Tu'maninah

 In martial arts, mindfulness becomes a powerful tool for sharpening both body and mind. When a practitioner is fully present, every movement, breath, and stance is executed with clarity and intention rather than mechanical repetition. This heightened awareness allows one to sense internal states such as tension, fear, or hesitation and transform them into focus, calm, and precision.

Mindfulness cultivates self-control, helping a martial artist respond rather than react impulsively, and fostering a deeper understanding of personal strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, it turns training into a journey of self-mastery rather than just physical skill. Mindfulness helps us listen with full attention, making others feel genuinely heard. It allows us to pause before reacting, choosing calmer and wiser responses. By being aware of our own emotions, we can better empathize with the feelings of others.

For Muslims who are not keen on  mindfulness due to its buddhist undertones - it is worth stating that mindfulness is a universal concept  discussed in humanistic and behavorial psychology and stripped off its buddhist attributes - the closest parallel to mindfulness is tumaʾninah, the state of inner calm and tranquility of the heart that arises from presence with Allah. Just as mindfulness invites us to be fully aware of the present moment, tumaninah calls us to be still, focused, and at peace in our worship and daily life. In martial arts or interpersonal relations, practicing tu'maninah helps a person act with clarity, patience, and balance reflecting both inner strength and spiritual grounding. 

In hindsight,  "tuma’ninah" in jurus is that little pause when you settle or complete your stance,  1-2-3-4-5 breathe, and allow the movement to “land” with full presence before flowing into the next. It’s not just a break it is the moment where body, mind, and intention align, ensuring the technique carries balance, strength, and meaning. Without tuma’ninah, a jurus becomes rushed and empty; with it, every motion is alive, deliberate, and filled with inner calm. 

"Tidak tergopoh gapah dan gegabah dalam pergerakan kita. "

taken from my own post @Dunia Pencak Silat fb group