Most people tend to be very one-sided in their thinking when it comes to martial arts. The general thought is that martial arts are no different than from any other sports. Many people believe that the main purpose of Kung Fu is to learn a series of kicks and punching techniques.
But there is an essential difference when it comes to martial arts: mental growth is just as important, if not more so, than physical growth. A martial arts practitioner is to be looked upon as a person in possession of a weapon. If the theoretical knowledge and the mental level are not synchronized with the technical knowledge, this causes a problem not only for the practitioner but also for the practitioner's surroundings. I hope that all students give this matter serious thought.
Today Kung Fu consists of both offensive and defensive movements, which are performed either with weapons or by bare-hand, in predetermined patterns. To grow and advance within this sport, one must train arduously for at least six hours a week or much more to really excel. Training in the morning can be somewhat more advantageous, since it is easier to amass tremendous self-discipline, without awareness of effort. It is easier to do this when you are thoroughly rested and awake. Your brain, still not fully conscious in this early hour, has a mystic control over the body. It will make you able to perform the techniques spontaneously, and with time, the movements will be as natural and instinctive as walking.
Each boxing-style has it's own form of regulated basic movements. Exercises within this category include Changchuan, Tai Chi Chuan, Nanchuan, Bsingyichuan, Fantzuchuan, Pikuachuan, and Pachichuan. The areas for unarmed Kung Fu techniques are even broader than the armed ones. There are hard and soft styles with a great deal of philosophy based on different conceptions of the world and of nature. There are also fighting techniques based upon the various characteristics of different animals, birds and insects. Siu Lung, a temple boxer who competed using movements of the tiger, dragon, leopard and snake, developed one of these styles.
One can use arms and legs for fighting and training, eyes for observation, waist for increasing power and legs to keep the opponent at distance. Yet it is hard to understand just how many movements the hands can perform. They can include:
- Strong or weak movements
- Fast or slow movements
- Circling surrounding forms
The most useful weapon is the foot, but its usage area is still limited. We must bear in mind that the feet support the body. They are made for forceful movements and are not as flexible or "elastic" as the arms. Balance may also be a problem (it is very important to have good balance). In order to kick, one must therefor change stance with the other foot. The eyes are used for registration of movements and actions. They have an informatory use that trigger reactions and also make our movements as precise as possible. Once one has trained diligently, it is then possible to detect a hostile move and intercept it before it reaches the target.
A force of 100 g can ward off a force of 500 g. We know this cannot be done with raw strength. The sight of an old man defeating several younger ones. What has speed to do with this?
While standing, act as a wave and rotate as a wheel. Concentrate on the weight on one leg. To make the amount of weight even between both legs is to make oneself immobile. An opponent can controls one who has trained for years, if one is still unable to control one's movements. One has not yet understood the faultiness of "double-weight". In order to understand this, one must come to terms with the understanding of Yin and Yang.
To follow is to pursue. To give in is to go along. Yang never leaves Yin, and Yin never leaves Yang. Once one's Yin and Yang naturally aid each other, understanding of inner strength is possible. After one has realized and understood one's inner strength, by practice, one will attain increased skill. Through the calm and serene gathering of knowledge, and by reflecting upon it, one will gradually increase self-trust.
Ultimately, Chinese Kung Fu is full of paradoxes and contrasts: short and long hand, soft and hard hand, straight and circular hand, etc.
Strength may be of various forms: inner-outer, borrowed-total. These forms can also be used in various ways. But one must understand that strength is different in practice and in knowledge. With a mixture of knowledge and training, one will attain strength. The combination of knowledge, training and strength lead to satisfactory results. When one knows one's own capacity, one can defeat problems in every situation. But it is important not to be lulled into a false sense of security. This only leads to one's own destruction. Vitality develops patience and temper. With vitality, it is possible to endure hard training sessions and with patience, real problems can be defeated.
Forget yourself and walk the road before others. We often overlook what is closest to us, in search for that which is far away.
It has been said that the smallest deviation leads one onto straying paths, therefore the practitioner should thoroughly study every movement and the possibilities that it brings. This is the theory of Kung Fu.
