For those who know me well, you know two of my deepest roots are Japanese Budo and my faith as a Catholic. Both have been forces that profoundly shaped and continue to shape my life. Both entail a quest for understanding, and both inform the other. Indeed, both are focused on pursuing understanding and peace at their deepest levels.

As the religious year draws to a close and a new one begins to unfold, I am sharing my thoughts on the dual path of prayer and kata and what I see as their confluence. Indeed, having been lucky enough to train with Inomoto-Sense and Miyase Sensei (A devoted Zen Buddhist), we often talked about how karate and Budo were, at their essence, spiritual events connected to the moment of being. Likewise, having worked with several deeply religious people, especially Sr Margaret Scott, I have been blessed that those who could point me in the right direction for my questions were usually there.

Indeed, only those who understand great peace know that violence is often the cause and vice versa.

Amidst the whirlwind of our bustling lives, there lies a profound lesson in deceleration. When I pray the rosary, I get frustrated when people pray it fast without intention and attention. The words spill out like a shopping list, oblivious to the density of what is being said. Likewise, practitioners seeking to accumulate kata focus on the performance but often miss catching the subtleties of movement, transition, and space occupation. IMHO, kata cannot be done fast, for to do so is to miss the conversation - likewise, prayer.


In this blog, I want to consider and reflect upon a proposal that both prayer and kata can transcribe mere physicality, finding a common thread between the spiritual practice of prayer and the disciplined martial art form of kata.


As a Catholic steeped in the Latin tradition, I've actively sought the meticulous act of slowing down as a gateway to a more profound comprehension of faith and self. Such action may even offer us a better understanding of the world, our place within it and the rights of all that live upon the wee blue dot in space.


The Unhurried Rhythm of Prayer
In the sacred space of prayer, the emphasis is not on a hurried recitation of words but on establishing a connection with the Divine. The rhythmic cadence of prayers invites us to relish each word, allowing it to reverberate within the depths of our souls. It is a purposeful, unrushed pace that encourages contemplation, reflection, and communion with the sacred.


One of my favourite ideas comes from the Jewish mystic tradition, which teaches that the God in the Hebrew Bible is represented by the Tetragrammaton, יהוה, which is usually transcribed as YHWH - that, if said, is the sound of a breath. In essence, every breath is both a prayer and a proclamation of God's presence.


Likewise, the Muslim call to prayer five times a day - something which Catholics used to know but have forgotten by all except the religious communities. 


To slow down, to ground ourselves in our connection with God both as an individual and as a community, is, for me, one of the great lessons of Islam. 


Other profound and deliberate ways to connect with the divine can be found in other great traditions such as Hinduism, Shinto and Buddhism. But to explore those would take too long and defeat the purpose of this post.


Akin to the deliberate movements of kata, the unhurried tempo of prayer is not a mere formality but a key to unlocking the profound meaning embedded in the words. Each word becomes a step in the dance of devotion, and through a deliberate slowdown, we foster a deeper connection with the Divine.


Kata: The Martial Dance of Shiva


In martial arts, kata represents a meticulously choreographed sequence of movements encapsulating the very essence of the art. Executing kata demands precision, concentration, and a calculated pace. The deliberate and measured movements are not a mere showcase of physical prowess but a sojourn into the heart of the martial art itself. Whether the kata is performed solo or in pairs, it profoundly reflects on the self, the being and the self within the movement. ​

By navigating the kata at a deliberate pace, practitioners explore the intricacies of each technique, grasping the nuances and subtleties that may be overlooked in a swift execution. The measured tempo allows for a mastery of form and a deeper communion with the art. 

Kata offers the practitioner the introspective space to understand how mind, body and spirit best work when unified. How blood, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues are profoundly and intricately dependent on blood supply, breath and finding the balance between stillness and movement - when done deliberately, kata forces us into our mortality and being.


Embracing the Art of Deliberation

As a Catholic traversing a path towards a more profound understanding of faith, I discern a harmony between the unhurried pace of prayer and the meditative rhythm of kata. Both offer a distinctive opportunity to engage with the essence of the practice, moving beyond the surface to probe the profound.

The art of deliberation in prayer and kata is a conscious decision to resist the haste of the contemporary world. It extends an invitation to transcend the superficial and immerse oneself in the richness of the experience. In the measured cadence of prayers and the intentional movements of kata, I discovered a pathway to a more profound understanding of self, faith, and the contemplative symphony that intertwines them.


