{"id":1955,"date":"2025-03-06T19:51:05","date_gmt":"2025-03-06T10:51:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/budobooks.jp\/?p=1955"},"modified":"2025-03-06T20:16:42","modified_gmt":"2025-03-06T11:16:42","slug":"budo-beat-16-en-of-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/budobooks.jp\/?p=1955","title":{"rendered":"Budo Beat 16: En of Days"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The \u201cBudo Beat\u201d Blog features a collection of short reflections, musings, and anecdotes on a wide range of budo topics by Professor Alex Bennett<\/a>, a seasoned budo scholar and practitioner. Dive into digestible and diverse discussions on all things budo\u2014from the philosophy and history to the practice and culture that shape the martial Way.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was in Auckland, New Zealand this last week to lead a kendo and a naginata seminar. The theme was en<\/mark> <\/em>(\u7e01)\u2014an idea that had already shaped my seminars in England last year for the BKA, and again in Croatia (Zadar) where I explored the \u201crings of kendo.\u201d There\u2019s definitely a book in all this, but I\u2019ll keep it short[ish] for this blog post. The strands of connection between these seminars, much like en<\/em> itself, seem to weave their own patterns, and whether I\u2019m in Europe or back home in NZ or Japan, the underlying lesson remains the same: nothing in budo stands alone. In fact, if the spirit of budo could be summed up in one word, I reckon it\u2019d be en<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The concept of en<\/em> (\u7e01) is one of those curious Japanese ideas that resist simple translation. En<\/em> can be understood as connection, fate, or bond\u2014an invisible yet tangible force that links people, moments, and circumstances, shaping relationships, encounters, and the continuous flow of learning and exchange in both life and budo.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Interestingly, another kind of \u2018en<\/em>\u2019 is written as \u5186, meaning \u2018circle\u2019, a shape or idea that holds profound significance in budo. This is also the word for \u2018\u00a5en\u2019, as in money\u2014but that\u2019s not the kind of balance we\u2019re talking about here. If it were, more people would be trying to master the art of making crass amounts of cash through some kind of pseudo ‘budo’. Come to think of it, a lot of charlatans already are\u2014the quintessential McDojo Bullshido artists with titles like Professor 13th Dan Grand Poobah Master Soke Sifu Sensei Ben Dover of Dipshit-ry\u016b. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But, I digress. While the \u7e01 kind of en<\/em> represents connection and relationships, the \u5186 type of en<\/em> conveys the idea of continuity, fluidity, and completeness. The circular nature of movement in martial arts\u2014whether in the way a strike is deflected, the path of a cut or throw, or the strategic positioning and pivoting of combatants, or the spiralling process of perfection\u2014embodies both meanings of en<\/em> in harmony. Just as \u7e01 binds people and moments, \u5186 represents the never-ending cycle of learning, adaptation, and refinement that defines the path of budo.<\/p>\n\n\n

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In Zen calligraphy, drawing an ens\u014d<\/em> (\u5186\u76f8)\u2014a hand-drawn circle, often in a single, fluid brushstroke\u2014is a profound practice that embodies enlightenment, the universe, and the state of the mind at the moment of creation. Its significance lies in both its artistic expression and its deep spiritual meaning in Zen Buddhism.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

So, these two en<\/em>\u2019s really go together, almost like two wheels of a cart. To keep it simple for the sake of this blogpost, however, think of en<\/em> as a combination of both, but with more focus on the \u7e01 (connection) side of things. In budo, en<\/em> is not an abstract notion confined to philosophical musings; I look at it as the pulse running through every encounter<\/mark>, the unseen hand shaping the engagement. It is a presence that even dictates victory and defeat before bodies have even clashed.<\/p>\n\n\n

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The character \u7e01 carries deep philosophical significance. In the context of budo, it embodies ideas that are crucial to both technical training and the deeper spiritual aspects. Naturally, there is always a good old poem that captures this essence:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFace an opponent without spirit in your sword tip, and their intent will fill you with fear<\/em>.\u201d<\/mark> [1]<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At first glance, it seems to be a straightforward admonition: commit yourself fully or be undone by surprise, fear, doubt and hesitation. But as with all things in budo, its meaning deepens the more one reflects. The poem is not merely a call to confidently confront your destiny; it\u2019s a lesson in the delicate interplay between self and other, where one\u2019s mental and physical state is inextricably linked to the opponent\u2019s very existence. En<\/em> is the bridge between you and them, the silent dialogue of steel and will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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