The Eureka Springs Community Center delves into Japanese culture this fall with two new series: Chado – the Way of Tea, and TODE – Okinawan Warrior Karate. How are these ancient disciplines helpful to our lives right now?
For TODE instructor, Rusty Baxter, and Chado instructor, Jennifer Huffman, the answer is simple. What each learned from decades-long involvement in their area of expertise, and studying with noted experts, made it clear that anyone could benefit from applying the timeless principles of these traditions.
As a tea practitioner and lifelong student of Chado, considered one of the three classical Japanese arts of refinement, Jennifer says the major lesson in the daily practice of tea brings a sense of transience and impermanence.
“The [Japanese] phrase for ‘one opportunity, one encounter’ is used frequently to remind students that each day, event, or situation is fleeting and will never be experienced in the same way again. In this aspect, practicing tea daily conditions the body to retain the movements, and the mind to recognize moments of contemplation and beauty in the world around them,” Jennifer explained.
“As an example, flowers are ‘arranged as though they would be in a field and spritzed with water as though morning dew has just fallen.’ This gesture is meant to bring a refreshing feeling to the person looking at the flowers; however, the flowers will never bloom or be arranged in the same manner again.
“Hosts consider their guests with minute details, respect and the highest level of integrity. In turn, the guest learns to recognize the host’s hard work bringing the guests together, therefore conveying overall feelings of peace and tranquility of mind; and brings sharper focus as Chado continues to be practiced.
“My greatest personal revelation was the way tea gave me tranquility to face all eventualities. I have been a part of several large events in the United States and Japan, and tranquility of mind creates another level of concentration/contemplation for me. As my mother has told me, I ‘become another person and am in another world when [I am] doing tea,’ thereby becoming more patient with life events,” Jennifer said.
She believes everyone can benefit from the Chado class “either through the new experiences or learning about a new culture. There are several tea styles for all life stages, from tabletop to tatami mat tea procedures – all dependent on someone’s constitution.”
Ethical combat
What might be considered the other end of the scale from tranquility – martial arts – also has its base in mental focus. In fact, the warrior Samurai class benefitted from learning the art of brewing matcha from Zen Buddhist monks in the 13th century, and found the tea could restore and prepare them mentally for battle. Drawing on their strict code of conduct, they developed elaborate details on how to brew and consume the tea. This is said to have become the Japanese tea ceremony of today.
Okinawan Warrior Karate (TODE) instructor, Rusty Baxter, says his class echoes some of the same benefits as practicing Chado; awareness and evaluation of surroundings and situations, and “response with the proper level of respect for ethics.”
Also referred to as “empty hand,” TODE skills also include regard for the attacker. “Students not only train to fight but how to avoid fight if possible. Fighting is the very last option. You learn avoidance thought processes and actions that help reduce situations calling for self-defense.
“There are two types of attacks: physical or emotional. Besides someone physically hitting you, an attacker can say things that are emotionally hurtful,” Rusty explained, and noted that he had gone back to college to get a second degree, this one in psychology, to give him a deeper understanding of attack and defense.
“There are not just physical benefits, but also emotional benefits such as self-discipline, self-control, respect of others, confidence and self-esteem. The purpose is to teach good people protection from bad people … so moral character is very important. Students also learn ethics and legal responsibility for this knowledge and ability.
“This is a life protection art concerned with protection for others as well as the attacker and considers the importance of everyone’s life. Students will learn the difference between confidence and arrogance, and how to be humble. If someone calls you a bad, hurtful name and you beat them up, that is assault, not self-defense,” Rusty added.
There will be an introductory TODE workshop on August 31 from 9–10 a.m. at ESCC. Classes begin Sept. 2 on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:30 – 6:30. Chado – the Way of Tea will be taught from 9 a.m. – noon for four Saturdays beginning on Sept. 21. For fees and more info go to eurekaspringscommunitycenter.org or call (479) 239-0029.