Do not copy their journey. Instead, seek what they sought.
And so it goes with martial arts training, learning, and teaching. What was it about the Shaolin model that made it so successful? Should we be satisfied with learning and memorizing every detail discussed, taught, and practiced back in the heyday of Chinese martial arts? Should we be focusing on every nuance and habit of those great masters of the Okinawan tradition? Certainly history and anthropology are approaches that allow us to build the present from the gains of the past. But sometimes the lessons of those disciplines are staring at us in the face, and we don't realize it. We become hypnotized by the detail, and we are blind to the picture. We memorize the methods, and become ignorant of the methodology. <BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote
- Comment of a green belt to a visiting instructorI envision the sanchin strike as a shot to the throat.
What has continued to fascinate me about the Shaolin model is their interest in developing a whole individual. They worked the entire breadth of the force continuum from empty-handed methods to the lethal weapons of their day. But technique wasn't the only training. There was the study of calligraphy and of medicine. So what was so significant about those aspects? The study of calligraphy was the equivalent of a general educational background. And the link between the healing and fighting arts represented the need in both domains to understand how the human body works.
Sometimes I am fascinated and awed by what previous generations understood about human structure and function. Surely the system of medicine of the Shaolin era was complex. The body was treated via methods of manipulation (acupuncture) and pharmacology (herbs). Some of these methods are still used today. Acupuncture has found its way into the "alternative" domain of western medicine, as have most osteopathic methods. Herbs have largely been replaced by modern pharmaceuticals, but there are still Chinese herbs in common use that have yet to be analyzed. The applications of herbs vs. Rx is actually quite similar. And then there is the whole domain of allopathic medicine, based on an understanding of anatomy and physiology.
Teaching "traditional" martial arts creates challenges. On the one hand, there is much information that is timeless. On the other hand, some of what gets passed down is anachronistic when considering the advancements in what we know about the human body. It isn't just a matter of how we do kyu kumite vs. what we do in the sparring ring, or the street for that matter. Athleticism and movement remain largely a common denominator. The true cutting edge of an art lies in the optimal method of expression that is relevant to the environment.
I have often wondered what it would be like if we tried to recreate that Shaolin model. Would we have people painting calligraphy and learning about Yin/Yang and the cycles of the elements? I don't think so...unless we held the kinds of fascinations (and aversions) equivalent to those shared by the Amish. Instead, I would imagine we would have something like (or even part of) a university environment where "experts" (masters, professors, instructors, coaches...) could teach both the fundamentals and the cutting-edge applications. Yes, there would be the need for the all-important laboratory classes and even work/study (practicing kata, sparring, doing simulation exercises). We might also consider methods (and toys
) employed by the modern armed forces. But what else would be part of the curriculum? How about the following:* Reading/writing skills
* Sciences (physics, biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, pharmacology...)
* Communication classes
* Classes in teaching methods
* Etc.
Or...maybe one could consider integration with an existing academic setting. How valuable is a general education to a good athlete? More than many would admit. Just look at how some (not all) NBA folks who skipped college have screwed up their lives. What about a degree in some medical field (MD, RN, NP, PA, etc.)? What about a sports medicine or physical trainer degree?
Now...compare that to what we have today, with people floating through opportunities in life as if undergoing Brownian movement. Some of it works. Sometimes...I see opportunities.
- Bill
[This message has been edited by Bill Glasheen (edited February 21, 2001).]
