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| Contemplating Martial Arts |
| In traditional martial arts, a large number of different theories and techniques in offense and defense can be found in different families and different styles. However, every move invariably requires the human body as a tool to interpret, which consists of no more than the seven major weapons: fist, foot, finger, palm, elbow, shoulder and head. However creatively or uniquely the different moves may be named, you will realize their likeness once you have seen or heard enough of them. The simpler the moves, the stronger the likeness will you realize. Hence, I advocate that "One should use the basic premise of applying martial arts techniques that are lethal and for combat purposes, to study varying as well as similar characteristics in different families and styles, in order to appreciate the objective truth in combat. By the truth in combat I mean the fast-changing, often confusing, antagonistic state of confrontation, in which one side may outnumber the other, appear stronger than the other, or be equal to the other. Hence the combat characteristics of any martial arts family or style are a reflection of their experience in dealing with the truth in combat. It is important to note that this truth is irrespective of time, place or culture and has always been the same. The technical level of experience in handling it, however, does vary. |
| Take for instance Ving Tsun's classic moves such as Bong Sao, Tan Sao, Fok Sao, the straight punch, the Figure of Two (Goat Pinching) stance, etc. I agree that they are indeed classic Ving Tsun moves, but the true, underlying essence of these moves has often not been fully told. This can easily shift a practitioner's attention on to the shape and geometric lines of the move, away from the actual understanding of the kinetic requirements, the senses and the necessary factors in the actuation of the move. The discrepancy can be crucial. The danger is well illustrated in a martial arts adage which says, "He who learns from me lives; he who imitates me dies." I am of the belief that success in applying martial arts is all about intellectual understanding and spiritual appreciation, coupled with constant practice so that the physical appreciation can become increasingly accurate. Verbal descriptions are often limited to superficial narratives of concepts and principles, and are short of any real appreciation of the actual phenomenon or its sensations. It is akin to the act of drinking water: none other than you yourself know whether the water is hot or cold. If you do not put in the effort to acquire the real experience, the experience is not going to fall in love with you and come to you uninvited. There is a popular saying, "Having heard it a hundred times is no better than having seen it once", which is very true. But it is even truer in another which says, "What is seen is not necessarily the truth." It is only when you are able to let hundreds and thousands of people identify and appreciate your skills can you be said to have attained success of any substance. The depth of your achievement, however, is quite another matter. It should not be construed as the same appreciation as how your skills impress upon others. |
| Finally, I would like to share with you my ideas about the learning process in martial arts. The kinds of difficulties, obstacles, losses and gains, as well as setbacks, disappointments, confusions and awakenings on the mental front, are in fact no different to those encountered in any other pursuit of knowledge. This is so in abstract subjects such as philosophy, religion, art appreciation, etc, as in applied subjects such as martial arts, painting, singing, craftsmanship, writing, languages, etc. Those who are gifted are, undeniably, more likely to acquire and master more of the knowledge given sufficient help along the way. But it is also well proven that success or breakthrough in any field requires diligent training and research, as well as abilities to learn from mistakes and mature in the test of time. Luck is never to be counted upon. Many noteworthy examples can be found in books, on the Internet and other information media. |
| The pursuit of martial arts is a case in point. If martial arts is considered an applied discipline as I advocate, given techniques and training methods that are effective, then the key element to success is time. The practitioner must put in time to understand, familiarize and apply every basic skill and knowledge, and then continue to work on exercises, sparring practices and make technical adjustments according to a variety of requirements. It is through this refining, applying and correcting that an individual appreciation, vision as well as style are born. They are qualities that will stand the test of time. This is an indicator whether or not one has achieved success in martial arts. |
Author: Cliff Au-Yeung Kim Man
Date: Feb 25, 2008
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