Zanshin

Many people wonder what the meaning behind the word Zanshin is. It plays a crucial role in each person's own kendo style but it is extremely hard to grasp or define as a concept.

In an effort to help those who are just beginning kendo and/or those who are just beginning to understand kendo, I will try to explain the nature of zanshin. (I am still fairly new at understanding the idea and practice so please bear with me those of you who know better)

The chinese kanji behind Zan Shin is as follows.

•  (When reading these characters and their definitions, it is important to note that although some definitions are blatantly not related to the meaning behind this philosophical concept, they SHOULD NOT be outruled immediately. In my experience, I have found that sometimes the correct definition behind a single character may be several if not all meanings at the same time, especially when dealing with philosphical terms. My advice is to not outrule the other definitions as they may take meaning as one's understanding progresses.)

There's a common misconception of zanshin among many beginners as well as many advanced students that zanshin is something that is shown after a strike or action. Unfortunately this belief is incorrect. Zanshin is something that one must MAINTAIN after a strike or action, but is begun before the action. Therefore, zanshin, or "preservation of mentality / surviving sincerity", must be in three places: Before an action, During the action, and After the action. In other words, if one begins or commits to an action, one must finish it conclusively and decisively before proceeding to the next action. This conclusiveness should never be affected by the success or failure of one's actions. All actions should be begun and ended properly.

As Komizu sensei once valiantly tried to teach us seniors, zanshin relies heavily on Ichi-shin or "One Mind/Will/Heart". Zanshin cannot co-exist with fear, hesitation, surprise, or even the slightest bit of doubt. (the four poisons of kendo) Whatever action one performs, he/she must commit his whole self to that action ('ki-ken-tai no ichi' = mind sword and body as one). In this sense, zanshin has a lot to do with maintaining a strong and indomitable spirit in the face of the enemy despite the odds. Whatever one lacks in skill compared to the opponent, one makes up for in courage and ferocious defiance.

This idea of zanshin can be practiced at nearly every level of kendo. From entering the dojo and leaving the dojo to the strikes practiced during class. Whatever one does in kendo, one's mentality should remain constant and focused: sincerity and respect in each strike as well as each rei (bow).

Zanshin is an idea that owes its origins to the old days of perpetual conflict and war. The warrior had to always be ready, never be unprepared for battle. The samurai slept within reach of his sword, kept his sword nearby while bathing, and ultimately developed many "iai" techniques (quick-draw techniques). The samurai practiced day and night for battle and continously challenged himself to become ever better, ever more prepared. If we accept this kendo in the same spirit, then zanshin is in a sense always having our "sword" ready, inside and outside the dojo.

Of course, in the modern day and age, it is impractical to carry a sword or knife as there are many laws restricting it if not prohibiting it. It also poses a danger to society at large for someone to carry a real sword. One of Kendo's goals however is a concept called Katsu-jin-ken (sword of life/enlightenment). This kind of sword is a sword that we can use in every aspect of life (inside and outside the dojo). It is a sword which we can continously use to cut away our own selfishness, our own ugliness. It is a sword of cultivation for which we should always be prepared to use as kendoists. As Komizu-sensei says,"itsumo shugyo, itsumo zanshin" (forever cultivate, forever zanshin)