Ichi Go, Ichi E – One Moment, One Chance

“Ichi Go, Ichi E (一 期 一 会 )” is a Japanese idiom meaning, “one period, one meeting,” or “one moment, one chance.”  Originally derived from ceremonial Chado ( 茶道 ) , serving of tea, the concept is that the tea master takes care in making preparation for that one time gathering, which is to be cherished by the recipient.  Of course, the tea master may have many such gatherings, but no matter how many times the ceremonial tea is performed or served, no two occasions will be the same.  Thus, the idiom is a reminder that each moment being unique must be cherished as if it was the last time. 

Ichi Go Ichi E (一 期 一 会 ) can easily be relevant to martial arts in terms of one moment, one chance execution.  The stroke of the sword can determine life or death.  There is no do-over.  As in the case of Shodo (書道 ) , the art of calligraphy, once the brush stroke is made, there is no going back for a touch up.  Karate-ka’s performance of a kata, whether in competition or in the dojo, is for that moment only, which cannot be repeated the same way twice.  In kumite( 組手 ) , the opponent’s opening provides that one chance window for a strike or counterattack.  Any slight hesitation results in a missed opportunity. Ichi Go Ichi E (一 期 一 会 ) is also a reminder of being in the moment rather than looking ahead.   

One of the most common training in the dojo is called, “ippon kumite,” or one-step sparring.  Ippon kumite is a pre-arranged attack and counterattack performed by two karate-ka.  The attacker makes it known to the defender ahead of time where and with what technique he or she will be executing in a single one-step action.  The defender has one chance to block and/or shift to counter the attacker.  It is incumbent upon the attacker to go all out in executing the technique for that one chance one execution.  The sequence of movements in ippon kumite resembles an exercise and may seem unrealistic in terms or practicality in self-defense applications, but it is a teaching regiment to apply the idea of ichi go ichi e (一 期 一 会 ) in karate-do.  That singular moment is also a way of developing strong basic attack and counter actions.

From the budo ( 武道 ) perspective, ichi go ichi e (一 期 一 会 ) goes beyond the idea of defeat or victory in combat – it is about doing one’s best.  In the case of partner drills in the dojo, ippon kumite as an example, imagine the result if the attacker did not commit to doing his or her best and only attacking with half intensity.  The defender’s reaction will slow down to the level of the attacker and the defender will not benefit from this training.  The purpose of training with a partner is to learn from each other and by doing one’s best, both parties can improve. This then becomes the preparation for that one chance encounter that could be averted using proper reaction and response.  The Chado ( 茶道 ) master does not prepare tea haphazardly in hopes of getting a second chance, any more than a karate-ka confronts an assailant carelessly, since the assailant has only one intention – inflict harm.  Doing one’s best is all that is ever asked of in any endeavor in life.  The result may not always produce a win, but the approach should always be about not losing. Training with the mindset that you only have one chance to get it right enables the student to do their best.  If a mistake occurs in training, it is in the face of defeat is when a student learns the most.

Ichi go ichi e (一 期 一 会 ) is also about that one chance, one moment encounter of meeting someone.  The impressions from an initial meeting can become significant.  Some encounters plant seed that may take root in the future, while others could have life changing effect from that single moment. When such momentous meeting will or may occur is unknown.  Generally, the average person will apply such a mindset of once in a lifetime meeting with the chance to meet some celebrity – be it a movie star, producer, famous athlete, or CEO, in hopes of getting an opportunity to be noticed for whatever reason.  But genuine encounters can arise from all walks of life, with sometimes unpredictable outcome that are positive, i.e. meeting one’s soulmate, or friend for life, or inspiring others.  It becomes prudent to keep ichi go ichi e (一 期 一 会 ) in mind when meeting others for the first time. 

Meeting the karate-do sensei for the first time essentially plants the seed for what is to come for the student.  The sensei, for the most part, becomes the mentor and role model for the students to follow, even if that is not the intent of the sensei.  The impressionable student seeks the guidance of the sensei, sometimes to the point of blind obedience.  Hence it is incumbent upon the sensei to properly guide the student towards the correct path.   

Some encounters may not plant seed for the future, but it must be cherished for that moment since it will not occur again.  Just as no one can bring back time, ichi go ichi e (一 期 一 会 ) is a reminder to seize the present.  An example of a movie character that lived by this idiom is Forest Gump, the movie by the same name.  Forest Gump is portrayed as appreciating living for that moment and not thinking about what is to come.  Interestingly the movie, “Forest Gump” is titled, “Ichi Go Ichi E” in Japan.

As part of budo( 武道 ) , ichi go ichi e (一 期 一 会 ) extends beyond the martial aspect of simply taking the one chance opportunity to strike or defeat an opponent.  Training in karate- do is also about the opportunity to meet new partners whether in the dojo, seminar, or training camp environment.  As much as karate is an individual experience, it is also the catalyst for social interaction amongst people with common interest.  Karate has become an international event with tournaments and seminars, the chance meeting may be a once in a lifetime moment that must be cherished.