Each season has a respective pace, kōan (公案) theme, footwork, breathing, kiai, and other features reminiscent of the perceived characteristics of that season. Spring has waza which are executed in a smooth and fast manner, accompanied by loud kiai. The kōan of spring is "eight-directions explosive-blast" which can be translated as "all directions". Summer has movements that are explosive and intense. The kōan of summer is "one-sword both-cut" which can be translated as "cutting your ego". Autumn has a varied pace, symbolizing change. The kōan of autumn is "right-turn left-turn" which can be translated as "times of change". Winter movements are slow, reserved but firm and efficient. This is even more accentuated on the footwork of each season. The kōan of winter is "long-short one-body". The following example is an illustration of this principle. Imagine a situation where one person has a yari (槍) or naginata (長刀 or 薙刀), which stands for long, and the other a has sword, which stands for short, but the situation is as such that there is no more discussion, any discussion at this point would be superfluous. This metaphor tries to explain the meaning behind this kōan that in this season "life and death are one".