The triangle, Square and Circle have been identified as important symbols within martial arts. Many people speak of them as separate aspects within the martial arts. At a basic level, these geometric shapes can be talked about as representing different aspects however, at a higher level, they remain separate, yet inseparable. This week and next week will be short weeks, due to my having to travel for work, but I have demonstrated tonight (7/29/09) how complicated a topic this is in looking at how these geometric shapes are inter-related and inseparable. We will spend several weeks looking at each of these geometric shapes and then begin to explore their relationship with one another. For the time being, here is a simple primer to begin to explore this topic:
1) Triangle: I would like to introduce the triangle as representing your shisei (stance). Regardless of what type of stance you take, the essence of a good stance is in the type of triangle that this stance represents. This triangle creates a strong and stable platform with can then be moved. At a higher level, the position of your arms with your stance represents another triangle that should be embedded and compliments the triangle that is represented with your stance.
2) Square: I would like to introduce the square as representing the relationship that you establish with your partner. In other words, the relationship that is established should represent two triangles connected as a square. It is important to analyze how the connection is established so that a square is created between you and your partner. The creation of this square is utilized in neutralizing the attack of the uke.
3) Circle: I would like to introduce the circle as representing how to take advantage of the attacker, after having neutralized the attack. This circle MUST exist within the square. If the square is the relationship between you and the uke, then the circle is how we utilize this relationship to our advantage.
If any of these components are absent, then waza typically does not work. If the triangles are not embedded within the square and the circles are not embedded within the squares, then waza typically does not work. We will spend a number of weeks exploring these topics at a level that is MUCH deeper than this introductory blog. The accompanying blogs will obviously go into these topics at a deeper level as well. I hope that we all enjoy this journey!
Marc Abrams Sensei
Link to Original Blog Post