Just a question that crossed my mind. I read a few different postings from a few different Yahoo Martial Art/Fighting Art groups where the discussions become very lively yet they seem to focus solely on this technique and that, how it can be applied, what kata is what compared to what kata is what and so on.
Is it because one must transition into another level where the philosophical side becomes more important. I don't feel this because I reached 55 and I can still get out there with the best of them and train hard on the dojo floor, but; makes me wonder why?
Don't get me wrong because the lively discussions do provide for different perspectives on the physical form of practice. I always find value because I have incorporated several of these views into my practice.
Why do you think most threads are about "how" you do something vs. a meaning behind the "how"?
We humans live in at least two major worlds. The slam-bang beef-on-beef world of physical action is the easier one of the two, we strut and fret and punch and kick and hate and fear and sometimes (shudder) show affection. This psycho-slammo world is generally the entry level to the martial arts and where many folk seem to stay.
ReplyDeleteThe other major world is one of calm and open reflection, of understanding of the energetic principles of martial arts and of life through BEING the energy.The Samurai put it this way: "The best defense is total vulnerability" -- a foreign way of being to our psycho-slammo self, which insists on total invulnerability (which is a myth of course).
One of my favorite Zen koans is "Who is it carrying this corpse around?" The beef-on-beef martial artist can be considered to be doing corpse dancing. What you are calling the philosophical side is the "who is it."
Thanks for asking the question, Charles. The answering continues....
Thanks George, I like this particular view you use...great...
ReplyDelete