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Budokon - Philosophy, Science, & Art
At a point in history that is saturated with self help books, get rich gimmicks, and exercise
infomercials, it is no wonder that Budokon emerged in our culture. Budokon is philosophy,
science, and art for the spirit, body, and soul. It’s literal Japanese translation is “ way of the
spirit warrior" and it represents a conscious decision to no longer chose “more of the same”. It
is said, “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.
The merging of yogic and martial movements combined with limbic re-integration techniques
enables the human species to engage in health and wellness not known since the human
movement potential era. It far exceeds the sum total of components needed for fitness and
enables the whole person to awaken to a new potential organically. It has been heralded as the
most intelligent practice on the planet, it is indeed a functional revolution.
So much time and energy is exhausted plotting how to look, feel, and get better. The emphasis
is on the quantity and not the quality, on doing something instead of being something, as if
there is a boundary separating the thought, the word, and the action. “How much can I shove
into my day because I am busy getting somewhere”, is how most of us live our lives, and it is
said that, “the way we do anything is the way we do everything. The structural and functional
differential states that quanta filters into sensation, then e-motion, into belief, and finally into
expression, in other words our perception of “other” or our circumstances predicate our
movement. When the pressure starts to mount in life or on the mat how do we keep the drama
or the functional differential at bay?
What if there was a way to approach all of our personal ideals as if they were already available
in the form of latent potential waiting to be unearthed? Budokon is a system of somatic
awareness that presents itself in the yogic, martial, and living arts with a premise of self-
accountability, patience, and mastery by practicing just to practice. Weight loss, tone body,
clear mind, better coordination, increased strength are not goals of Budokon, they are benefits.
The nervous system that governs the functional differential does not normally change quickly
but progressively and by diligent compassionate practice it changes slowly and subtlety.
Practice just to practice. It encompasses the components of nutrition, fitness, health and
wellness desired by our culture and ultimately navigates each person to a more authentic
expression, a functional evolution.
The movement science of this practice is purposed to cultivate bio-mechanic potentials that are
consistent with structural and functional ideals. What distinguishes Budokon movement from all
other yogic, martial, or movement systems is its recognition and subsequent utilization of the
spinal engine theory. The spinal engine theory suggests that all bio-mechanical movement,
walking, running, yoga, etc… originates in the small muscles of the spine that initiate movement.
The origin and insertion of these tissues initiate and accommodate movement in the sagital,
frontal, and transverse planes, thus when the activation for movement begins it expresses from
the spine, through the core, into the appendicular. Since we are designed to live in a dynamic,
fluid filled body it makes perfect sense that a practice cultivate uninhibited movement in all three
planes with flexion-extension, side bend, and rotation. Movement in life is the sum total of all
three primary planes and associated movements in these planes operating synergistically, so
our practice is more fruitful if it acknowledges these potentials.
Budokon also provides a dynamic approach to medial/internal and lateral/external rotation of
the pelvic and shoulder girdles, with core activation enabling the spinal engine to transmission
into full expression extending in to an open or closed kinetic chain. The kinetic chain is an
energetic potential that transmissions from the spine, core, or Mu into the appendicular or limbs
of the body. If a limb is grounded the chain is closed, sending system wide signals of
stabilization and containment and if a limb is not grounded but extended with direction into
infinity it is open. The nervous system is designed to operate in terms of survival and
predictability and activation can be voluntary or involuntary. The limbic brain is where the body
houses these maps of movement predictability for survival and as we discussed earlier its
change is slow and subtle or sub-cortical. These changes happen when they are discovered not
discussed so it seems that when one allows the opportunity to play with movement as an
exploration into something new and unfamiliar as apposed to analyzing and repeating
something taught, that spontaneous change can happen. Limbic re-integration is a vital
component to Budokon that enables each individual to play and explore bio-mechanic potentials
buried under the yoke of cultural and social stigmas. Gorilla, kimodo dragon, bull frog, panther,
lion, crocodile, spinning monkey, and many others can provide a gateway to a new movement
potential by offering the opportunity to play with homologous, homo-lateral, and contra-lateral
movements.
Philosophy plus science equals art. The artistic value of Budokon emerges through movements
like rolling wave, floating frog, dancing dog, flying warrior and dancing lion. Budokon is a yogic
and martial system teaching basic movements that can augment into a more advanced
expression by making movement fun, exploratory, and efficient. The merging of the yogic and
martial movements into a practice is a way for complete new comers to engage in learning and
exploring basic stand up and ground budo with out the threat of failure. Art is adaptation and
although there is form that is essential to efficiency of movement, it is the exploration of
innovating the form that creates the fertile ground for artistic value. Budokon instructors are
specific to teaching form while allowing the opportunity to play, explore, and innovate. When
movement is sloppy and unrefined it is not innovation it is laziness, it is the predictable pattern
of movement that is no longer desired and Budokon will not enable more of the same. It will
provide the framework for a new potential and allow each individual to create a different and
more satisfying option.
There is so much more that can be written in an attempt to discuss Budokon and its life altering
benefits, but again true change can not be discussed it has to be experienced. To list and
identify all of the components of Budokon and the practice would create a lengthy article and it
is not the focus of this article to overwhelm the reader with everything just enough of the
philosophy, science and art so that an individual can make an informed decision to no longer
chose more of the same.
The Certified Rolfing Ten Series has the ability to reduce pain and release tension in the
connective and myofascial tissue of the body associated with TMJ, CTS, RLS, Fibromyalgia,
Sciatica, Fascitis, Bunions, and Scoliosis. Fascial asymmetries can cause foot, leg, knee, hip,
back, shoulder, neck, arm, hand, and head pain; integration therapy is necessary. Orthopedic,
Chiropractic, Physical, and Massage Therapist recognize Rolfing and Rolf Movement as
premium pain management utilizing Structural, Functional, and Postural Integration.
John Barton, Certified Rolfer and Rolfing-Fort Worth-TX-Dallas-Austin-Arlington-Denton
Texas-Oklahoma
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