Instruction Guide to English Learners

I explain some Japanese words I use in the class.

Tanden 丹田

The reservoir of the fundamental vital energy, which is located under the navel. When Tanden is full of energy, your mind and body is under the control.  There are three tandens in the body, which are the upper, middle, and the lower tandens.  Of these the lowest one is the most important and this is just called Tanden.  To find it, put both thumbs at the navel and make a triangle with both forefingers.  The centre of the triangle is the core of Tanden.  Tanden is the lowest also the centre of the gravity.  The centre of the body is the navel, but the centre of gravity is located slightly lower than the navel because of the weight of the head. With Tanden your physical movement becomes effective and beautiful.

Danchu 壇中

This is the middle Tanden, located at the breastbone.  Imagine there is a small balloon like a ping pong ball behind the breastbone.  This controls your sympathy and passion.  Danchu works with the support of Tanden.  With a strong Danchu you will influence your surrounding people in a good manner. You will be popular and can give energy to your friends. You will have an excellent communication skill and have a good human relationship. 

The Third Eye 第三の目

This is the upper Tanden, located in the deep part of the middle of eyebrow.  This controls your instinct and power of imagination.  With the strong third eye, you will foresee the action of the other party, and you will be able to make an instant decision making.       

Yusen 湧泉

One of the entrances of energy, located in the centre of the horizontal arch of the sole.  Ki energy entered from here goes through the ankles, knees, hip joints and reaches the Tanden.

Roukyu 労丘

One of the energy entrances, located in the centre of palm.  To find it bend the middle finger and what the finger tip touches is the Roukyu.  Ki energy entered from here goes through the wrist, elbow, shoulder, Danchu, Solar Plexus, Navel, and reaches Tanden.

Hyakue 百会

One of the energy entrances, located at the top of the head or the crown. The energy entered from here travels through the central axis of the head and the neck and reaches Daanchu.  After Danchu energy further travels down to Tanden.