SEISHINKAN MARTIAL ARTICLES
RENMA
By John Viol
One of the most powerful, meaningful, and motivational expressions in
authentic martial sciences is Renma. Kanji for Renma was prominently displayed in the Uchi-Deshi quarters I lived in while training in Japan.
BREAKDOWN OF RENMA - REN / MA
REN = train; tempering; cultivation; improve
MA = drill; polish; refine
MEANING SHORT - To cultivate and achieve perfection through tempered training.
MEANING DETAILED - The classic saying - "Practice makes perfect" may seem similar in meaning to what Renma is about however, Renma has a much deeper connotation, particularly to those Warriors and those who are dead serious about their training, development and achievement. Renma reminds us that to achieve perfection in martial sciences or any biomechanical endeavor requires extremely diligent and never ending tempering, polishing, and refinement. This requires an almost super human attitude and effort from the trainee.
Renma is not for the easily discouraged or those who look
for shortcuts. Renma is an attitude adopted by those with a sincere
desire to excel and perfect their skills for actual and practical combat
application. Renma is the superior training method used in the elite
martial sciences to archive optimal results. Renma is what all students
should constantly be reminded of and strive for. Ren reminds us that
there is a tremendous difference between practicing and training - a
very powerful realization that will transform you. Renma takes extreme
discipline.
Read the other meanings of Ren and Ma below to get an even better
feeling for what Renma represents. Morph them all together and you will
see that Renma is particularly relevant to the martial science trainee.
Note the references to Daruma and Sword polishing. Do some Internet
research about Daruma to find out more details. Helpful link -
http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/daruma.shtml Those in the Menkyo
system know of the sword polishing stages and their relationship to
training in the Sogobujutsu curriculum.
REN RELATED KANJI RENKO = skills acquired through hard training; feats
of practice
RENSHU = Training RENSHUSEI = student; trainee
RENSHUJO = practice ground; practise ground
RENSEI = Training; drilling
RENTATSU = expert(ise); skill; dexterity (An Expert ((in,at)), a veteran ((of, at))
TANREN = tempering; forging; hardening; disciplining; training
CHOREN = military drill; training
JUKUREN = skill; dexterity
MA RELATED KANJI (NOTE: The Kanji for Ma is also pronounced Gaku)
SESSATAKUMA = cultivate one's character by studying hard; diligent application
DARUMA = daruma; tumbling doll; An Icon representing the phrase, 7 times down, 8 times up.
HYAKUSENRENMA = be schooled by adversity in many battles; being rich in life's experience
MASAI = polishing one's sword or talents or knowledge
MIGAKU = to polish; to shine; to brush; to refine; to improve
WAZA O MIGAKU = to improve one's skill CHI O MIGAKU = to cultivate
wisdom
After some thought, you will agree that displaying the Kanji of RENMA is
not only very appropriate in a martial environment, it is crucial to
have it as a constant reminder of what is necessary to transcend from
merely good into greatness. RENMA Kanji is available on a poster for you
if you wish to have one.
