A lot of people ask how they can impress their sincerity of training upon others, either for friendship or for rank. Well, perhaps words are not important. Maybe it's what you do that counts. This thought goes beyond simply studying BUNKAI (the meaning(s) behind kata movements). Through our study of Taijutsu we can learn how this works, because our techniques are a complex study of HONNE (inner root feelings) and TATEMAE (the standing in front posture -- what is apparent). Looking at the words, we can feel the implications of difference, the value of variety. Thus, when we learn henka, we also learn never to place too much faith in what is apparent. This is also what makes some laugh when Soke talks about things like walking or moving "naturally."

We are repeatedly told that things that have form can be destroyed -- a very good reason not to stay in one kamae. Kamae is merely a checkpoint for balance. So, as we progress, every technique should flow going from kamae to kamae. This moving to maintain our internal balance is part of what we call WAZA. In bojutsu, we even have a name for this proces ("IHEN no kamae"), a pretty good indicator of it's importance. Simply put, this means that since anything with form can be seen and destroyed, it is best not to stay there too long.

Remember the Shakespearean line "My lady doth protest too much"? If you use your mother's voice and mean it, a good firm "no" should do. Westerners use the handshake: we are taught that a simple firm handshake is best. Pump too hard and you convey unladylike ardor; too soft, and a man seems too frail. Think of the greetings engaged in by dogs ("sniff, sniff"), versus those used by cats ("a baleful stare"). I think that the Japanese, who are very physical with friends, simply determined a long time ago that the space between two people was a good enough indicator of their emotions. This is part of the beauty of the Japanese bow: a simple thing conveys so much. Think of the space between a rejected handshake and how it makes you feel. Psyche!!

So, you must study your kamae, remove yourself from it, then destroy it. Through slow non-stressful training, we learn to seaparate movements into identifiable sections. Just like calculus -- or law school. Then, after LONG years of training, the mind is able to quickly calculate and formulate options. Simple things (adding and subtracting) can be internalized quickly; others take time. This explains why the average age of elite forces is higher. This is urawaza.

Finally, let's look at the Japanese expression "WAZAWAZA TO" which is a gracious way of acknowledging the obvious effort of your host or anyone doing you a favor. The polite response, of course, is a quick, emphatic denial that the favor took effort, or that the result was anything of great benefit. Form does not control substance, and anyone seeing clearly understands this an is not impressed. Yet, most people do appreciate the predictability of set phrasing ("Hello, how are you?" someone how you feel, and see their discomfort. Make sure your TO (sword) is not a "wazawaza to."

Shidoshi Regina Brice's primary life skills are in law (int'l corporate and family) and Japanese translation. She uploads legal FAQs to rec.martial-arts (a newsgroup on the internet) every few weeks. "A Martial Artist's Guide To American Law" (560 pages) is now $50; those who've already bought it will receive the first-year update free. She translates letters @ $25/page and does seminar interpretation @ $250/day + expenses. She will also paraphrase Japanese books ($50 per original page) but Soke's works are for individual instructor use only. In spite of her "slacker " front, a training group has re-formed on Sunday AM; she's flexible if you're out that way. She may be contacted via E-mail: Happo@ aol.com, or write Regina Brice, P.O. Box 87, Oberlin, OH 44074.