Ryukyu Kempo’s Core Principles 4-5
In the United Ryukyu Kempo Alliance, we apply five core principles to our martial arts training. These principles also help us to be more effective and successful in other areas of life. In my last blog, we covered the first three principles with both martial arts and life examples. Here we will finish up with number four and five.
EFFICIENCY & PROFICIENCY: THE 4TH OF RYUKYU KEMPO’S CORE PRINCIPLES
Like all of Ryukyu Kempo’s core principles, we can use Efficiency and Proficiency (E & P) in karate and in other areas of life. Basically, the E & P rule means we don’t waste time, space or energy. We can apply that to a punch. We move the fist Efficiently straight from point A to point B with proper use of first mostly the biceps and then mostly the triceps. All while turning the hand over in the most Proficient use of the muscles.
We can apply the E & P principle to things in life as common as making dinner. To do so, we would use our best tools – knives, cutting boards, pots – for the task needed, without using more than necessary. We might get out the basics or less-used items before turning on the stove in order to not waste time or energy. That would also let us know if we have what we need and if not, to prepare by getting out alternative ingredients.
WEIGHT LEAD: THE 5TH OF RYUKYU KEMPO’S CORE PRINCIPLES
The Weight Lead Indicator is the fifth in the list of Ryukyu Kempo’s core principles. Your Weight Lead Indicator shows the path you are on, how deliberate you are on that path, and how able you are to follow through in your direction of travel. For martial artists, this comes out in their technique. We may see a karateka’s deliberation in the steps of his kata. Or feel the follow-through on an arm bar and its effectiveness.
In another area of life, you can use your Weight Lead Indicator when you want to achieve a goal. Let’s take the popular goal of losing weight. When that’s your goal, your Weight Lead Indicator will show your likeliness of success. A person with a strong Weight Lead Indicator (W.L.I.) would, in a week, drink mainly water and maybe some unsweet or very lightly sweetened coffee or tea. Their occasional sweets would be fresh fruits. They would also exercise daily. Another person with the same goal of losing weight, but with a poor W.L.I. would, in a week, drink “occasional” sodas, eat some rich, processed sweets, and not exercise much. Your W.L.I. is your deliberation and consistent actions in line with your chosen path (or the lack thereof).
RYUKYU KEMPO’S CORE PRINCIPLES OVERVIEW
These are just some examples of how the core principles can be applied to improve karate training and make it more effective. As well as ways they can help anyone gain more success in other areas of life. The five core principles are 1) Structural Integrity, 2) Coring, 3) Observe, Plan, Execute, 4) Efficiency and Proficiency, and 5) Weight Lead Indicator. For continuous, positive training and coaching on putting these to use, contact your local certified United Ryukyu Kempo Alliance instructor.
-Jenifer Tull-Gauger
