Martial Arts

​Because Korinji's Zen lineage stresses the embodied and intensely energetic nature of genuine Zen practice, various kinds of physical culture have historically been valued. Traditional martial arts (bujutsu) are especially useful, since they train the body-mind in a manner that complements Zen training well.

 

Some of Korinji's lineage ancestors, such as Omori Sogen Roshi, were dedicated practitioners of arts like swordsmanship. Our abbot also has trained deeply in various classical and modern martial traditions. All of this is part of our overall Zen training style, described as Zen-Ken-Sho, "Zen-Sword-Brush": the unity of Zen practice, physical culture (like martial arts), and fine arts.

​

Korinji has a proprietary martial art curriculum, and monastery residents suited to it have the opportunity to learn under the guidance of our abbot. Polishing their spirits like swords through practice of these disciplines that arose on the edge of life and death, students learn the ultimate truth of the martial path: the true enemy to be defeated is not another person, but within ourselves.

​

Periodic intensive martial art training events and retreats are hosted at Korinji or elsewhere. Please see the Calendar for more information.