The Confluence of Zen and Catholic Meditation

The Catholic thinker Thomas Merton wrote about this confluence, but for me, had Merton spent time in kata, which at its essence can be, as Inomoto-sensei used to tell me, 'zen in motion' he may have more deeply grasped how not only these traditions connect but how the societies which created them sought the same. In the deliberate cadence of prayer/kata, we find a convergence point where Zen and Catholic meditation meet. The shared emphasis on mindfulness, presence, and intentional engagement with the moment bridges the gap between these seemingly disparate practices. The tranquillity inherent in Zen meditation resonates with the stillness sought in Catholic contemplation, offering a common ground where the art of slowness becomes a universal language of the spirit.


Concluding remarks

The quietude of unhurried prayer and the purposeful choreography of kata offer a sanctuary of being. In this deliberate pace, the depth of understanding unfolds, unveiling the beauty and significance that may elude us in the frenetic pace of modern life. As a Catholic navigating this contemplative journey, I embrace the art of deliberation, recognizing it as a bridge that unites the spiritual, the mind and the physical, fostering a deeper understanding of being. 

Citation:
Image above is from: https://bulletin.hds.harvard.edu/on-centering-prayer-and-shikantaza/​

In the historical narrative, the Boxer Uprising of 1899-1901 serves as a pivotal episode in the tumultuous era of East Asian history, marked by vehement anti-foreign and anti-Christian sentiments in China. For the most part, Martial Arts history texts and articles fail to account for the seismic impact the failure of the Boxers had on the perception of the utility of traditional martial arts. Indeed, the past decade has witnessed a similar derision of so-called traditional martial arts in light of the so-called advantages demonstrated by MMA. While the repercussions of the Boxer Rebellion reverberated across the region, a particularly intriguing facet of its impact lies in its influence on Japan's martial identity development.


The Boxer Uprising: A Catalyst for Transformation

Amidst the transformative Meiji Era, Japan vigilantly observed the unfolding events in neighbouring China. Contemporary newspapers such as The Japan Times provided an insightful lens into the fervent resistance of the Boxers against foreign influence. The uprising captured Japan's attention due to its strategic implications and sparked deliberations regarding the nation's martial identity.


Government Responses: Deliberate and Cautious

Official responses from the Japanese government during the Boxer Uprising reflected a nuanced and deliberate approach. Diplomatic statements emphasised regional stability and a meticulous balancing act to safeguard Japanese interests. This calculated response indicates an acute awareness of the significance of martial prowess in the geopolitical landscape, laying the groundwork for a more deliberate cultivation of Japan's military image. Indeed Japan"s military came to the aid of the failing Chinese's Empire in suppressing the rebellion on what was, ironcially, not to be its first footing in Beijing in the 20th Century. But that is another story.


Public Sentiment: Pragmatism and Empathy

As discerned from newspapers and public discourse, public opinion exhibited a spectrum of sentiments. Specific segments of society expressed empathy towards the Boxers' struggle, aligning with broader anti-imperialist sentiments. Conversely, in a pragmatic vein, the educated elite underscored Japan's imperative to protect its interests amidst regional unrest. These nuanced public discussions reflected a growing consciousness of the importance of martial strength in navigating a shifting global order. During this rebellion, those Japanese who had eradicated the samurai class in the name of modernisation appeared to have been on the winning side. A caste system of warriors armed with 16th-century technology did not match the mechanised, modern killing machine that professional armies offered. So-called "ki" or 'qi" could not stop bullets and shrapnel, regardless of how much had been cultivated. The slaughter of the boxers was a cold testament to this complex reality.


Traditional Martial Arts under Scrutiny: The Aftermath of Shortcomings

An integral facet emerging from the Boxer Uprising was the critical reassessment of Japan's traditional martial arts. Specific Japanese sources from the period, notably within newspaper articles and academic discussions, began questioning the efficacy of conventional martial arts. The perceived shortcomings during the Boxer Uprising prompted a rigorous examination of their relevance in the face of contemporary challenges. It is of note that no-were in the upsurging of rediscovering their ancient martial arts (Koryu) or their modern derivatives (kendo, karate, judo) was their primogeniture offering them as a means of self-defence during the Meiji years. Instead, the martial arts were to consistently billed both within japan and to a lesser degree within Okinawa as a means of 19th century health and well-being, a tool which was to be used be used to build sports fitness and a national corpus of Japanese spirit. Moroever, especially in the hands of Kano, Japan's Budo was to be a gift from Japan to the world - hence the inclusion of Judo in Olympics.

