Under the current restrictions we have been limited to weapons classes only, so suburi is a primary focus.
Actually, suburi has always been a primary focus, irrespective of the plague.
The main difference now, is that students are having to do more of it in class, rather than just pretending to listen to me when I tell them how important it is for them to do it as part of their daily homework.
Aside from the obvious physical benefits of muscle memory, control, precision, etcetera; suburi is the zazen of martial arts.
It is a way of stilling the mind.
A way to coordinate breath and movement.
A way to develop awareness and focus without engaging conscious thinking.
No matter how many shomen uchi one does, each one is the only one.
Without losing any of the physical budo, suburi, when approached correctly, transcends mundane practice to become a form of zen meditation.
It is an ideal way to begin the day as the sun rises.
清靜為天下正
– 老子
To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders.
– Lǎozi
Kai Cho