THE KIHONGERI OF SHI-TAMAJUTSU

There are several kihongenri, or fundimental ideas, that help define what you are trying to accomplish as a practitioner of Shi-Tamajutsu. This also helps define what Shi-Tamajutsu is all about.

• Anzen -- Safety. This should take precidence over EVERYTHING. No matter what lessons you follow in Shi-Tamajutsu are useless if you are unsafe. Safety is your NUMBER ONE CONCERN, even if you are not practicing Shi-Tamajutsu.

• Tawamure -- Fun. Paintball is a game. It is supposed to be fun. If you're not having fun, what is the point of playing? Having fun is paramount and must be strived for. If you set out with the attitude of "I'm going to have fun today", you will not be dissapointed. You cannot always win, but you can always have fun. Think of the things that make paintball enjoyable. Concentrate on doing those things in every game. However, fun is like freedom, it is not limitless. Your fun ends when it effects onother player's fun. Shooting at full auto may be fun for you, but is it fun for the player on the receiving end?

• Ikuei -- Education. Playing is also a learning experience. I have been playing since 1984 and I still try to find something new to learn. Often times you will learn something about yourself.

• Giryou -- Skill. Using your skill and the knowledge you have aquired is also important. For years I did not apply myself and my personal skill suffered. I had to relearn many of the things that I knew, but did not implement. If you do not consciously make an effort to use your skill, it will atrophy like an unused muscle. You must also strive to attain perfection, even though you know perfection is impossible. Sometimes it is the journey, not the desitination, that is important.

• Kyouju -- Instruction. This could also be mentorship. Taking an inexperienced player under your wing and helping them improve their skills will also help you, but that is not the point. The point is to pass on your knowledge to help inexperienced players develop faster. I often think how quickly I advanced in my personal skills with the direct help of more expereinced players.

• Sossenkyoukou -- Setting the Example. All of the lessons in Shi-Tamajutsu are useless if you do not set the example. Setting a GOOD example will help other players. For instance: If you are a player who relies on firepower and technology, you are not setting a proper example.

• Amanjiru -- Acceptance. What happens, will happen, regardless of whether you want it to or not. Acceptance of what happens will help you learn and grow as a player.

• Ki, Teppou, Tai, Ichi -- Spirit, Gun, Body, One. The whole idea of Shi-Tamajutsu is to act without conscoius thought. This seems simple enough, but can only be attained by practice. There is a balnce between action and thought, but many things should be done without conscious effort. (This is covered in more detail in another Lesson.)