During these late years of the 1800s within the public discourse there is little naiveté that the martial arts, both ancient or new, were in any way effective against modern paradigms of violence and their accompanying tools. If anything was true, this notion of Japanese martial arts as 'effective self-defence' was something added to them once they were exported to the UK, aka Bartitsu, or other places where a large cohort of Japanese were absent. Generally a Japanese and Ryukyuan assertion with these martial arts offered pragmatic self-defence was a later invention circa 1930s with it primarily being a pos-war marketing phenomena. 

For those of us in karate, the boxers name of 義和拳; 义和拳 contained the character for kempo so often utilise by Okinawan's to identify their art - the danger and irony of this could ot have been lost on Chinese scholars such at Itosu as the sought to promote their new for of TouDi...


Transformation of Perception: Martial Arts as National Assets

In the wake of these discussions, a subtle transformation transpired. Traditional martial arts, hitherto principally regarded as cultural heritage, began to be reevaluated as potential assets for national defence. The perceived inadequacies underscored the necessity for adaptation and modernisation within martial arts schools. This shift in perception marked the nascent stages of the development of Japan's martial image, aligning traditional practices with the evolving concept of national strength.

Conclusion: Navigating Identity in a Shifting Terrain

The Boxer Uprising played a pivotal role in shaping Japan's martial identity during a profound global transformation. Government responses, public sentiment, and the reevaluation of traditional martial arts collectively contributed to Japan's martial and military identity evolution. In the aftermath of the Boxer Rebellion, Japan embarked on a journey not only to navigate its own identity but also to position itself as a formidable force in the dynamic geopolitical landscape of the early 20th century.


NB - The visual above offers a some evidence of the gross stereotypes western powers had of the Chinese during this period. It also offers witting evidence as to the greed of those who went to the 'aid' of the Qing dynasty.
Selected Readings:

Gallant Little Soldiers: The Boxer Uprising and the Development of a Martial Image of JapanJ Fonseca - War and Stereotypes, 2020.
Multinational counterinsurgency: the Western intervention in the Boxer Rebellion 1900–1901. E Ouellet - Small Wars & Insurgencies, 2009.
Modern martial arts and the reinvention of tradition. 2015. B Wilson. 

Introduction

In contemporary governance, an unprecedented emphasis on safety and diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ) has become a hallmark of public policy. This essay aims to unravel the paradoxical consequence accompanying these well-intentioned initiatives—the gradual erosion of personal privacy. While governments, organizations, and institutions globally focus on fostering a more secure and equitable society, this pursuit inadvertently poses challenges to individual privacy. This essay examines the intricate interplay between governmental efforts towards safety and DEIJ and their unintended consequences on personal privacy.

DEIJ and Personal Information

A discernible trend in data collection is the shift from traditional demographic inquiries to more nuanced questions in the name of DEIJ. Governments and institutions, ostensibly pursuing social justice, now delve into personal details that were once deemed private. For instance, the transition from asking about gender to inquiring about sexual orientation reflects a commendable pursuit of inclusivity. However, this trend raises legitimate concerns about the extent to which individuals should disclose their personal lives to external entities.

In the pursuit of diversity, a thin line separates the promotion of inclusivity from the invasion of personal privacy. While understanding and acknowledging diverse identities are essential, the intrusive nature of some inquiries may compromise an individual's right to keep certain aspects of their identity confidential. Striking a balance between fostering an inclusive environment and respecting personal boundaries is crucial to prevent unintended consequences.

Safety Measures and Surveillance

Governments globally have heightened their focus on safety, implementing measures such as increased surveillance through city cameras and the establishment of national identification systems. Although these endeavors aim to enhance public safety and security, the collateral effect is an escalation in the level of monitoring citizens endure in their daily lives.

City surveillance cameras, ostensibly installed to deter criminal activities, inadvertently infringe upon the privacy of law-abiding citizens. The omnipresence of surveillance technology raises concerns about the constant observation and recording of individuals' activities, potentially leading to a society where every move is scrutinized. Furthermore, national identification systems, like Japan's 'My Number,' originally introduced for administrative purposes, can easily be repurposed as tools for extensive citizen monitoring.

