Simplicity (Asian) vs. Complexity (Western)

We strive to achieve a level of proficiency in Asian Fighting Arts, specifically Okinawan for Isshinryu, by assimilating the esoteric of that study, i.e. Zen, etc. which advocates simplicity while at the same time we take that simplicity and convert it into a complexity of issues, idea's and views. Why is that?

Well, first if you compare Asian to Western you find "opposites." For instance, we Americans cut with a knife on the push stroke as we push the blade away from us and into the object. The Asians cut on the pull stroke as they pull toward their center and into the object.

I wish I knew the "why" our minds in Western culture is "totally the opposite" of that of say Okinawan's or Japanese, etc. but that is something I have a feeling deals with the culture, customs, and beliefs of our separate environments.

Take not that the differences begin as to our locations. We are absolutely on opposite sides of the Earth. If we look at the Tai Chi symbol and superimpose it over the earth we might find that the Yang and Yin are covering their respective area's of Asia and America, etc., close anyway. Maybe this is so because the world needs those opposites to balance itself out, i.e. I Ching and Yang-Yin, etc.

Then we must ask the question, can we truly and fully understand the Asian view of the fighting arts? If not, can a fundamental understanding that influences our own and unique view/practice of the fighting arts be beneficial to our way?

An important aspect of our studies, i.e. the mental training necessary as fundamentals, must take into consideration that what we may think as we study could be perceptively the opposite of what we should be thinking. Maybe when we "think" we understand aspects of Asian practices and training that we should flip that thought over to its exact opposite before we assume our thought or view is correct or incorrect.

Even if this is not true it is a means of open thought that could lead to a better understanding of our practice and life. Maybe this is a fundamental process of mental training that truly will teach us to think like the other guy if that is even possible with out a personally experienced view that the mind can access. If you believe in something much greater such as Tao then maybe it opens a door that allows you to change the mind/brain so it can understand the opposite views of the Asian mind.