Rhythm of Mastery
“There is a rhythm to everything, particularly in martial arts. If you do not train in its rhythm, it is difficult to succeed.” - Musashi
Rhythm exists in everything - in flow, absorption, trance. It manifests not just as a supreme state of being or a feeling, but also as sound. It's a certain way of doing things, a harmony that, once tapped into, elevates the experience of any activity to its highest form.
Take cycling, for example. When we're fully absorbed in the act, we start to feel our rhythm: the cadence of our pedal strokes, our heart pumping blood, our lungs drawing in oxygen. In this supreme state, we achieve complete harmony; every note hits perfectly. As a hill approaches, we instinctively adjust our rhythm. We take deeper breaths, shift gears, and change our cadence from sitting to standing in preparation for the climb.
Further examples of rhythm are found in martial arts. Let's delve into Ving Tsun (VT) and Judo.
In VT, practicing drills like Pak Sao or Chi Sao (single/double-hand sticky hands) with a partner, you begin to feel the rhythm. It becomes almost intuitive to anticipate the incoming attack. When both practitioners are in sync, the exercise transforms into a dance, a play of exploiting and flowing with the rhythm.
Chi Sao
Judo introduces the concept of 'Uchi Komi'—'To beat against.' This involves performing a 'Tachi-Waza' (standing technique) up to the point just before a throw is executed, then repeating this action. When you're attuned, the rhythm becomes palpable. Take 'Seoi Nage' as an example: the sequence starts with gripping the sleeve and lapel, followed by a cross-step. The lapel hand then releases and comes across the opposite arm, and you turn and push your hips out for the lift. During this exercise, the sound of feet on the tatami—'Dat..dat..dat..dat-E'—or 'one, two, three, four,' with a slight pause between three and four, marks the rhythm. This pause, represented by the extra time taken for the turn and lift, becomes a critical moment to adjust and correct one's technique. If the rhythm feels off, or a step seems out of place, it indicates a need for correction.
Uchi Komi
This exploration of rhythm in physical activities leads to a broader contemplation: is the act of rhythm directly related to the vibration and frequency of the universe? The study of cymatics—how patterns emerge on a metal plate when vibrations pass through it—suggests a connection
Similarly, consider the experiments by the late Emoto Masaru, who studied how water crystals formed differently when exposed to various vibrations from music. These phenomena hint at a universal principle: rhythm and vibration are foundational to the structure of everything.
Emoto Masaru Water Experiments
In conclusion, rhythm permeates all aspects of existence. In mastering any skill, tuning into its rhythm is crucial for success. Reflect on your pursuits: Are you in harmony with the rhythm? When was the last time you encountered Rhythm in your daily life?