The Ground – Seeing

Musashi speaks to the necessity of observation. He addresses the surroundings and the opponent.

Before the Battle

Imagine Musashi standing on a small rising hill overlooking the soon-to-be battlefield. It is late spring, the field is green with new grasses.  As his eyes narrow, he sees the contour of the field. He notes a slight dip in the middle of the field.

Musashi notes that the dip in the field is damp from the spring melting and run-off. The middle of the field will turn into a muddy mess under the feet of the combatants. He notes, “Stay on the outer edges of the battle to keep your footing.” He knows blood-covered grass is slippery, and mud slows the feet. This combination is as much of a killer as a good cut.

Musashi looks to the cloudless sky, “The sun will be at our backs and in the enemy’s eyes, good.” As the enemy musters on the opposite ridge, he notes the horses. He knows they know about the potential quagmire in the middle of the battlefield. He thinks, “They likely will use the horses on the flanks, that is where I will be. I need to be several men deep in the battle. Being on the edge will help avoid strikes from the cavalry with their extra-long Tatchi.”  Musashi, having seen what he needs to see, returns to camp for further preparation.

Perception and Perspective

Here are two ideas that are critical to understand: the difference between perception and perspective.

Perception

Perception is how you translate or interpret something. It is based on your senses and your internal thought process. Your experiences come into play. It is a process of recognizing and ordering the world around you. For example, your perception of a smell can take you to a time and place that may not have been good.

I recall walking into my friend’s house in high school and smelling Hamburger Helper. To me, it smelled good, however, my buddy responded, “Gawd…hamburger helper again.” Two different responses, one open to the smell of food, the other conditioned to reject the food.  Perception is subjective and sometimes prejudicial. Perception is filtered through the senses.

Perspective

Perspective is based on your point of view. Musashi has a perspective in our imaginary story. he has two potential issues that need avoiding: mud and cavalry. This is an experience speaking.

Musashi has an attitude about the battle, he doesn’t know how it is going to go. His experience gives him a perspective and insight as to what to avoid. Musashi’s commander may very well have a different view of what is about to happen than Musashi. Perspective is based on a person’s point of view, shaped by culture. experience and background.

Senses can be deceiving when experience can be predictive.

Key Takeaways:

1. Perspective and Perception are different
2. Experience can be useful if it is predictive

You may enjoy this post too: https://www.martialjournal.com/the-ground-warrior-mind/

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Kris Wilder

Kris Wilder is a martial artist, author, and life coach. He holds multiple black belts in various martial arts disciplines, including Goju-Ryu Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo. Kris is known for his deep understanding of martial arts and his ability to connect with students on a personal level.
He has authored several books on martial arts and self-defense, such as "The Way of Kata" and "The Little Black Book of Violence". Kris also runs the Wilder Karate Academy, where he teaches classes and conducts seminars.

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