Those on the path of martial art would agree, the discipline is unusual in its offering; the practice is a continual process of metamorphosis it offers to re-make the practitioner in a Way like no other, turning him into – the real man.
Some years ago in Manila, Philippines I remember falling into conversation with Mandala Tim Waid of the Pekiti Tirsia Kali system; we discussed how empowering the training methods we were involved in are, and how students coming to the path had an ever increasing number of distractions which held them on the surface of self-discovery. We also talked over the dilution of training comprehension, as a direct consequence of distortion in the field of human relationships.
The choice to live life by the central comprehension – that it is man’s lust for life that drives him on – is a ground breaking realization for any practitioner and surely this is the choice that must first be Mastered. To put this in concise language, I offer a clip from an old clinical anatomy book of mine: “Its great importance means no excuse need be offered for dealing with the heart in considerable detail.”.
To imagine the Ancient Warriors have placed the gift of their training Wisdom before us, and all to often these gems of Wisdom are relegated to the level of mere physical or psychological function. Here, I recall my original Thai Boxing Master drumming into me: “Experience is Knowledge, Knowledge is Wisdom, and Wisdom is Power!” In turning to the simple honesty and practicality of martial art training, we step onto that path of no return ~ the pursuit of skill in Life.
“Take heart.”
I feel that the reason most people fall off the fore-mentioned path is an unwillingness to face the fear, pain, shame, and humility it takes to look at one’s self and accept themselves for who they are, and still maintain a desire to pursue the “skill in life” and the fear that comes with making a commitment to the learning which is a life long practice. Because once you’re on it, there really is no looking back. For when you step away from it all that is felt is a void internally that is trying to guide you back to the source that will teach you everything you need to know about yourself and the world around you – kung fu!