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Dialogue for Lodging - A Zen Story

A traveling Zen monk can earn lodging at a temple if he is able to win an argument about Buddhism, but if he is defeated, he has to move on.

In a temple in the northern part of Japan two brothers monks were dwelling together. The elder one was learned, but the younger one was stupid and had but one eye.

A wandering monk came and asked for lodging properly challenging them to a debate about the sublime teaching. The elder brother, tired that day from much studying, told the younger one to take his place. '
Go and request the dialogue in silence,’ he cautioned.


The young monk and the stranger went to the shrine and sat down. Shortly afterwards the traveler rose and went in to the elder brother and said: 'Your young brother is a wonderful fellow. He defeated me.'

 'Relate the dialogue to me,' said the elder one.

'Well,' explained the traveler,' first I held up one finger, representing Buddha, the enlightened one. So he held up two fingers, signifying Buddha and his teaching. I held up three fingers representing Buddha, his teaching, and his followers living the harmonious life. Then he shook his clenched fist in my face, indicating that all three come from one realization. Thus he won and so I have no right to remain here.' With this, the traveler left.

'Where is that fellow?' asked the younger one, running in to his elder brother.

“I understand you won the debate.'

'Won nothing. I'm going to beat him up.'

‘Tell me the subject of the debate,' asked the elder one.

'Why, the minute he saw me he held up one finger, insulting me by insinuating that I have only one eye. Since he was a stranger, I thought I would be polite to him, so I held up two fingers congratulating him that he has two eyes. Then the impolite wretch held up three fingers, suggesting that between us we only have three eyes. So I got mad and started to punch him, but he ran out and that ended it.’

From Zen Flesh, Zen Bones

Chocolate Thoughts, Zen Thoughts!

Recently, I've allowed a love for chocolate to get out of control. Everyday, around 3 pm, I have one thought going through my head: CHOCOLATE. I then make a quick trip to the gas station to satisfy the craving and then spend the next hour wondering why I did it because I feel gross. I believe with anything you do in life, you should do it with a zen mind. My current out of control chocolate eating does not in any way exhibit a zen mind.

How to tame the desire? Is it necessary to tame the desire? How do you actually tame a desire? These are my first thoughts as I try to reconfigure a perception that is bringing me down. There has been some weight gain and other unhealthy foods justified because of my gateway drug which is chocolate. I feel like I could save a few bucks or put them to better use by not buying a treat everyday. I could list all the reasons why this eating obsession is causing me grief, but I'd rather share my resolution.

Observe the picture below:

Why do I like this? How come this brings me so much clarity? Can rocks and sand bring clarity? It does. This picture has overcome obstacles by gently flowing past them. It is clean and crisp bringing about thoughts of organization and focus. This is the result of a zen mind. This mind is what I will apply to my chocolate desires. Do I need to be extreme and eliminate all chocolate, sugars, sweets, or anything chocolate brown? No. I need to be more aware of the cause and effect and become more mindful of my body. I'll only have this body once during my tiny duration on our tiny pale blue dot in the middle of no where, so I'd better take care of it and be careful. 

I plan on becoming more strict about eating chocolate, other sweets, and junk food. I will need to eliminate the unnecessary and make better choices from my diet. I will incorporate knee friendly exercise back into my life and I will report back once I'm done. I owe it to myself as human being who appreciates life, a husband, zen practitioner and iaidoka for life. 

For now, I leave you with this zen thought by Suzuki Roshi:

“In fact, the truth of Zen is the truth of life, and life means to live, to move, to act; not merely to reflect.” 

Wisdom from the Wise

We learn about sayings and deeds of the men of old in order to entrust ourselves to their wisdom and prevent selfishness. When we throw off our own bias, follow the sayings of ancients, and confer with other people, matters should go well and without mishap. -Yamamoto Tsunetomo

Deplorable Actions and the Media

My heart goes out to those dear children who had their lives brutally taken from them yesterday morning. To the brave faculty and staff dead and alive, and anyone else who was doing what they do everyday at that school when mayhem struck.
Many around me felt the need to begin dialogue about gun control and all the things that they wanted to do to the shooter. These are natural thoughts to have in this terrible moment, but save them for later. Instead of taking a political stand on Facebook or Twitter, pray for the victims and their families who have one less family member this holiday season.

