Last Updated on Wednesday, 24 November 2010 21:17 Thursday, 02 December 2004 08:55

Shisoochin is the eighth of the nine traditional Zen Do Kai katas.

Shisoochin, the eighth Zen Do Kai kata, second in the third group, is a form in which the practitioner must visualise attacks whilst assuming blindness. The theme is that of complete darkness and assault by eight adversaries who are stronger and larger than the practitioner. The form focuses on low levels and constantly launches attacks on the legs and the lower body regions. A superb anecdote comes with this form. During Zen Do Kai's early days, Soke Bob Jones, whilst instructing a blind student, felt that the student hadn't progressed as quickly as he should. The student at the same time could not see his own progress. To counter this problem Soke said, "today I shall wear a blindfold so that you may see that which you have learned." For the next five minutes the student proceeded to thrash the master soundly. The student replied, "thank you master, for the first time I can see what I have learned." Soke continues to practice this kata regularly...blindfolded!