Neil Hawkins
11th July 2000, 01:34
I wasn't sure where to post this question, but this is as good a place as any, so here goes.
Is anyone familiar with the terms Junanshin and Nyunanshin?
From what I am told Junanshin means:
Having sufficient belief and trust in one's teacher to do what that teacher wants in the requested way, even if one doesn't understand the reasons for that particular requirement at the time (i.e try it the teacher's way, even if it initially feels clumsy, uncomfortable or inefficient), and, accepting an opportunity for gaining deeper understanding of a technique, or some other aspect of one's art, through exploring the reasoning behind one's teacher's method.
How does this compare to what Draeger & Smith say in Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts (1969, p93). Where they state that the student of a traditional ryu "is permitted no originality and is expected to learn to accept all teachings given to him: he must learn to exhibit nyu-nanshin or the lack of 'hardness', to the dictates of the headmaster."
These seem to be the same thing or at least very similar concepts but the Junanshin seems to put a more positive light on what you are learning. I am confused by the "lack of 'hardness'" statement made in CAFA, I don't know what they mean by this. Any suggestions?
Does this consept still exist in training today? How would you explain it?
Regards
Neil
Is anyone familiar with the terms Junanshin and Nyunanshin?
From what I am told Junanshin means:
Having sufficient belief and trust in one's teacher to do what that teacher wants in the requested way, even if one doesn't understand the reasons for that particular requirement at the time (i.e try it the teacher's way, even if it initially feels clumsy, uncomfortable or inefficient), and, accepting an opportunity for gaining deeper understanding of a technique, or some other aspect of one's art, through exploring the reasoning behind one's teacher's method.
How does this compare to what Draeger & Smith say in Comprehensive Asian Fighting Arts (1969, p93). Where they state that the student of a traditional ryu "is permitted no originality and is expected to learn to accept all teachings given to him: he must learn to exhibit nyu-nanshin or the lack of 'hardness', to the dictates of the headmaster."
These seem to be the same thing or at least very similar concepts but the Junanshin seems to put a more positive light on what you are learning. I am confused by the "lack of 'hardness'" statement made in CAFA, I don't know what they mean by this. Any suggestions?
Does this consept still exist in training today? How would you explain it?
Regards
Neil