The Student and the Teacher

Kneeling, I fold the belt in its center. Without thought, the belt is wrapped around my waist, and secured with a quick tug. I rise, bow, and step onto the mat. The dojo is silent, the students have not yet arrived. Now is my time.

The mat is cold. I begin my warm up process by lightly moving from stance to stance. My legs have moved into these stances for years, yet each morning is still a challenge. In time, I feel again the liveliness in my legs, a sense of rooting in my movement. As my brow begins to dampen with the dew of a light sweat, I realize my kata training awaits.

I focus on the attitude of the animals which my body will emulate. The tiger -- aligned power, intensity, and committed follow through. The crane -- grace and balance, unfurling extension. Two animals of such diversity, one kata demanding the transition and harmony between the two. On the first movement my opponent appears. Each block, claw, punch, and kick are delivered for the sake of survival. My opponent is real, my mind is free from any other concern. As if before I had started, I have ended. My opponent is defeated, yet my movement was imperfect. I meditate, my gi saturated with the sweat of my efforts. In my mind the kata is replayed, each subtle mistake is noted. My next kata will be better. Silence, warmth, and clarity. The door is opened, the time is now theirs. The student must now become the teacher.

"The student is like unto the needle. The teacher is as thread." -- Myamoto Musashi.