Kamiza
2017 01 07
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The kamiza is a place in the dojo where a shrine for Shinto spirits (kamidana) is located, a place where they reside. These spirits can include venerated dead - family, past teachers. You see them, on a shelf sometimes, always over head height. In terms of seating or placement in the room, it is the best seat in the house - warmest, safer. It is traditional for the doors of the kamiza in a dojo to be opened for the first classes of the new year, so that the spirits can see how much you've improved over the year. You make a promise to them, to work on something, and the doors are shut until the next year.
I got stuck when, at the end of class, sensei asked us to make a promise about something specific we'd work on throughout the coming year. I said "everything", because don't we all have to always be doing that? But it needs to be more specific, so I chose speed; because, a, I was on the spot, and b, that is my worst fault - I rush things. Fast is my "four-letter word", he says. And now, given that I've passed Ikkyu, now it's really time to concentrate on my jo-ha-kyu.
Slower iai's more luscious; a samurai never rushes? Sorry. Canadian. What can I say?