Attitude in Martial Arts

John Cheung — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:01:45 +0000

There are many views as to how a Martial Artist should behave towards his/her chosen Art. In general, the Art is usually enjoyed by the practitioner. The level of enjoyment will depend on the individual’s personality. For someone who is mainly like full contact sparring, the sweat, the adrenaline rush, the physical confrontation can be quite self satisfying. By the same token, for someone who enjoy the exact technical execution of a move, the gracefulness, the agility, the timing can also be quite fulfilling. The former have the experiences and courage to deal with confrontation, but may lacked control of one’s ability which can harms others too severely and unnecessarily. This group of people usually big in stature, tall and muscular. Due to their size( a natural force to be reckon with), techniques to them may seem irrelevant, and most can rely on their physical might to get out of a situation. It is very rare to have an opponent of the same size in real life, except in competition or in a training environment. Those of medium or small built may well found that sparing is what they are looking for, though it is in the minority. Because of the disadvantage in size, he/she has to be more aggressive, more accurate and very quick to overcome their bigger opponent. This is where personality comes in : if an individual is of an aggressive nature or had a lot of fights in the past, he/she is more likely to win a confrontation regardless whether the person is a Martial Artist or not; unless his/her opponent is also a well experienced fighter and equipped with a thorough knowledge of the Art( e.g. Wing Chun). If rely on using strength and size against someone who is far more smaller than you and do so frequently. There is a danger that you can become a Bully, which contravene the essence of learning Martial Art( Kung Fu).

The latter part, the ‘scholar’ type, have all the know-how, but lack the situation to face fear or the experiences in simulated or actual combat. These people are generally small or medium built with timid personality.Although, they are far better technician but may not have the required confidence to execute an effective move if situation arises( i.e. he/she freezes). They are more gentle and less aggressive, but that does not mean they are weak or non courageous. They just need to train up the confidence more. Therefore, it is necessary to do some light sparing occasionally to get use to the fear.

People who do a lot of sparring, but ignore the forms completely, tend to become more aggressive, after each battle (simulated or otherwise) and may become arrogant, eventually alienating their friends and class mates without realising it. Though, they will attract the same crowd of people with the same arrogance within their own circle. When one day, he/she gets old, no more sparring! No more Martial Art. Probably, not many friends left. The up side is that they can handle fear better.

On the other hand, the ‘scholar’ type got all the know-how, but never done any simulated or actual combat. However, he/she would gain a lot of friends or more sociable with people just by being modest, humble and helpful. As for the lack of combative application, eventually the practitioner will question the technique’s effectiveness. And, if it turn out to be flaw(i.e. not tested in combat scenario), then it will harms his/her reputation as a season Martial Artist; and all the effort in building one’s reputation can be destroyed in an instant !

So. it seem too much or too little of one thing is NOT good. BOTH plays a part. Everything in moderation and well balance is the key to success.

Cambridge Wing Chun

Attitude in Martial Arts