The prince «ichi gan, ni soku, san tan, shi riki»

The principle “ichi gan, ni soku, san tan, shi riki” is a traditional Japanese philosophy that has its roots in martial arts, particularly kendo and kenjutsu. This expression literally translates as «one, the vision; two, the feet; three, the center; four, the strength.» Each of these elements plays a crucial role in the mastery of martial arts and together they form a framework for a practitioner’s development.

1. Ichi Gan (look) – Vision: Vision is essential in martial arts. Having clear vision and good perception of the environment is essential to anticipate the opponent’s movements and react appropriately. A good practitioner must learn to carefully observe and read his opponent’s intentions through his movements and expressions.
2. Ni Soku (two pairs) – Feet: Stability and mobility depend on the feet. A solid base and good movement management allow you to perform techniques with precision and efficiency. Correct balance and posture are essential to maintaining control during a fight.
3. Holy Tan (three gallbladder) – The center: the Moltien is essential for maintaining good balance and a stable posture. By focusing energy in this region, a karate practitioner can improve their stability, making their movements more fluid and controlled. A well-managed center of gravity helps absorb and redirect external forces more effectively.
4. Shiriki (four forces) – Strength: Physical and mental strength is the last element. It’s not just about muscle strength, but rather about using your ability to concentrate and using energy efficiently. Well-controlled and well-directed force maximizes the impact of techniques and ensures correct execution.

Together, these four principles form a balanced foundation for the development of a martial artist. Mastery of each of these aspects is necessary to reach a high level of skill and evolve in harmony with the spirit of traditional martial arts.