From Mr. Keith Eng, Ni Dan

Wilton Connecticut Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate Club

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Gan-Perception,

or vision is a crucial aspect of karate. This is the reason that there is a chapter devoted to Gan in the Green book and that it is the first chapter. Whether the visual focus is on an attack that is being blocked or whether the focus is on the target to be struck, we must see and focus on the object before reacting (with either defense or offence). In comparison to a horse with blinders, neither will the horse react to anything it cannot see, nor can the karateka be able to effectively react to anything outside his or her vision. Our area of vision will keep us focused on that which is crucial. That which is outside our perception should be superfluous. When practicing kumite the focus should be directed to the throat, when practicing kata focus should be directed to the unseen opponent’s throat. This focus will allow the peripheral vision to see the entire opponent, both seen and imaginary.

My apologies for the late receipt of this week's TFTW. I was on holiday over the weekend and attempted to send the email remotely on Sunday, but I was unsuccessful.

Arigato,
Keith Eng
Ni Dan
Wilton Connecticut Ueshiro Shorin-Ryu Karate Club