The practise of Yoi in karatedo is an often overlooked and misunderstood element.
The word Yoi means ‘preparation; caution’ according to the Martins dictionary (Tuttle). Yoi should not just be thought of as the posture we assume prior to undertaking any form of training in the dojo, or as a way to begin and end kata. Yoi must be understood as a mentality.
There is much to be learnt from practitioners of Iaijutsu when speaking about Yoi. The quiet peacefullness of their demeanour hides a razor sharp alertness and total confidence in their actions. There is nothing rushed about yoi, and nothing which is not in full control of the practitioner.
Upon assuming yoi, we need to engage the warrior spirit which has been mercilessly tempered through austere training. As the hands move to meet in the centre, our body weight shifts slightly forward onto the balls of our feet, ready to move. The tanden is now engaged, and our eyes widen. As the body performs this action, the mind displays zanshin and is ready to react.
This action can be likened to the way an animal undergoes physical and mental changes during confrontation. The fight or flight response is something that can be trained and controlled to a certain extent through the use of yoi and correct visualisation. Often in nature you will see one animal back away from the confrontation without any fighting taking place through the effective use of yoi working to discourage the attack.
The performance of yoi at the finish of kata should be no different from its application at the start. It is said ‘when the battle is over, tighten your chinstrap’ meaning your concentration must not be allowed to faulter even though this battle is potentially won. On a practical level, this helps respond to the tunnel vision which results from the effects of increased adrenaline on the body. Because of this tunnel vision, there may be further potential opponents which were not readilly noticable at the time of dealing with the immediate threat. Once this immediate threat is dealt with we need to re-evaluate the situation and confirm that there is no further danger.
Upon repeatedly practising yoi with this intensity, this feeling of prepared concentration and readiness will display itself in other areas of the practitioners life without being forced.
Any time we are about to undertake a difficult task, our bodies will assume this mentality and prepare itself to endure hardship with a strong fighting spirit.
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