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MUSHIN

Mushin, for the martial artist, refers to the reaction time or process used to react to any situation. The word is translated as “no-mindedness."

The instantaneous reaction to a deadly situation by a professional soldier would qualify as mushin. 

 This is the result of cultivating a mental preparedness by “triggering” the so-called “reptilian brain”.


Considered the most primordial region of the brain, the reptilian brain or R-Complex is part of the triune model of the brain as proposed by Paul D. MacLean. 

 The other two parts that make up the triune model of the brain are the Limbic System that controls emotions including remorse, compassion and empathy along with fear, love, hate and aggression. 

 The Limbic System developed around the existing R-Complex. The Neo-cortex developed around the Limbic System and is responsible for what we call the higher brain functions including the ability for future context and planning. 

 The R- Complex controls reflex and is devoid of emotion, inhibitions and the ability for foresight and planning. No thought is given to the consequence of its actions it just responds immediately to stimuli.
When asked by the famed Canadian broadcaster Pierre Berton how he would react in a fight, Bruce Lee told him he would not fight; “it” would take over, it would just happen. He was referring to the state of mushin.

 These extreme combat-oriented examples may not fit into the non-martial artist’s conception of life. But consider the term “second nature," the idea that certain actions come to us unbidden, naturally without conscious thought.

 This idea of “second nature” comes from Aristotle. His definition of virtue is human excellence, a state that is neither excessive nor deficient but the peak, the very best that is in us. 

 It is possible for such virtue to come about naturally, that is, these talents are something we inherit. 

 Virtue can also be acquired by cultivating the development of our capabilities, mental or physical or moral by continuous repetition until our actions are natural to us. Repetitious training turns our actions into our second nature, occurring without our having to employ conscious thought any longer. 

 This is what Aristotle thought and this is mushin.

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