Zentai: Natural Movement

All of the philosophies studied in the dojo can be mapped back to our taijutsu (body art) movement, and understood through that movement. The answer is simple, just practice in the dojo and eventually you will understand the ideas behind the movement, there is no reason to turn them into an academic discussion or approach them academically, as that is actually a counter-initiation to the movement.

Yet, with the framework in mind, while building your taijutsu ability and comprehension, having a few definitions or action points to look out for in the training, regarding these philosophy-movement concepts can be important when starting the art.

Zentai, a form of body movement where everything moves naturally and just happens correctly in the moment is one of those taijutsu training concepts that one will encounter early on.

Zentai is how we move, just the correct amount of movement for what is needed in the moment, movement that controls vs. attacking or defending, a unique way of doing things.

If we are going to talk about the concept of zentai, where are some of the action-entry points for the movement?

Having a relaxed, limber, and tension-free body is the first step.

Regarding this we all start the art where we are in the moment, where we are in our current life journey, and from there build forward making progress every day. Don’t worry about what you can’t do right now, focus on what you will be doing one day very soon and build to that goal. Junan taiso (martial arts stretching routines) is the first step in building zentai. If the body is not relaxed and fluid, how can the movement be, as the movement is just a martial expression of the state of the body.

Zentai builds on that by being able to understand and control distance, timing, rhythm, and balance, which leads to the movement idea of being in the right movement place at the right time, with the ability to do the right thing- control.

Consider these in the dojo as entry points for zentai movement.

See you in the dojo!

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