With a level of participation the same size as the just completed SST convention, the KataFIT course 2019 was launched with a bang. Rumors about what KataFIT was had swirled around the local schools and now everyone in attendance got an insight into the matter, namely that KataFIT is a completely unique tool in Shindenkan and that it actually helps on all fronts. It provides good fitness - it does not require much space - it contains everything from martial arts and martial arts and, most importantly, it balances the practitioner physically, mentally and spiritually - it can get better.
This morning, the frost had begun to set in throughout the country and together with the sun's rays it made for an incredibly beautiful morning and there was also enormous joy to be seen in all the participants when they arrived for the KataFIT course, perhaps this is also because the hall was warmed up well so that internal and external heat worked in the right direction. The mood was from the beginning in an almost clear OBC mood. The participants had come to gain knowledge and learn the good way.
KataFIT is not a new tool in Shindenkan and if you look deep into the techniques, you also find that the content historically has a deep red thread many hundreds of years back. From this, one can perhaps only conclude that it must originate from the original Japanese Koryu Martial Art. These were the same exercises that the Samurai used before and after they had been at war. Before – to get ready and after – to cleanse body, mind and spirit. Some will also be able to recognize Pilates and Yoga in KataFIT and that is correct because it also has its origin from the same place 🙂 So how can it be used today when fortunately we are not going to war all the time. In fact, in the same way as historically, namely with the preparation and purification of body, mind and spirit. Yes, you can actually also just use it for general pleasure, because KataFIT does no harm.
All Shindenkan courses are built with Ryugi and Ryuha. This means that you first get dressed for an action and then perform the action by doing your best. In KataFIT, participants are introduced to the entire SHIELD KISS project from which KataFIT was born. The introduction begins with a really beautiful film that sets the scene for everyone - and no matter how many times you have seen the film, it goes straight to the heart where it awakens the deepest emotions 🙂 There was also no doubt that several of the participants felt the same way because it was completely quiet during the presentation and people really listened.
In Shindenkan, an atmosphere has gradually developed that oozes a desire to become skilled, and it was quite clear to feel that this atmosphere is contagious in all local schools. The participants on this KataFIT course were one of the best teams seen in a long time. All children and adults had a goal and that was to get the most out of the course. Although KataFIT is technically difficult and at times physically and mentally tough, everyone showed that where there's a will there's a way. No one wanted to give up and everyone, without exception, fought with everything they had learned. It is an incredible feeling as an instructor to see children and adults find out that they can actually do much more than they think and when you want to, you can 🙂 KataFIT 2019 was to that extent a light that was lit in the winter darkness and showed all the participants the way forward on a fantastic journey.
KataFIT brings people into balance physically, mentally and spiritually. It is up to the individual practitioner how much they want to get out of it. The more you put in from correct setting, the more you get out. If you jump over where the fence is lowest, you are only cheating yourself and if you go into it wholeheartedly, you are good to yourself and achieve enormous well-being. The people around you such as family, close friends and colleagues will also be able to feel it as it creates positive energy to be good to yourself. It's like the rings in the water, your energy spreads out to others, so why not join the bandwagon and create good energy for the benefit of yourself and the whole world 🙂 it's right in the spirit of Shindenkan.
What glues all elements together in KataFIT is MBH, which is also the entrance to the whole thing. MBH was reviewed in detail and used as a foundation for the individual steps. Thus, the entire KataFIT was built up step by step and glued together with MBH. After 3.5 hours of reviewing and building KataFIT, everything learned had to be put to the test - a KataFIT 1S had to be performed. With a KataFIT 1S, there is a starting point that all participants can work on at home and in the local schools.
It is always exciting to see how far the participants get in KataFIT 1S before they start fighting with themselves and self-pity takes over. You have to think that at this point they have been working for 3.5 hours and it is quite natural that the fight against self-pity will come. But sometimes you can also be surprised and on this KataFIT course there was a struggle, but absolutely no one was overcome by self-pity. KataFIT 1S was completed in superb style and with a huge smile on the face - that's how it should be cut 🙂
Afterwards, the whole team was in a good mood and it was as if they had regained their energy. It was especially noticeable when it was time for a group photo where there was a lot of laughter and perhaps this is mostly due to the fact that the participants had proven to themselves that when you want, you can. The KataFIT theme was also proud on behalf of the participants because it shows that Shindenkan is on its way to a fantastic journey. A huge thank you to Kimu Sensei for being allowed to lay the foundation for the new members in Shindenkan and a huge thank you to all the participants for an absolutely fantastic warm Sunday inside and out.
