AboutMichael Cummings Expertise I am available to answer your questions in regard to history, philosophy, technique and practice of karate, jujutsu, kenjutsu and iaijutsu. I also have knowledge and experience in Okinawan kobujutsu and traditional Japanese weapons including the jo (short staff) and yari (spear). I also have a good foundation to answer general questions concerning various other Japanese, Okinawan, Korean and Chinese styles, including their traditions, history and philosophy.
Experience I have a diverse background with over 30 years of study and practice in Japanese and Okinawan bujutsu (martial arts). I presently hold licenses/rankings in karatejutsu, iaijutsu, kenjutsu and jujutsu, respectively, as well as Okinawan kobujutsu. My first sensei was Watanabe Tsuyoshi Hanshi, and later Makiyama Gogen Shidoshi.
I have also studied several Chinese systems, including Hung Gar tiger/crane and wing chun, and hold a black sash (shodan) in Song Shan Kempo.
I have been fortunate to have studied and trained with a number of highly qualified and revered practitioners, sensei and sifu from several diverse martial traditions.
I am also an amateur marital arts historian and student of hoplology.
Question Osu! Mi na san konnichiwa Sensei
My question is what is the symbol for for Japanese Ki, Not yin and Yang.
Thanks
Student-
Answer Student,
Thank you for your question. However, I'm not exactly sure what you are asking. Are you referencing a specific symbol, not the kanji, that might be used to represent ki? If so, I am not sure that there is any one symbol used exclusively. In fact, I can't think of a particular symbol that I could even reference.
Most often, I have seen ki represented by the symbol (kanji) for breath. Ki translates as breath, spirit, force (or power), deed, or skill. There are other definitions, but these meanings are what one is refering to when used in the martial arts. Japanese words do not translate to English very well; the Japanese meanings are usually more esoteric, words representing concepts or moods, not necessarily tangible items. But usually the kanji for ki representing breath is most often used.
I am sorry I can't be more specific or point you in a more solid direction. Perhaps if you have seen a symbol, or have been told of a symbol specifically representing the concept of ki in the martial arts, I would suggest inquiring with the owner or representative of such a symbol.
One thing I can leave you with, although you may already know this, is the Japanese write "in" and "yo" to represent the Chinese concepts of yin and yang. The Japanese symbol is different as well. It is a large black circle (the outline is black,the inner circle is white (empty)) with a smaller solid red circle drawn within. The smaller circle is drawn touching the larger circle, either at the top or bottom; the lines always touch but do not intersect.
I just thought of something. I have seen a single large black circle (white inner) drawn to represent ki. I have seen this in old wood-block paintings. Not much of lead I'm afraid, but it may be worth looking into.
