Two powerful frameworks: Paul’s six pieces of armor (Ephesians 6:10–18) and the six martial mindsets of Sensei Bill’s COMMONSENSEI philosophy.
The Sensei Says® Life Skills Curriculum is an award-winning educational program developed by Sensei Bill Viola Jr., a renowned martial artist and author based in the Pittsburgh area.
The curriculum integrates traditional martial arts training with character development, aiming to empower children to become a “Black Belt in Life®” by instilling essential life skills alongside physical techniques. Intellectual property: Gigo™ Ginger™ are trademark characters of SENSEI SAYS ®
Here’s how they align:
- Belt of Truth → Shoshin (Beginner’s Mind)
- Armor meaning: The belt holds everything together; truth grounds you in honesty.
- Mindset connection: Shoshin reminds us to approach training with openness, humility, and honesty—just as the belt marks the beginning of the martial journey. Truth and humility are the foundation of growth.
- Chest guard of Righteousness → Fudoshin (Immovable Mind)
- Armor meaning: Protects the heart with righteousness and moral clarity.
- Mindset connection: Fudoshin is the unshakable mind—remaining calm and steady under attack. Just as the breastplate guards the heart, righteousness keeps your spirit unmoved by fear, anger, or temptation.
- Feet Rooted in Peace → Heijoshin (Peaceful Mind)
- Armor meaning: Stability and readiness to move with peace.
- Mindset connection: Heijoshin is the balanced, “ordinary” mind—calm and prepared in daily life. Like proper footwork, it allows you to step forward in peace without being thrown off balance.
- Shield of Faith → Zanshin (Aware Mind)
- Armor meaning: Deflects fiery darts, symbolizing trust and vigilance.
- Mindset connection: Zanshin is awareness that remains after a technique—always alert, always guarding. Faith is like zanshin: a shield that stays active, ready to protect you even after the initial battle seems over.
- Helmet of Salvation → Mushin (Automatic)
- Armor meaning: Guards the mind against fear and doubt.
- Mindset connection: Mushin is freedom from distraction—no fear, no anger, no hesitation. Like the helmet, it protects your thoughts, allowing salvation and clarity to shield you from destructive mental attacks.
- Sword of the Spirit → Senshin (Enlightened Mind)
- Armor meaning: The sword (God’s Word) is the only offensive weapon—bringing light into darkness.
- Mindset connection: Senshin is the compassionate, enlightened mind that rises above self. The sword, guided by wisdom, is not just for combat but for truth, justice, and higher purpose.
Summary:
- Belt of Truth → Shoshin (Beginner’s Mind)
- Chest Guard of Righteousness → Fudoshin (Immovable Mind)
- Feet of Peace → Heijoshin (Everyday Mind)
- Shield of Faith → Zanshin (Remaining Mind)
- Helmet of Salvation → Mushin (No Mind)
- Sword of the Spirit → Senshin (Enlightened Mind)
Together, the Armor of God and the Six Mindsets form a spiritual-warrior’s blueprint: truth and humility to begin, righteousness and immovability to protect, peace and balance to stand, faith and vigilance to guard, salvation and clarity to steady the mind, and enlightened compassion to wield as a weapon.
