World Shotokan Karate-do Federation - Perth - Brisbane - Melbourne - Martial Arts, Self Defence, School

ZANSHIN

The literal translation of this is “remaining spirit / continuing alertness”.  This relates to the state of mind one should have before, during and after performing a technique. After finishing a movement in kihon, kata or kumite, one should ‘not let go’ of the whole “ki” or internal energy at once.  We need to remain in a stand-by state of readiness and be ready to react to a sudden attack immediately.  In western terms, poor zanshin could be, for example, dropping one’s guard after an encounter.