Masakatsu means fire, Agatsu means water. These two elements are important in creating the world, just like the balance of yin and yang, the primordial forces that created the universe. We know we need both of them in balance in order to obtain optimal results. But what do the elements of fire and water represents, how do we benefit from them?
First, before using it, we must know what is the concept of the two elements. To explain them, we need to think wider , not through logic, but through spiritual thoughts, metaphorical thinking.
Firstly, Fire. Fire is a destructive force, and a source of energy. It gives life and destroy anything. In expressive terms, we consider fire as a feeling of anger, fury or fierce. In samurai's mindset, fire is the philosophical symbol of courage. Fire spread whenever there is something that it could burn, without it, fire will easily distinguished. Therefore, it is definited as a symbol of courage and forward-looking attitude, going towards a goal with perseverance. Fire is the inspiration that made our fighting spirit lively and active. The spirit of bravery and perseverance.
Water, the elaborative element of Tao. Water is the strongest because it is the weakest. Softness can overcome the hardness. Water is soft but strategic. When being stopped, water will find other ways to flow out. It is the flow that will corrode rocks. Water is needed for us and living things, it nurture the development of living things. Water move smoothly even with obstacles. In expressive term, water represent calmness. Water is the flow of flexibility and calmness.
With fire and water fused togther, both elements helps to empower the techniques. With fire, we have the eagerness to complete the whole techniques, and not do it in doubt or confusion. With water, we are able to be flexible in doing technique in different situation. Different situation is identified by understand the opponent's strength and weakness, the swiftest way is to avoid the strong and attack the weaker point.
O' Sensei once said, "True victory is Self-victory, the day of swift victory." Self refers to the understanding of self and the opponent. Through this, techniques csn be go smoothly and completely.
