Zanshin
残心
Alertness that continues after a technique is finished, literally “remaining mind”. In kendo it is a condition for a valid ippon strike.
Quick Facts
Word breakdown
Definition
Zanshin (残心) consists of the characters 残, to remain, and 心, mind. Literally “remaining mind”: a state of relaxed alertness in which the practitioner, having finished a technique, keeps attention up and is ready for another attack. In kendo, zanshin is one of the elements of a good attack. Without it a strike cannot count as ippon: after the strike the swordsman must stay mentally and physically ready and return to guard. In kyudo it shows in the posture the archer holds after releasing the arrow. In karate and aikido it means awareness of the surroundings and the opponent after a technique, including a possible further attack.
Relations to other terms
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See also
The highest score in Japanese martial arts competitions, “one full point”. In judo it ends the match, in kendo it is the basic unit of scoring.
Mushin無心A state of mind that does not cling to a thought or emotion and therefore responds spontaneously. The concept comes from Zen, and the monk Takuan brought it into swordsmanship.
Fudoshin不動心An immovable mind that fear, anger or surprise cannot throw off balance. The concept comes from Buddhism.