A martial artist that is not present is one that, when it comes to self-defense, suddenly freezes or moves erratically, has a shifting focus, and a blurred sense of time. This results from a mind that is either racing ahead or caught in a past moment, instead of remaining in a continuous series of present moments. A martial artist lacking presence is revealed through a loss of control, poor coordination, and the sensation of not being fully grounded.

Alternatively, a martial artist that is both present and has presence, reacts in an immediate and responsive manner with intentional movements, remains in the moment, is poised, resonates an energetic stillness and possesses a tangible confidence that encompasses and emanates from their entire being.

Needless to say, the development of a martial presence should be considered an essential component of any martial artist’s training regimen.

Based on my Presence Formula of P = a + d + e (where P = Presence; a = awareness; d = discipline; and e = energy), the exercises in the workshop are designed to increase awareness, improve discipline, and enhance energy, all essential elements in the development of a martial presence.

The workshop is open to martial artists of any style or discipline. No preparation is required as all exercises are done without the use of vocalisation or scripts.

Areas covered in the workshop include how to:

• Be present and have presence
• Turn your martial presence on and off
• Increase your focus and concentration
• Gain spatial confidence through the development of a 360-degree awareness
• Embed sensations/experiences into your ‘bodymind’
• Connect movements into one flowing action to remain continuously present
• Continue to project your martial presence energy after you have physically stopped moving
• Adapt your dojo (training space) to optimize your presence experience
• Embody the presence of training weapons and other equipment

The Butoh For Martial Artists workshop will increase your sensory, physical and spatial awareness, enhance psycho-physical discipline and develop your capacity to distribute, manipulate and project energy, making you confident that next time you are in a self-defense situation, competing in a tournament, or doing a grading test, that you are able to ‘be present’ and ‘have presence’.

Enquiries: info@butoh.com.au
Follow us @butohforactors for upcoming workshop dates.