Zanshin

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Zan·shin (Japanese: 残心) is a martial art term used in Aikido, Karate, Kendo, Iaido, Kyudo, Jujitsu and other Japanese martial arts, referring to a state of awareness - a state of relaxed alertness. The literal translation is remaining mind.

In Kyudo it means the remaining body posture after the shooting of an arrow as a result of working body forces as well as the remaining state of mind.

In Karate and even in life in general, it means staying alert and focused and does not necessarily involve the direction in which one is looking, or even the condition of having just "finished" a fight; it also means being aware of the possibility of being attacked at any time whatsoever.

In the context of Kendo, zanshin is the continued state of mental alertness and physical readiness to instantly attack or respond to an attack or counter attack by ones opponent.

Zanshin Shotokan is now a style of karate, founded by the late Frank Nowak. Today, it is taught by sensei Kora Nowak, Sensei Nick Forster, Sensei Yossi and Sensei Ronald.

Zanshindo is a mixed martial art founded by Will McCullough in 1997 & is also known as McCullough Submission Fighting. Zanshindo is currently taught in Beaufort, SC by Sensei Abe Stem and in Crossville, TN by Sensei Dustin Davis. Zanshindo (The Zanshin Way) - Zanshin is defined as a relaxed state of total awareness allowing complete attention to the moment: the focusing of the mind (without thought or emotion) on everything in and around you.