Composure

平常心 Heijoshin (Peace of Mind)

In a real life conflict the ability to maintain an un-agitated mind is of the upmost importance. What good is Budo practice, if we fail to maintain composure under pressure. Sometimes we lose our composure when it matters the most like in a shiai. As we become engaged in a conflict it is important to keep breath rate under control, allowing our mind to make clearer and faster decisions. We try not to lose our composure in highly stressful situation (

easier said than done of course). Another way to express this is 'Mizu no Kokoro' 水の心. A mind like a calm body of water without ripples, yet we can sense and handle ripples created by our opponent without becoming disturbed.