TAKING THE INITIATIVE

 by Phillip “Pete” Starr

Most practitioners of Okinawan/Japanese karate and especially kendo will be very familiar with the terms, “Go no sen, Sen no Sen and Sen sen no sen (aka., 'Sen').” The term “sen”, as used in these martial disciplines, means roughly, “initiative” (in Chinese, “zhu” or “zai”). In the style that I teach (yiliquan), these are referred to as the Three Rhythms.

Go no Sen (“later initiative”) is known as the “Broken Rhythm” in yiliquan, striking the opponent after he has initiated his attack (but before he can generate a second one). It is “striking between beats” or “striking in a half-beat.”

Sen no sen is to strike the enemy at the instant he initiates his attack (known as “Mutual Rhythm” in yiliquan). And Sen sen no sen (or just “sen”) is to strike the opponent at the instant his “mind moves” and gives his body the signals to attack. He is struck just before his body moves into the attack mode.

But you likely already know this. However, can you readily apply these forms of sen? If not, the problem may be found in your mind rather than in your technique. Proper mindset is the main thing that makes techniques work. Conversely, an incorrect mindset can cause even refined technique to fail.

Consider...when you face your opponent and it is clear that he is going to become aggressive and violent, what is your objective? Are you concerned with your own personal welfare and keeping your hindquarters intact? If so, THAT is the problem. Your mind (and subsequently, your energy) is withdrawn; you're thinking about YOURSELF!

If you answer that your objective is “to win”, what does that really mean? You are still thinking in terms of a duality...yourself (“me”) and “him.” Of course, you want to avoid getting whacked. So once again, you are thinking (if only partially) about yourself...because you have the image of duality in your mind. I tell my students not to be so selfish and self-centered. Stop thinking of yourself!

The objective should be to bring the enemy down as quickly as possible; all of your attention and energy should be focused on HIM! When the opponent becomes “kyo” (showing a chink in his armor), the window of opportunity may be rather small and it's open for only a short time. If at all possible, you must take advantage of this opportunity.

In that split second, the outcome of the conflict is decided and the quality of your spirit and technique will be clear.