Kokoro: The Mindset of a Champion

The word KOKORO is a Japanese term that means "heart" and represents the indivisible union of our heart, mind, and spirit. For us, on the mats, think of it as the mindset that allows you to consistently perform at your best.

More Than Just Psyched Up

Being "pumped up" or "psyched up" before a class is a good start, but KOKORO goes beyond that short-term state. It is the ability to consistently bring yourself to a Peak State—a level of mental clarity and focus that allows you to achieve optimal results. This isn't just for a few moments; it's a quality that Black Belts develop to maintain peak performance day after day.

To achieve this, you must learn to:

• Calm yourself: Block out distractions.

• Clear your mind: Eliminate negative thoughts that hold you back.

• Focus your energy: Direct all your efforts in a positive and productive direction.

The Habit of Preparation: YOI

The KOKORO mindset is about being proactive, not reactive. You can't just flip a switch to feel focused and energized. It's a daily practice. The Japanese term YOI, which means preparation, is a key part of this. By taking the time each day to prepare yourself, whether it's through meditation, rest, or simply setting your intentions, you begin each day with a proactive mindset. This eliminates the feeling of being in a constant state of crisis and allows you to fill your mind with positive thoughts and goals.

A key part of this preparation is learning to eliminate stress. Avoiding people and situations that create stress will free your mind from negativity and make room for the positive thoughts, ideas, and objectives that will drive you forward.

Mind Like Water

One powerful technique for achieving this mental clarity is a meditative practice called "mind like water." The idea is to visualize your mind as a body of water. When it's filled with worries and stress, it's like a turbulent, choppy sea. But through meditation, you learn to calm the waves until the surface is still, clear, and reflective like a mirror.

Once you achieve this state of mental calm, you can better prepare yourself for the focused, high-energy state of KOKORO. This allows you to train harder, maximize your effort, and leave each class feeling eager and ready for the next one. Black Belts perform at peak levels every day, and KOKORO is the mental discipline that makes it possible.