Last Updated on Saturday, 02 January 2010 21:56 Thursday, 02 December 2004 09:13

Before explaining the bowing process it is important that the student understands physical positioning in the Senjo ceremony. The Shogun or warlord leader is positioned in the absolute centre of the Senjo ceremony. Looking closely (refer to Senjo diagram which is available for download in our document repository in this portal) one sees that the Shogun is protected at several levels. The first level is in the form of an equilateral triangle. Sitting on the sides of the triangle to the Shogun's left and right are the two main "Daimyo" or Clan Leaders. The Daimyo to the right of the Shogun is the immediate heir to the position of Shogun. The Shogun's most trusted warrior sits at the apex of the triangle (behind the Shogun) and is known as the 'Hatamoto'. In front of the Shogun on the triangle's right point sits the 'Yakuza' (yin, physical, evil) warrior whilst on the left point sits the 'Yamabushi' (yang, spiritual, good) warrior. These are the Shogun's most protective warriors.

Surrounding the triangle, but not touching it, is a circle. The circle represents 'Karma', the notion that, that which goes around will also come around (or that one's actions will be returned at least twice over). It also symbolises the enclosing aspects associated with the female (also symbolised by the Ishoa Cross). Connecting the Shogun to the circle (and the power contained within it) are two lines at perpendicular angles and another two lines rotated ay forty five degrees to the original two. All lines intersect at the centre of the Shogun and pass through the circle at eight equally dispersed positions. These positions are held by 'Retainers' and represent the ideal qualities of a Martial Artist (as drawn from the Code of Bushido - The Way of the Warrior). These qualities include Honour, Loyalty, Truth (Sincerity), Benevolence, Self-Control, Etiquette, Courage and Justice. The eight points also depict the basic directions of offensive and defensive strategy.

Surrounding the circles are four lines making up a protective square. These are called the 'Kyunnin' (Administrators) lines and represent the male (also symbolised in the Bushido Cross). The eight positions on the circle extend outwards to form further positions on the square. These positions represent the same qualities as those on the circle but are regarded as slightly tempered to accommodate the needs of those operating in the physical world. Looking even further one sees a supplementary eight points positioned between those extended from the circle. These represent a set of eight principles which serve to temper the eight qualities extended from the circle. The principles include Accounting and Finance, Humility, Creative Art, Health, Research, Planning and Strategy, Political Theory, and Concealment. Combined, the sixteen positions on the square represent Senjo's principles of behaviour designed to guide the student in dealings with the physical world on a lower level of spiritual evolution in the realm of time and space. In other words, they are triggers for thought in seeking out solutions to daily perplexities in the business of living. Each has great depth in its own right and each has Yin and Yang qualities represented by the smaller circles located at either side of each position.

Outside the square to its top and bottom are two sets of four lines. The lines represent rows of warriors working their way through the Zen Do Kai black belt ranks from the physical level, through the psychological level to ultimately a place around and then inside the square, the spiritual level. The 'physical' level begins with the 'Kengo' (Emerging Warriors) lines. The outermost line is made up of black belt warriors at the Shodan-Ho rank. Next is the Shodan line (full first degree black belts). The third stage of Kenjo is the Nidan-Ho (probationary second degree black belts) line. The front line in the physical level, that facing the Shogun, is the Nidan (second degree black belts) line. These warriors are known as the 'Metsumiedans' (League of Blood).

The remaining set of lines, the psychological set, are positioned behind the Shogun. These lines are made up of middle ranked black belts known as 'Monjins' (Disciples). The Monjin warriors have worked through the physical lines, crossed the gap and now experience the three stages of the 'psychological' level, including Sandan-Ho (probationary third degree black belt), Sandan (third degree black belt) and Yondan-Ho (probationary fourth degree black belt). The front line in the psychological level is made up of 'Kakucho' (Self Extension) warriors. These are full fourth degree black belts who, having experienced the physical and psychological levels, are ready to move into the 'spiritual' level. Typically positions in the spiritual level are occupied by warriors at the probationary fifth degree level and above.

"When your forces are dulled, your edge is blunted, your strength is exhausted and your supplies are gone, then others will take advantage of your debility and rise up. Then even if you have wise advisers you cannot make things turn out well in the end." - Sun Tsu - The Art of War