with tension or lack of commitment. These experiments are meant as tools or reminders for daily life problems or potential conflicts and can show us better ways of acting when presented with these problems. While the experiments themselves are interesting and beneficial we must "take them to the street" and put them into action. A tool which is never practiced with or used becomes a "toy". Our martial training is also a form of experiment or tool which must also be put into practice in our daily life. If we train to block, trick, overpower or unbalance our opponent then we will attempt this, lets say, with ones boss. Will this really work? Perhaps we can overcome a particular conflict with our boss using these methods but it will most likely result in termination in the future. Do we want to resolve a conflict with our kids or partners using tricks or power or guilt. These methods will also most likely result in bad feelings and later conflicts. Using our own balance and calmness to face potential problems has proved to be a more positive way to resolve conflict.

We tend to use other tools to deal with conflict. Collision (tension) and avoidance (denial) are two major tools that most people reach for rather quickly. Through training we can put these tools further back in our bag and ultimately (through non-use) see them very rarely if not at all.