PHILOSOPHY · 心 · KOKORO
Manifesto.
Tenkara is not just a technique. It’s a philosophy. Ten principles for fishing differently — and perhaps living differently.
TEN PRINCIPLES · 十戒 · JUKKAI
The tenkara code.
- 01
One rod, one line, one kebari.
Radical simplicity is not a constraint — it’s liberation.
- 02
Read the water, not the gear.
The river holds all the answers. Gear only executes them.
- 03
The river dictates the rhythm.
Not the weather, not the schedule, not the numbered goal. The river knows when it wants to give.
- 04
The fish is the guest.
We are in its home. Catch-and-release by default. Keep only what you will truly eat.
- 05
Wabi-sabi: the beauty of imperfection.
The poorly tied kebari that catches the most beautiful trout. The rainy outing that stays forever etched.
- 06
Mushin: the mind without mind.
While casting, don’t think about the cast. During the drift, don’t think about the fish. Just be.
- 07
Mottainai: waste nothing.
A well-maintained rod lasts 30 years. A repaired kebari is worth more than a new one thrown away.
- 08
Ichigo ichie: each outing is unique.
This water, this light, this moment — will never return. Be there.
- 09
The sensei is the water itself.
The best masters teach little. They show. And then they let the river finish the work.
- 10
Art lies in detachment.
Catch 20 fish and learn nothing. Come home empty-handed and understand everything. The fish is just a pretext.
REFLECTION · 反省 · HANSEI
What kind of tenkara angler are you?
Five short questions. No right answer. At the end, your profile among four archetypes inspired by Japanese masters.
Une journée parfaite à la rivière, c'est avant tout :
Devant un poisson refusant tout, vous :
Votre boîte de kebari contient :
Le matériel idéal selon vous :
À la fin d'une saison, vous mesurez votre progrès en :
«
Tenkara doesn’t teach you to fish: it teaches you to see.
— Yuzo Sebata, 瀬畑 雄三
A short letter, every Sunday morning.
Tenkara, Ten Chi and the rivers of Quebec: a calm, useful read. When you subscribe, the Beginner's Guide (12 pages) is yours. Free, no spam, unsubscribe anytime.
