Zanshin
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Zanshin (Japanese: 残心) is a term used in the Japanese martial arts. It refers to a state of awareness - a state of relaxed alertness. The literal translation is remaining mind.
In several martial arts, zanshin refers more specifically to the body posture after a technique is executed. In kyūdō for example, it means the remaining body posture after the shooting of an arrow. The body posture is intended to reflect the higher meaning of zanshin which is a mental aspect maintained before, during, and after an action.
[edit] Zanshin in various martial arts
In karate, zanshin is the state of total awareness. It means being aware of one's surroundings and enemies, and also being prepared to react.
In the context of kendo, zanshin is the continued state of mental alertness and physical readiness to instantly attack or respond to an attack or counter attack by ones opponent.
During the practice of aikido, the common reference is to focusing on the just-thrown uke, or opponent, while holding kamae and maintaining awareness in case of additional attackers.
[edit] See also
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