Morgan Freeman shared his thoughts on this tragedy:

"You want to know why. This may sound cynical, but here's why.
It's because of the way the media reports it. Flip on the news and watch how we treat the Batman theater shooter and the Oregon mall shooter like celebrities. Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris are household names, but do you know the name of a single victim of Columbine? Disturbed people who would otherwise just off themselves in their basements see the news and want to top it by doing something worse, and going out in a memorable way. Why a grade school? Why children? Because he'll be remembered as a horrible monster, instead of a sad nobody.
CNN's article says that if the body count "holds up", this will rank as the second deadliest shooting behind Virginia Tech, as if statistics somehow make one shooting worse than another. Then they post a video interview of third-graders for all the details of what they saw and heard while the shootings were happening. Fox News has plastered the killer's face on all their reports for hours. Any articles or news stories yet that focus on the victims and ignore the killer's identity? None that I've seen yet. Because they don't sell. So congratulations­, sensationalist media, you've just lit the fire for someone to top this and knock off a day care center or a maternity ward next.
You can help by forgetting you ever read this man's name, and remembering the name of at least one victim. You can help by donating to mental health research instead of pointing to gun control as the problem."

10 Steps to Declutter Your Mind

I walked into the kitchen this morning, turned around immediately, then groggily went back to bed where I decided to sleep in a bit longer and avoid the dishes altogether. Laying there for a moment I decided that I must attend to even the little things, and the sooner I get it done, the better I'll feel about the situation in the sink.
I pulled out my laptop, turned on a DJ Kutski hard dance playlist and began washing like a madman. When did my wife and I acquire all these dishes? What is this pink stuff, we've not eaten anything pink recently? Who knew cheese was really a cheap epoxy glue?
Finished. It took me 40 minutes to wash, scrub, chisel, sandblast, and place into the dishwasher all of the dishes that I'd helped make their home in the sink in the first place. Relieved.
How did I let all these dishes build up like this? Currently, I am finding many things in my life a cluttered mess like those dishes. I let a busy work and school schedule overwhelm me and fail to remain organized and plan out my days. It's time to declutter immediately and to simplify my life.

Here are the ten steps I will be using to overcome the clutter.

1. Breathe. So simple, and yet so effective. Sit down and focus on your breathing whenever you can.

2. Now. Forget about the past, stop worrying about the future. Keep your focus on today, this second, now. Live for the moment and never let a precious second go to waste.

3. Write it down. When it seems like you don't have enough time and you have too many things on your plate write it all down and plan from there. Organizing our thoughts on paper will allow us to relax and keep our hectic lives less chaotic. Your goal is to identify essential tasks and eliminate things that can really wait.

-Identify the essential. Identify what is most important for you to do today and what you must focus on right now. Make a short list and put your planner or that $1.99 app you bought months ago to good use.
-Eliminate. Remove the non essential tasks that can be done another day or break them up so that they become more manageable.

6. Sleep. Are you getting enough sleep? Are those late nights on Facebook or trying to study last minute for an exam really helping your cause? Sleeping allows your body to rest and recover. When you don't have enough sleep your health suffers. Some people require 7 hours, others need 9, so know your own body and what it requires to feel energized and revitalized each day. Hit the sac sooner than later.

7. Exercise. Become aware of your physical abilities and exercise daily. If this means lifting 5 pound dumbbells or walking for 15 minutes because that is all you can do then DO it. Make exercising a priority and see how much it can change your life. See my wife's blog for some great exercise ideas and tips: coachtiasorensen.wordpress.com. 

8. Appreciate the world around you. Next time you're out walking to a destination or taking the trash out, STOP! Stop and appreciate the world around you and take a minute to appreciate the beauty of this world. Gaze at the stars in the night time sky, watch a bug crawl around, or spend a moment observing the way the neighbors tree is growing. When you begin to appreciate the beauty of the world at large, all those little things you stress about or that cause you anxiety aren't such a problem anymore.

9. Let go. Worrying about something? Angry or frustrated with someone? Digging up the past? Harboring a grudge? While these are all natural emotions and thoughts, none of them are really necessary. Do your best to let go of them. This can be very difficult, but is very rewarding.

10. Declutter the external. Clean and organize your home. Put things away or find places for them. Like the dishes in my sink, I felt much better when they were clean and put away. Do this to your home and you're more likely to be productive, rid yourself of procrastination, and succeed at many things.

Iwayama Blog - Hiatus

I apologize for the long hiaitus from the dojo blog! New posts coming soon!

出る杭は打たれる!!!

"A nail that sticks out is hammered down."

