April Focus Word

April 1, 2008

The word for April is “kokoro”. Kokoro is the mindset that allows us to properly focus on prepare ourselves to achieve optimal results. Being “pumped up” and ready is a quality that most black belt students are able to develop. But kokoro goes beyond this short-term mentality. Kokoro is the ability to bring yourself to readiness, or to a peak state — in other words, getting “fired up”.

There is a technique called “mind like water”, where students learn to relax and rid themselves of the distractions and challenges that occur every day. Try to visualize a calm, clear body of water with a glassy, mirror-like surface. Once you can do this, you have cleared your mind. Now focus and enjoy the benefits of kokoro.

Kokoro will allow you to train harder, and by doing so, you will benefit by your focused effort.

Written by Rachel Kravitz, USBA Black Belt · Filed Under USBA Kids!