Knowledge vs Understanding

Question:

Is it better to know 1000 applications or understand 10 applications?

Application=Defence vs an attack

Not really a fair question,.. exposing yourself to as many applications as possible opens your mind to other possibilities. Fully understanding 10 applications opens your mind to the body mechanics, the why and the how of the applications.

Both are important.

Right now, I am reviewing all the “Q” belt applications, defences and techniques from our curriculum. When I was grading for my black belt I memorized them all with some understanding but never with enough attention. This time, I am approaching them from the “why” and “how” perspective. I welcome the idea of revisiting the simplest moves for pure technique.

Its interesting to see how I read the application written in the curriculum and how I interpret it. Some of the curriculum I have not visited for awhile, admittedly I have forgotten plenty of detail, I find myself questioning each step. However, this is a good thing.

If something is not efficient or does not flow correctly, chances are, I am not executing the application correctly. This is my exercise in recognition and my exercise to imagine a correct reaction.

Nothing is definitively prescriptive, there can always be some variations in our responses because the attacker may or may not react the way we anticipate but I think the curriculum is built on the most probable response from our opponent.

My goal is not to re-memorize this time but to slow things down, pay attention to detail and fully understand the body mechanics of each move.

Thankfully, I have the I Ho Chuan team to source from when practicing and they can help guide me back to the intention of the application as written in the curriculum.

Knowledge can be an accumulation of information that can get lost over time but Understanding can never be forgotten.

Personal Challenge

There has not been the transformation that I was hoping for this year, as of yet.

 Maybe transformation is not a good word.

Perhaps, realization would be a better description.

I seek a clearer understanding of the martial arts. Its coming, but slowly.

In order to grade for a third degree, I have an expectation of myself that has to be in place before I can ask to be assessed let alone test.

At the core of my own expectations is the concept of recognizing and reacting.

I believe, a full understanding of the fundamentals of martial arts will help make an individual adaptable to any situation. There are common principles between different techniques, common principles between different styles of martial arts. It is those common principles I need to recognize and capture.

Becoming adaptable to anything placed before you means you need to recognize the situation then react accordingly and in a timely fashion for the outcome you want not what others want.

This applies not only to an application, technique or sparring scenario but in true martial arts fashion to our life challenges as well.

Recognizing the fundamentals quickly is where my personal challenge rests.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta ,Canada

A Hidden Gem

Sihing Choy's blog has prompted me to post in regards to the early morning class.
For whatever reason I had overlooked this opportunity, not realizing its a hidden gem.
Albeit is rather early in the moring for some folks, once you get the habit started its hard to stop.
Working on your Kung Fu while the rest of the world is just thinking of getting to their morning coffee is an accomplishment in itself but the feeling of putting in an hours worth before the day has started is fantastic.
Not only that, but the two Sifus... Sifu Bryant and Kichko, are two instructors that are in tune with their students. I have watched how they show great empathy for where the students are at and pay particular attention to what the students need to practice on. The small class lends itself to great one on one instruction from the Black Belts.

|So there you go...a shameless plug to encourage those who have thought about it, if it works for you, join in...lots of room, lots of attention and lots of fun!

Plugged In

The month of July is gone.

I have been pretty much absent from the Kwoon from being out of town so much this month.

The challenge is always to stay true to your martial arts training and philosophies when you are away. Its tough when you are one and surrounded by many who may not get what you are about or why you seem to "obsess about that stuff" as it was put to me.

When I get the chance I check in with Kwoon talk, blogs and the I Ho Chuan site. 

There is no question this keeps me in the loop with my fellow students, the school, and team mates.

No question I source from this to rejuvenate and motivate myself when on the road.

Its not the same as being in class or in the community but believe me, it goes a long way until I get back home.

It makes me feel like I am still plugged in.

Where am I

Back from Whitehorse this weekend.

I enjoy Whitehorse, I try and take time out to visit some of the historical sites there.

Lots of Canadian history. I think we have it easy compared to what some families had to go through back then but that’s another blog all together.

Where am I…

...that is the theme for the I Ho Chuan team(unintentional rhyme).

My sai form has been one of frustration. About 6 weeks ago, it was to the point, where I had to put them down.

I have been trying to create a form that is worthy of a demo but has meaning and originality. It is quite apparent to me now that this is really a 5 year project the way I envision it and trying to cram it into 6 months has only left me annoyed and resentful.

It was Mr. Chervenka that suggested I try throwing the knives outside…so  I did.

SHAZAM, I say!

Suddenly its fun again. Creativity is back and I can see how the weapon really is a weapon and not something I am twirly around like a fool.

I am certainly not finished the form, it is a long process that will take years to perfect and master but thanks to an I Ho Chuan  teammate I have been pushed forward again.

Thanks to the I Ho Chuan philosophy I am better than I was and I feel the wheels moving again.

But not so fast…not sure if it was overdoing the sai form, push ups or age, both my deltoid muscles have been screaming in pain to the point of hindering further practice.  Ice,heat and rest have not helped so I am going to have to seek other resolution, seems like something always pops up. If motivation is gone the body is able when the body breaks down the motivation is back on line.

Looking to make motivation and the physical ability come on line at the same time, then look out!

When I ask myself "Where am I at this point of the year" I don't mean to sound angry , it is not anger but frustration with where I thought I should be.

A visit with my Aunt put things in perspective again...its not a race against time, time always wins but its the challenge to savour time that counts.

JC Masterson, Silent River  Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Make it Happen

I don't have much time to write, I'm packing again. This time its to Whitehorse and its work. I will be gone for a week and to be honest I am wishing  I was back already.
As much as I try to plan ahead and anticipate the challenges of training away from home, motivation is always the biggest hurdle.
Whether its holidays or work  its the influence and temptation of the other people you have to manage.
By this I mean, its easier just to go along with the others as opposed to finding the time to get some training in.
Sometimes the work doesn't end till late in the night and exhaustion sets in, coworkers want you to come out to the bar after work, holidays with family...they like to  load you up with too much food and sometimes you find yourself  three days away from the last time you did any training.
(see how I like to blame other people for my own laziness!)

Anyways, the plan is to get up early, do what I can in the hotel or surrounding trails and make it happen.

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada

Downward Dogs and Triangle Chokes

I spent over a week in Christina Lake,BC with my family and extended family members.

It was  loads of fun... lots of skiing, surfing, tubing, biking and hiking.

I spent time with my sister who is big into yoga, she has told me before the benefits

of yoga and how it will prevent injury in the other activities (martial arts) I take part in.

It really hit home this week, how yoga really compliments grappling. This week we compared yoga moves and poses with grappling drills and its quite easy to see the relationship.

I thought that was pretty cool and it just encourages me more to keep up with the yoga stuff. Patience is probably what I need the most however, I have trouble staying in a pose for more than 10 seconds. 

Yoga is an old practice and although quite trendy right now(everybody seems to be doing it) I see there is more to it then simply holding an awkward position. My sister has aspirations of instructing yoga and she embraces all aspects of the art. 

I will try and listen to her more, especially if it improves my triangle choke!

JC Masterson, Silent River Kung Fu, Alberta, Canada