Odaka Zen Warrior

Zen Warrior
Gentle Warrior

The Zen Warrior program is a transformational journey that combines physical and spiritual disciplines. It is structured into four steps:
• Experience (100 hours)
• Refine (10 hours)
• Deepen (10 hours)
• Mastering (10 hours)

Through this journey, practitioners gain a profound understanding of Zen, Yoga, and Martial Arts, integrating the principles of the Zen Warrior into their daily lives.

Although it is recommended to follow the steps in sequence for a harmonious progression, it is not mandatory to complete all 100 hours of the Experience phase before advancing to subsequent steps. This flexible approach allows practitioners to adapt the program to their individual needs and goals. The Refine, Deepen, and Mastering steps can be undertaken in any order, providing greater freedom in tailoring the path to personal preferences.

To begin teaching, a minimum of 50 cumulative hours from various steps in the program must be completed.

EXPERIENCE (100 hours)

The initial phase of the Zen Warrior path is a fascinating journey introducing practitioners to the fundamentals of Zen, Odaka Yoga, and Martial Arts. These 100 hours represent a unique opportunity to build the foundation for a transformative path, where the connection between body and mind leads to personal growth and awareness.

At the heart of this phase is the  Zen Beat, the essence and core of the Zen Warrior program. This foundational step is more than just movement; it is a powerful tool that unites various disciplines, allowing practitioners to express fluidity and creativity through the warrior’s dance.

The Zen  Beat is a practice that combines inner rhythm with the power of awareness, inspired by the free spirit and serene strength of the Zen warrior.

These 100 hours can be accumulated through various experiences: practical workshops, intensive retreats, in-person classes, and online lessons. During this phase, practitioners will learn essential physical and mental skills, tackle initial challenges in body and mind control, and develop greater fluidity in movement. Inner discipline becomes a central theme, while techniques to enhance focus and presence are explored.

REFINE (10 hours)

In this phase, practitioners delve into refining techniques, sharpening precision, and deepening physical and mental awareness. The three components of the Zen Warrior program Zen, Yoga, and Martial Arts are integrated on a profound level, creating synergy that enhances each practice.
• Zen Sphere
In the Zen Sphere, practices that nourish body and soul are explored, such as Kinhin, the meditative walk deeply rooted in Zen philosophy. This exercise encourages living fully in the present moment, transforming every step into an opportunity to release tension and achieve inner lightness.
This integrates with Suigetsu, a flow inspired by the image of the moon reflected on water—a Zen symbol of stillness and impermanence. This harmonious, fluid sequence becomes a channel for cultivating calm and balance, central values of Zen practice.
• Yoga Sphere
The Yoga Sphere transforms each session into a journey of discovery and wonder. Standing yoga sequences, both with and without elastic bands, offer a dynamic approach that not only enhances flexibility and stability but transforms physical strength into fluidity.
Using elastic bands during training activates deep muscles, increasing endurance and improving movement control. This approach helps tone the body, prevent injuries, and enhance the effectiveness of exercises by providing gradual tension to support and intensify every phase of physical work.
• Martial Arts Sphere
In exploring Martial Arts, the kihon (fundamentals) lies at the core of training. Practitioners engage in nine foundational techniques that form the basis of the Zen Warrior discipline. These movements are not merely gestures; they are tools for awareness and self-improvement.
Through kihon, practitioners refine precision, stability, and control qualities that strengthen mental resilience and the ability to maintain presence even during challenges. An essential aspect of this training is performing technique combinations in a single direction, encouraging the development of a continuous and focused energy flow while maintaining consistency and accuracy in every movement.

DEEPEN (10 hours)

The Deepen phase transforms Zen Warrior practice into a powerful tool for tackling daily challenges with renewed strength. In this phase, practitioners immerse themselves in the world of kata, or “forms,” mastering dynamic sequences of martial techniques performed barehanded.

Practicing kata in multiple directions enhances adaptability and the ability to respond to stimuli from various angles, training the body and mind to remain centered and ready. This multi-directional training prepares practitioners to handle the unexpected, much like the unpredictable challenges of everyday life.

MASTERING (10 hours)

The Mastering phase marks the culmination of the Zen Warrior path, where technical perfection merges with a deep mental attitude to create total mastery. Here, practitioners do not merely execute martial techniques with precision; they embody them, reflecting calmness, inner strength, and awareness in every gesture.

Each movement becomes a living expression of balance between body, mind, and spirit.

During these 10 hours, the focus will be on creating and mastering Kata with the Wooden Sword, a key element representing the soul of Bushido, the Way of the Warrior.

Core Topics:

• Rhythmic sequences: Yoga and Martial Arts
• Zen Philosophy
• Yoga Philosophy
• Bushido Philosophy: The Way of the Warrior
• The Three Movement Flows: Circular, Wave-like, and Spiral
• Maai – The Concept of Distance: Proprioception and Interoception
• Atemi Waza – Martial Arts Techniques
• Asanas – Yoga Postures
• Functional Movement
• Thera Band – Elastic Band Resistance Training