common thing i see

[David Jamieson]

Here is something I have been all too familiar with in the time i have studied martial art.

truism 1- you must practice in order to do what you have been shown.

truism 2 - although self correction is doable if you understand underlying principles, it is near impossible if you do not.

truism 3 - no one has all the answers, different sources are more valuable than a single source.

truism 4- principles are more important than stylistic considerations.


Having noted these, I find it curious that people assume they 'know' something after they have only been shown that thing. When application is made and failure ensues, the assumption is that the application is incorrect rather than looking at the truth which is simply that without practice, you cannot properly apply.

truism 5- your kungfu is your responsibility. It lies in your hands and mind. You can be shown many things, you can be involved enough to come to an understanding of principles that will readily show themselves in application.

truism 6- kungfu is inside you. lessons are the chisel on the stone that is holding the sculpture within. If you don't apply the chisel, the stone remains a stone and the image is not brought forth.

comments? Other observations? Bueller?