Last Updated on Saturday, 02 January 2010 21:36 Thursday, 02 December 2004 15:51

There is significance in everything that the Zen Do Kai practitioner does, even in tying the belt around one's waste affords deep insight and thought.

The following article appeared in the "Koryu Journal" of the International Ryukyu Karate Research Society, chaired by Kyoshi Patrick McCarthy.

"When tying the obi (belt) you must first make absolutely certain that it hangs evenly from the middle before wrapping it around your waist. This act symbolizes the importance of balance and reminds the bujin (martial artist) that the "way" can only ever be found after physical training is augmented by non-physical study & application. This is what is meant when we say that, "any path not paved by physical conditioning, moral philosophy & methodical introspection, leads no where."

The obi (belt) is first wrapped around the waist by placing the middle of it just below the umbilicus. This action serves to remind the bujin that we are both the giver & receiver of life and therefore, we must embrace both respect & compassion with all those whom we come into contact.

When we cross the obi behind our back it makes an "X" and reminds the bujin to be prepared for what can go on behind our own backs. Bringing the obi (belt) round to the front reminds us that what goes around comes around and that we reap only that which we sow; hence, the emphasis upon morality and 'right thinking.' Making an "X" once again in the front of the body, before tying the obi, is also symbolic. It helps the bujin remember that what goes on behind one's back can go on under our noses as well, and that we must be prepared to negotiate life's difficulties from any position.

Bringing one end of the obi (belt) up under the waist and the other down, before tying the knot, serves to remind the bujin of the only two directions in which we can travel and the importance of continuing onwards and upwards in an effort to constantly improve ourselves. Every time we tie the knot in our obi (belt) we should be reminded of how important it is to tighten our resolve in all matters. Finally, at the end of this ritual we find ourselves making absolutely certain that the obi is perfectly even."

As recited by Professor Don Jacobs, Hawaii.