Classical Vs Romantic

I had a conversation with one of my students this week concerning a romantic vs classical approach to training. The more I thought about things my understanding of wuji (without extremes) and its value grew. I realize that when I am applying wu wei (non-striving), my training delves back and forth between a romantic and classical approach. Wu wei keeps my training organically fresh while wuji ensures whatever approach I take, my training is sustainable over the long term.

A few years back, one of my black belts submitted an assignment to me that analyzed the force vectors behind a thrust punch. There were graphs and formulas that clearly defined the value behind technique. I remember the exact words that went through my head when I read this dissertation - “Jeff’s fist go ungh!” Clearly I was in a romantic phase while my student was in a classical phase. I remember at the time that I could not comprehend any value in extreme analysis. My body was working in perfect harmony to deliver its payload in the form of my fist to a face. Neither fist or face cared that force equals mass times acceleration. Both just cared about the result. Don’t think, just do.

This week I realized that I have come full circle. I am a staunch believer in the importance of zen in kung fu and the role it plays in mastery. Staying in the present moment helps one to move purely without interference from logical thought or emotion. Yet staying in the moment makes one keenly aware of specifics and intricacies. With this awareness a deeper understanding of a technique follows. Force vectors and balance points become defined as the purely romantic awareness is fortified by the classical understanding.

“The only Zen you find on tops of mountains is the Zen you bring there.” - Robert M. Pirsig (b. 1928)

Right Effort

The never-ending quest to streamline and idealize our school’s curriculum continues to dominate my thoughts. Each time the curriculum is evaluated, the more convinced I am of its efficacy and the more certain I am that reform is required in how the curriculum is approached, not the curriculum itself. Teaching a subject that is based upon eastern philosophies to westerners is a challenge. Calm mindfulness tends to not even be an afterthought in a society where most are programmed to consume as much as they can as fast as they can. There will always be those who are more concerned with the rank than the skill the rank represents.

SRKF’s curriculum is a tool to help our students achieve an ideal. Effort is the key but effort does not guarantee skill. Only mindful application of effort toward a conscious ideal will generate results. The goal must always be to acquire the skill. Skill makes a rank irrelevant.

“A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” - Lau Tzu (604 - 531 BC)

Humanity

"Richard Renaldi Shows us humanity as it could be, as most of us as wish it would be."

How cool is this?

Sifu Peter McBurney

Our Chinese New Year banquet last night left me with my usual feelings of relief and regret. The night represented the culmination of years of dedication, climaxing with two months of relentless rehearsals and practice. Getting that monkey off my back brings a relief to my spirit but there can be no doubt that the months-long focus that last night brought to my life will be missed. The sense of accomplishment and camaraderie that comes from something like this is life changing.

My feelings of gratitude are never more intense than they are after an event like last night. I am so lucky to have so many amazing, good people in my life and I am humbled by the dedication and drive that I get to witness everyday. I do recognize how fortunate I am.

Last night’s event did not go without a few hiccups. I guess that is to be expected when there are so many unknowns that come into play with a new venue. One hiccup that is weighing heavily on my mind was my failure to announce Sifu Peter McBurney’s promotion to 3rd Degree Black Belt. Sifu McBurney was unable to attend the banquet so the announcement completely slipped my mind.

Peter McBurney began training in Shotokan Karate in Ottawa many years before our school here even existed and he is one of the most skilled and dedicated martial artists that I have ever come across. Peter does not say much as he prefers to do most of his talking with his actions. He is a formidable opponent on the mats and a valued friend to all who earn his respect. For me to be able to call him my student is something I will always be proud of.

“It is good to have an end to journey towards but it is the journey that matters in the end.” - Ursula K. Le Guin (b. 1929)