Long Term Strategy, Short Term Strategy

If we intend to develop the martial side of Taiji, it is as well to have some sort of basic plan or programme. In other words, a strategy. Over many years of training, study and practice, I have found that it is impossible to teach the martial. self defence aspect to anyone who has not practised the ‘form’ for any length of time. Based solely on observation, I came to realize, that, although it is not difficult to teach fighting techniques, cannon fist forms etc., to students, it is virtually impossible for those same students to develop speed, flow and power, without first having spent many hours practising ‘form’.

Spending hours ‘working out’ in a gym, or having a high grade in other martial arts counts for very little. In fact many so called ‘fit’ people (in the Western sense) are at a distinct disadvantage because of in-built tension, stiffness and an inability to relax.

So our first strategy should be in the practice of ‘form. The ‘form’ is the key to our foundation without which higher attainment is not possible. From day one of your training, may I humbly suggest you learn the following quote by heart... The quote is from Zen Master Sbunryu Suzuki Roshi “In the beginners mind are infinite possibilities, in the experts mind very few.”
Without the correct attitude to training nothing of any significance will be achieved.

Why is our attitude important? Well, it depends what you wish to attain. It’s very easy to play the martial art game.... Chasing grades, titles, recognition, reputation etc., all this nonsense can lead us away from the true understanding of the ‘internal arts’. So I would in a light hearted way suggest you throw all those certificates, sashes/belts titles (Sifti etc.) fancy outfits and photos in the bin. Or better still give it all away to an animal charity. 

If our motivation and approach is not open and honest from day one we will soon come up against our first negative obstacle.., and that is self delusion and just behind comes self importance. As Carlos Casteneda quotes in one of his many books ‘Self importance is the monster with three thousand heads’. By retaining the ‘beginners mind’ and developing awareness our training has a good chance to progress in the correct manner.

If we are not aware of the true nature of our minds, then we can practice Taiji all our lives and miss the target by as little as an inch.

It’s not just a matter of being aware of the teachings, instruction, fellow students or the environment, the most important thing is to be aware of ourselves. Our likes, dislikes, attachments and any negative attitudes that we harbour.

In fact any time that self-importance raises its head ... cut it off, there and then.

By continuing to watch the mind you will slowly come to be able to control it, otherwise however much you think you have learned, the moment there is a real challenge (not necessarily a physical attack) you could find yourself in deep trouble.

Only by remaining in a state of natural stillness will you retain the edge in any situation. This is a very serious point. Building up self-importance, self image, status and appearance is a big mistake. Because you are presenting to the world ‘something’ that ‘can ‘ be attacked. Furthermore ‘ego’ will always keep you in a state of anxiety, even at a very subtle level that you may not even notice.

Higher levels of attainment require a relaxed and spontaneous movement of mind, body, energy and spirit. A mind full of self concern, is restricted in many ways.

As we are considering the Martial Aspect here, then after ‘form’ the next thing to consider is ‘power’. In other words the mastery of Fa-jing. Why? Because Fa-jing is itself an awesome and devastating technique. Without the mastery of Fa-jing all ‘Internal’ arts are not only incomplete; they are not even a fighting system. So here is the ‘short’ term strategy of our training. Find an instructor and learn this most essential of techniques. Also keep in mind that not all instructors can express this ‘internal’ power - and others are only half-way there themselves.

We have found in our classes that three criterion must be met regarding Fa-jing ... It must be heard, it must be felt, it must be seen. 

It must be heard: Strikes on a focus mitt produces a sound, of course - very simple. The sound of a Fa-jing strike however has a certain quality - depending on the shape of the hand - open palm, frog palm, tiger paw etc. We should train ourselves to recognize this ‘sound’ and reproduce it time and time again.

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