SENJO   

Senjo is a battlefield strategy taken from the writings of Musashi and the Book of Five Rings. Zen Do Kai utilizes the strategy as a concept for the personal development of student character. Each position denoted within the battlefield represents a different personality or character trait. These traits we may already possess or they may be ideals that we wish to develop.

The Shogun comprises all the colours mixed together. This position is the pinnacle of student achievement. It represents mastery of the self and surroundings. At either side of the Shogun is the first and second house - named this way from Japanese history. The Shogun's closest generals resided in these houses depending on who was first or second in line of succession.

Forming a triangle around the Shogun are three pivotal warriors:

• Yamabushi (spiritual - Mountain warrior) - for senjo this is the self controlled person represented by the colour blue;

• Hatamoto (most trusted one) - this person represents the Shogun's most trusted person. At the apex of the triangle immediately behind the Shogun and represented by the colour yellow. People who follow this path are revered as the loyal and trustworthy;

• Yakuza (fighting warrior) - person with the most aggressive personality and fighting skill represented by the colour red.

The primary colours represented in the triangle form the basis for the other colours and hence other character traits of senjo.

Circling the triangle are the eight essential character traits of the samurai warrior:

• Reshiki (etiquette)
• Kokkishin (self control)
• Kandai (benevolence)
• Seijitsu (truth)
• Chuijitsu (loyalty)
• Meiyo (honour)
• Adashi-koto (justice)
• Yuuki (courage)