Seven Disciplines According to Mifune

Diligent training leads to mastering actual technique. Actual techniques must be preceded by training of the spirit. The essence of this is a modest, generous, and disciplined spirit that cannot be hindered. In other words, the student should put in his best effort, and nothing less. The following seven explanations deal with this concept:

AVOID FALSEHOOD IN SPIRIT-To bear any falsehood will give the opponent a chance to attack you, because it causes inconsistency. Technique must be decided with precision in an instant and there is no margin for error.
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DO NOT LOSE CONFIDENCE-This is related to point 1. The opportunity for a technique can be lost forever in an instant. Therefore, you must act without hesitation, and with confidence.
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CORRECT YOUR POSTURE-The correct posture in judo is natural and flexible, and all pretentions must be avoided. The essence of life is truth; nature is forever unchanging because truth is omnipresent. If you are able to discover yourself within this existence, you will be able to perform actions with the greatest freedom.
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BE SWIFT-Center of gravity follows the movement of the body, and is essential for maintaining stability. If it is lost, the body becomes unbalanced. Therefore, always fix your spirit, keep your body light, and move when needed, firmly fixing your center of gravity immediately, so as not to give the opponent any advantage.
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USE YOUR POWER WITHOUT RESTRAINT-Employ the use of power and swift movement together, but never assume that an all-out effort alone for one action is the end of a technique. Understand that stillness and motion, and gentleness and firmness, are the endlessly repeated processes in which truth exists. With this idea in mind, you should display an infinite energy for life.
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DO NOT NEGLECT YOUR TRAINING-The method of training explained above cannot be accomplished in a short time. Techniques are to be mastered by spiritual discipline; therefore daily training should not be neglected. Everyday, know that your understanding is the first step, do not lose sight of your hopes, and you will be able to follow a fresh and fulfilling existence.
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DISCIPLINE YOURSELF-To occupy one’s thought solely around oneself is to build a barrier around oneself, thereby losing one’s freedom. Truth exists beyond consciousness. Therefore, if you can lose yourself in the face of an event, you will be able to judge and understand the truth. Even in a match you will be able to detect the opponent’s weak points and control him easily.[/*:m:igg77u53]