Some Examples Worth Considering

1. Employment and Diversity Data Collection:

In addition to government initiatives, corporations are increasingly delving into personal details to showcase their commitment to diversity. Job applicants are now often required to disclose personal information, such as ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disability status. While the intention is to track diversity metrics and promote inclusive hiring practices, this practice raises concerns about the potential misuse of such sensitive information and its impact on an individual's employment prospects.

2. Health Surveillance and Contact Tracing:

In the wake of global health crises, governments have implemented extensive health surveillance measures, including contact tracing apps and monitoring systems. While these tools aim to control the spread of diseases, they also involve the collection of personal health data. The challenge arises in ensuring that such data is used exclusively for public health purposes and does not become a tool for unwarranted surveillance or the violation of medical privacy.

3. Educational Institutions and Student Information:

In the education sector, institutions are increasingly collecting comprehensive data on students to address diversity and equity concerns. This may include information about students' socioeconomic background, family structure, and cultural identity. While the goal is to tailor educational programs to diverse needs, the extensive collection of such data raises questions about the potential stigmatization of certain groups and the long-term implications for student privacy.

4. Social Media and Government Collaboration:

Governments are actively exploring collaborations with social media platforms to monitor public sentiment and identify potential threats. While this is framed as a measure to ensure public safety, it raises significant privacy concerns. The sharing of data between social media companies and governments can result in the surveillance of individuals based on their online activities, blurring the line between public security and unwarranted intrusion into personal lives. The funds tunnelled into social media giants during the 2008 financial crisis have gone unquestioned and yet what has emerged is the domination of this area by both the USA and China - why has nowhere else in the world managed to offer alternative platforms with potentially a different world order view?

5. Smart City Initiatives and IoT Devices:

Cities worldwide are embracing smart technologies, integrating Internet of Things (IoT) devices for efficient governance. However, these devices, ranging from smart streetlights to intelligent traffic systems, often involve extensive data collection. While the goal is to enhance urban living, the mass surveillance inherent in these technologies poses risks to individual privacy. Striking a balance between smart city innovation and safeguarding personal information becomes imperative in this evolving landscape. While the WHO meets to discuss need safety measures and many governments send ministers to attend these meetings, why is it so hard to find out who these 'public' servants actually are? Arguably the idea of public service has been flipped on its head with the public servant entitle to enhanced privacy  as their 'bosses', the public have their privacy legislated away under the guise of safety and DEIJ? 

Conclusion
The examples provided underscore the diverse ways in which personal privacy is being impacted by safety and DEIJ initiatives across various sectors. As society grapples with these challenges, policymakers must navigate a complex terrain, ensuring that the pursuit of safety and inclusivity is accompanied by robust safeguards to protect individual privacy rights. Balancing the collective good with individual freedoms is a nuanced task that requires continual scrutiny and refinement of policies in this rapidly evolving technological and social landscape. Striking a delicate balance between the commendable goals of safety, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice and the preservation of personal privacy remains an ongoing challenge for contemporary governance.  Indeed who is watching the watcher?

Ah, my dear friend, imagine a scenario wherein one, through a capricious alignment of celestial whimsy, finds oneself in the esteemed company of a gentleman whose intellectual acumen, alas, resembles that of a turnip rather than the sagacious scholars of yore. To usher such a fellow into the sacred sanctum of a karate dojo would be akin to inviting a bull into a china shop – a cataclysmic convergence of clumsiness and cognitive consternation.

In the hallowed halls of martial enlightenment, where the swift mind is as crucial as the nimble foot, one cannot in good conscience extend an invitation to a dunderheaded disciple. Picture, if you will, a protagonist whose cerebral faculties are akin to a befuddled bumblebee trapped in an existential quandary, unable to discern between a jab and a jest.

Karate, my dear interlocutor, demands a dance of dexterity both mental and physical. The subtleties of strategy and the finesse of footwork are a delicate ballet, and to introduce a neophyte of negligible noggin into this cerebral choreography is to court catastrophe. One cannot wield a katana with the finesse of a poet if one's mental faculties are akin to the disarrayed verses of an inebriated bard.