We must practice humility in martial arts. The road to success in any endeavor is long and arduous and must be driven with humility. Each movement, every kata, all the philosophies learned come together to mold the martial artist who is seeking to apply the training to the whole self. Perfection must be meant with imperfection to obtain mastery in your art. Evaluate yourself daily and seek to improve upon the little things because they matter most. Our chemistry is one built of microscopic organisms, macro objects, developed tissues, and so on. We're built by one important building block at a time, our final construction is who we are today. One aspect of martial arts teaches us to be in tune with our bodies and to constantly improve them. Can we strike faster? Punch harder? Retreat more effectively? This all requires a healthy body and clear mind. Evaluate yourself.

Find a mirror and carefully study your imperfections. What would you like to change? Do you feel healthy? Are your sleeping, eating, and drinking habits in tune with the lifestyle you've embraced? Can you improve yourself? We must be realists about our situation and understand that improvement takes time and require the same elements of endurance and patience that life in general demands of us. For more information on taking a breath and being real about success, please read this article: http://coachtiasorensen.wordpress.com/2012/08/13/be-a-tortoise-not-a-hare/.

A nail that sticks out is hammered down. This Japanese proverb has many interpretations and applications to life. As a martial artist, it applies to you every time you pick up your sword to train or practice kata as well as outside the dojo to anything you dedicate yourself to. It's important that you practice being humble in all things. Hammer down the nail. Above, the physical aspect of improvement is mentioned briefly. What is more, is the mind. Our attitude will become the beacon of our success, overconfidence will become our ruin. It is unfortunate when another student feels the need to point out that they have noticed so and so is lacking in training and feel that they are the superior martial artist. For this student, the nail it sticking up and will not only cause him or her to trip and become injured, but becomes an encumbrance to anyone around them. 

Be proud of what you do, but do not let this pride become a subversion to your training. You are no better than anyone around you, even if you feel that you're progressing faster and understand a concept more deeply. This mentality will quickly convert to arrogance and there is no place in a dojo for students like this. Again, look in a mirror. Are you in control of your emotions? Are you patient? Do you think before you speak? Do pride and jealousy dictate your actions? Do you cling to the past? Are you happy? If you notice a nail sticking out after this evaluation, you must hammer it down. This may take time, but use the skills you've learned in martial arts to make the necessary changes to smooth out the flooring where you will no longer be a hindrance to yourself and others.  

Hammer down the nail!

Great tameshigiri swords!

Students, please check out http://roninkatana.com/ for some great cutting blade options. I love their dojo pro line, and their elite swords. Beautiful work, great cutting blades!

10 Tips to Become a Better Martial Artist.

Commit yourself. Iaido is a traditional martial art, but more importantly, a way of life. Commit to coming to class and working hard the entire time.
Respect the art.  There is no need to be puffed up with pride, show-off, be aggressive, or abuse. We begin every class with a bow and end with a bow. Bowing is a sign of respect and must be carried beyond the dojo to everyday life.
Be early.  When you arrive early, you allow yourself time to stretch, warm-up, and prepare before class begins. The student that shows up on time, or arrives early shows the teacher and themselves that they are committed to and respect the art.

Physical fitness.  We must respect our bodies. Be responsible for your mental and physical well-being and take care of yourself.
Other students. Respect not only your instructors, but other members of your dojo. Listen to those who have more experience and training than you. Take time to observe new students to see how far you’ve come and watch mistakes you made yourself when you first began learning iaido.
Practice at home. Reinforce your training in the dojo by practicing kata and movements at home by yourself. Set a time each day, or even three times a week, to spend thirty minutes training on your own. If this training is simply to gain another rank, then you must find a different school that can accommodate this sort of mentality. If this training is to better yourself and become a more talented martial artist, then you are training for the right reasons.

Cross-train. Participate in other physical activities. Running, hiking, biking, and swimming are valuable for increasing endurance. Participation in other sports or weight-training will increase overall strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Beginner’s spirit. Forget what you’ve learned each time you enter the dojo. Our expectations and preconceptions of things already learned can become our greatest inhibitor. Approach everything as if you are learning it for the first time.

Extra training. Attend all seminars, demonstrations, training camps, and tameshigiri when the opportunity presents itself. Each experience will enrich your training and help you to continue to master the basics.

History matters. Learn about the history and background of iaido. It never hurts to ask your teacher for some book recommendations. 

