5 Elements
Chi
"Earth" - represents the firm, hard objects that appear in existence. Rocks are probably the best symbol of the earth element in nature in that they are incapable of change, movement or growth, without the help of the other elements.
In the human being, the "earth" element shows up in the body as the bones, muscles, and other tissues. In the mind, it is confidence; and emotionally it is a desire to have things remain as they are; a resistance to change. When under the influence of this chi mode or 'mood,' we are aware of our own physicality and sureness of action.
As a means of self-protection, which is based, as are all of the strategies of the ninja's art of operating with natural laws, on the student's emotional level or mood, when the attack starts 'earth' represents our desire to hold our ground and 'crush' the assailant's attack with our strength. We are calm and unbothered by their threats and we firmly resolve to stop them in their tracks.
Sui
"Water" - are elements in a 'flowing' or adaptable state. Aside from the common sense identification with natural water sources, plants are a good example of the "water" element in that they are, while incapable of movement, capable of adapting to their environment (i.e. turning their leaves toward the direct sun, growing their root systems in the direction of the most nutrient rich soil, etc.) In our bodies, the 'water' element represents the blood and other fluids necessary for life. Mentally, the code is the ability to adapt to and change our strategy, or way of doing things, if change is needed. At our core, it is our emotionalism and ability to 'go with theflow.'
In the self-protection strategies of the ninja's armed and unarmed combat arts, the 'water' element identifies both our defensive adaptation to the enemy's attack and our ability to 'flow' with their actions. The feeling of being overwhelmed by their force or technique causes us to want to back up and create more space and time between us, as we attempt to cover and protect our targets from their attacking limbs.
Ka
"Fire" - as a code, this symbol represents those elements in a combustible, or energy-releasing state. It also symbolizes force and direction. Animals are a good example of the 'fire' element in that they are capable of movement and direction, though limited by primitive 'programming' or instinct.
In our bodies, this element is represented by our metabolism and body heat. Mentally, it is our directness, commitment and desire to be better than we are. Internally, from our heart come the qualities of will or intention, motivation and competitiveness as well as an outgoing or domineering spirit.
As a defensive strategy, 'fire' represents our committed spirit directed against our opponent as we take the fight to them. In reality, there is no such thing as a 'fire' technique per se - just as there are no water, earth, etc. techniques, either - but only our energy level or emotional mood that causes us to move in against the attacker.
Fu
"Wind" - is the symbolic representation for elements in a gaseous state. Freedom of movement and an expanding nature are the keys here. Again, apart from the naturally identifiable 'things' alluded to by it, the 'wind' element is best symbolized by human beings. Human beings, in their lower or most common states of development, are capable of movement, direction and have intellect; the trait necessary for development, growth and overcoming the limiting tendencies of programming and the primitive instinct from our 'animal' nature.
In our body, the 'wind' element is our respiration and the processing of oxygen and other gasses between cells. Mentally, it is our intellectual capabilities and our ability to be 'open-minded.' Emotionally, we are carefree and not influenced by stress.
As a basis for self-defense, this element shows in our desire to avoid, and stay just beyond, his reach. We naturally want to avoid any conflicts or at least a direct confrontation. Our strategy is reflected in our turning and evasive movements that allow us to flank him and smother his assault attempt if necessary.
Ku
The "Void" - is the code for the sub-atomic or 'creative' foundation of all that is. Actually, the term "void" is probably a bad translation when compared to the definition of what the element represents. The English language word "de-void," as in the absence of any pre-determined shape or character, is much closer to defining the nature of this element. Human beings in a higher conscious state are the representatives of this element, just as the sub-atomic material that forms the atoms that group into the molecules that form all other material things in the universe are the base example from nature.
In our bodies, the 'void' element is our ability to think and communicate with others. Mentally and emotionally it represents our creative nature, as well as our personal means of self-expression as we identify with and operate in the world around us.
As a self-protection method, the 'void' represents several tactics. They are:
1. Our communicating with the attacker in an attempt to diffuse the situationbefore it becomes physical.
2. The creative and spontaneous flow between the lower elements as we adapt to and alter our techniques as our emotional state changes from moment to moment. We literally 'make-up' the technique as we go.
3. Our ability to 'let go' of any pre-set techniques or mental chatter about "what we will do if hex," and clear our mind so that we can see and pick up the sense impressions and feelings that will tell us what he is doing or preparing to do to us.
4. The application of Kyojitsu Tenkan Ho or the strategy of altering the attacker's perception of truth and falsehood. Our ability to make the attacker think we are doing one thing when in fact we are doing the opposite is key here.
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