Social Distancing

Social Distancing

We didn't know it at the time, but around December 2019, something happened somewhere that would change the world for a long time and the effects will continue to be felt for a lifetime by many. A couple of months passed and countries throughout the globe started enforcing 'lockdowns' and confinement measures upon their citizens, due to the worldwide pandemic, Covid-19. Allowed only to leave the house once a week for essential supplies, my practice, study and considerations deepened, because I do not like to waste time!

As we all know, at the begining, end and various intervals of our training we greet, show respect and demonstrate our being part of the karate family by BOWING to each other. Therefore, I would like to put oriental culture in the middle of our focus and tie it in with what is happening in the world today!
I recall my time in Japan 29 years ago and only 17 years ago being in Okinawa for the first time; all greetings were carried out through bowing, no handshakes at all and in Japan people were walking around with masks on, now remember, I'm talking about 2 and 3 decades ago!
I acknowledge that in Latin culture and all cultures in between, those extremes can differ, but according to the knowlege of bushido and bubishi I have, I do understand what is happening to the world! Touching each other is entering each other’s bubble, our circle or personal space! Bowing, however, is done at 1,5 m of distance in it's correct in form, structure and respect. It still demonstrates your respect without entering that bubble and without being responsible for the CONSEQUENCES OF ENTERING the circle of another, without taking responsibility of this new “deep relationship”. I found the same attitude of respect at distance in Tao, chi qung, and older oriental culture, plus, my wife being Thai, Siam my thoughts are rattified further!
So once again, we find ourselves looking to the East, examining what we already practice through out Karate and giving it due consideration!