Let the Master Appear

"When the student is ready, the Master appears." - Buddhist Proverb

-  方法  -

I've thought about this proverb a lot over the years. Does it mean that if I practice hard a humble Japanese expatriate who practices bonsai and repairs cars will appear to teach me about the martial arts he learned as a boy in Okinawa? I don't think so. Will the student who trains hard become the most fierce and intimidating master to ever exist? Probably not. This proverb rings true to anyone who has let go of pride and accepted that they are not perfect. The humble student who opens their mind to learning everyday, doing everything with a beginner's spirit will begin to understand this saying. The student who has let go of the past, lives in the present, and turns a blind eye to the future will have a good comprehension of this saying.

-  主人  -

Recently, I had a student test for 5th kyu. When he first came to class months ago he was unpolished, nervous, and very reserved. After a few weeks, I watched his straight cuts go from hacking to a two part cut, flicking then relaxing, which is the beginning of a great cut. Weeks later, he changed very sloppy footwork to walking straight while maintaining good posture as he cut in one fluid motion. Now, months have passed since he began iaido and everything has become more fluid as he's beginning to understand using entire body to complete movements ensuring that his hips are engaged and power is where it needs to be. Though he is still in the beginner stage of his martial arts training his dedication has unlocked a true martial artist. I recently invited him to test and was very pleased by his results. Not only did he pass his 5th kyu examination, he did so with flying colors. When he started training he was in a shell inhibited by his own abilities, now, he is on the road to success. This type of student will one day see the master appear and become the iaido practitioner we all strive to become as long as he continues on this path he has created.

To be a successful martial artist

I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand. -Confucius

When you come to class you see and hear about technique which helps you learn movements. To properly learn these techniques you do not need to just see and hear them, you must master them. To master them you do not need a teacher looking at your form every time you practice, you must make a desperate effort in class to understand the movements, then dedicate yourself to practice! By doing and practicing everyday, you become the master over the movements. You become a true martial artist! Practice! Practice! Practice!

You teach me, I'll teach you!

I open with the words of Nishiyama Hidetaka who said: "In a confrontation or Shiai my opponent becomes my Sensei, and in turn I am his Sensei, so we must respect each other." This sentiment is familiar in many traditional martial arts, especially iaido.
In combat, the samurai would not leave an opponent to suffer a painful death, but quickly end their life as to bring honor to himself and the fallen aggressor. Everything requires respect, this concept must be understood and practiced everday.
My greatest learning has come from teaching. When I partner up with a student to train and they ask questions, or I notice an error in technique, I must first look at my own training and see if I am doing it correctly and teaching it clearly. I correct the technique, but walk away having learned more about my own skills and abilities. This type of learning will only be possible when we respect our opponents. When ego and pride block our path, we can no longer accept this concept because we are learning by ourselves and our learning becomes inhibited.

Negligence is an extreme thing.
-Yamamoto Tsunetomo

Congratulations to Mike Kanzler who passed his 4th kyu test!

Dokkōdō - The Way of Walking Alone

1. Do not stubbornly rebel against the ways of the world.

2. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.

3. Do not rely upon any half-hearted feelings.

4. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.

5. Remain detached from desire.

6. Do not regret what you have done.

7. Never be jealous.

8. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.

9. Abandon resentment and complaint.

10. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.

11. Disregard your personal preferences.

12. Accept your dwelling and living conditions.

13. Do not pursue the taste of good food.

14. Do not cling to possessions you no longer need.

15. Do not mindlessly follow the ways of the world.

16. Do not become obsessed with weapons or fighting.

17. Do not fear death.

18. Do not accumulate goods and riches for your old age.

19. Respect Buddha and The Gods, without relying on their help.

20. You can abandon your own body, but you must preserve your honor.

21. Never stray from the way.

Private Lessons

For students interested private training here is the schedule:

Saturdays 6:00am-7:00am, 7:00am-8:00am.

Cost is $15.00, we'll meet at the Orem Recreational Center. If you have any questions please email me at jsorensen@toyamaryu-usa.com.

Honbu Dojo - Tameshigiri Workshop

The honbu dojo held a sword workshop at the Toyama Ryu Tsukiyomi Shrine. Check out all that bamboo they cut!

Swami Vivekananda

“In a conflict between the heart and the brain, follow your heart. ”  

-Swami Vivekananda

Clear your mind!

When I feel stress, anxiety, or simple have too much going on in my head, I have discovered over the years that kata is a great way to clear your mind. Begin your kata by sitting in seiza, then picture the kata you are about to perform in a real scenario.
Now, perform the kata slowly as each step is followed by appropriate breathe and every movement meaningful. Your stance is strong and your cut perfect. After the visual, while breathing deeply in seiza, stand and do the kata a few times. If you still feel stressed, please repeat.