Edris & Fabuki
Fabuki
Good morning, Edris. I was thinking about how the words we use in martial arts—like “kaizen,” “wa,” or “ki”—carry deep cultural meanings. Do you find that the language of a style can influence how you feel its discipline?
Edris
Good morning! I do think the words we use shape how we experience a style. When I hear “wa” I feel that quiet harmony, and “kaizen” reminds me that every movement is a chance to refine. Language gives us a cultural lens, so the discipline feels richer, almost like a living conversation between the past and present. It’s like reading a poem while training.
Fabuki
I hear you. When the words feel like breath, the practice becomes a quiet conversation with yourself and the world. Have you ever noticed how a new phrase can change your stance or your breathing?
Edris
Yes, I’ve felt that shift before. When I heard the word “kokoro” instead of just “heart,” my stance widened a little, and my breath grew slower, more deliberate, as if the word itself was a cue to internalise the practice. It’s like the phrase becomes a small ritual, pulling the mind out of habit and into a deeper, more mindful rhythm.
Fabuki
That subtle shift is the heart of training—when a word becomes a touchstone, it guides the body and mind together. Keep noticing those moments; they’re small windows into deeper focus.