In the elegant parlance of Wilde, to admit a person of intellectual torpor into the disciplined domain of karate would be a veritable fiasco, a spectacle eclipsing even the most absurd of his celebrated comedies. Let the dojo doors remain a threshold to enlightenment, not an unwitting portal for the thick-headed to stumble into a symphony of kicks and contemplation. For in the arena of martial arts, the battle is not only fought with fists but also with the faculties of the mind, a realm where the thick-witted may find themselves woefully outmatched. 

We have all be exposed to them. At meetings, in public maybe even in the professional development arena. Those who can spout the latest catch phrases about such and such an ideology yet when question fail to understand the nuances of the situation they spout about or even undertand at a deep level the meaning of the terms they haphazardly throw around. They sit on all pasts of the spectrum and can, when unchecked, do incredible damage to staff morale and institutional integrity. They have listened to all the relevant podcast and they are armed...or so they think. Confidence is a great bedfellow for ignorance and hubris.

The surge in popularity of podcasts has introduced a wealth of information and diverse viewpoints, providing a convenient and accessible means for individuals to explore a wide array of subjects. Podcasts span everything from history and science to politics and popular culture, delivering valuable insights and often entertaining content. Nevertheless, while podcasts can be a valuable source of information and entertainment, there are reasons to exercise caution regarding what may be referred to as the "podcast intelligentsia" – individuals whose primary understanding of the world is shaped by podcasts, particularly when they have not delved deeply into the fields of their interest. Here are several reasons why a prudent approach is warranted:

1. Surface-Level Knowledge: Podcasts, by design, tend to provide succinct and simplified information, making it more accessible for listeners. While this is advantageous for ease of consumption, it can result in a superficial comprehension of complex topics. The limited duration of a podcast episode often means that the content merely scratches the surface, omitting critical nuances and details.

2. Absence of Context: Podcasts frequently present information in isolation, making it difficult for listeners to grasp the broader context of a subject. This lack of context can impede a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in any field. In contrast, delving into in-depth books or scholarly articles can furnish a more holistic perspective.

3. Overreliance on a Limited Spectrum of Sources: Podcasts typically depend on guest speakers and experts for insights. However, listeners may not always be aware of the biases or limitations of these sources. Relying exclusively on podcasts can result in a restricted range of voices and perspectives, potentially reinforcing pre-existing beliefs and hindering exposure to opposing viewpoints.

4. Confirmation Bias: Listening predominantly to podcasts that align with one's pre-existing beliefs can foster confirmation bias. Individuals might gravitate towards podcasts that validate their views while avoiding those that challenge them. This can contribute to an echo chamber effect, where one's perspective is never truly questioned or broadened.

5. Shallow Critical Thinking: In-depth reading and research frequently necessitate critical thinking and the ability to evaluate sources, evidence, and arguments. Podcasts, due to their spoken format, may not actively encourage the same level of analytical thinking. Passive listening can discourage active engagement with the content.

6. The Peril of Misinformation: Although many podcasts are meticulously researched and fact-based, the medium is not immune to misinformation and pseudoscience. Listeners who heavily rely on podcasts may be more susceptible to accepting unverified or false information.

7. Overlooking Unpopular or Specialised Topics: Podcasts tend to concentrate on mainstream and trending subjects to attract a broader audience. As a result, they may not address less mainstream or highly specialised topics, leaving listeners unaware of valuable information in niche areas.

8. Deficiency in Depth and Rigour: Academic disciplines and intricate issues often necessitate rigorous, in-depth exploration, typically found in books, research papers, and academic journals. Podcasts, while informative, may not provide the same level of depth and rigour.

In summary, while podcasts can be a valuable resource for learning and entertainment, it is vital to approach them with a discerning mind and supplement them with other forms of information and education. The "podcast intelligentsia" should exercise caution in not replacing the depth and context that can be acquired through reading, academic research, and a diverse array of sources. An informed and nuanced perspective on the world often demands more than mere passive listening; it calls for active engagement and critical thinking, which can be cultivated through a blend of mediums, including books, articles, and scholarly resources. The key is to strike a balance between the convenience of podcasts and the deeper, contextual knowledge that other sources can provide. Indeed with the onset of mass media with their roots primarily is a US world view, with the odd smattering of the UK (on English platforms at least) we must be consistently mindful of "podcast intelligentsia".