Something New Every Day

It is amazing that I can learn something absolutely new and still see that it was there all along but because I didn't have some frame of reference I failed to see it in that particular light. I say particular light because I feel we all know some of this stuff yet fail to bring it to the forefront of our minds because that reference point fails to surface and point the way.

Today, I see something that I find "critical" to the practice of martial arts, any art. That one thing that seems to provide a connection to all things but tends to fall away because of many factors of which one is simply not seeing it for the shadow we ourselves cast over it.

Let me say that all martial arts are good. They all serve a purpose. The specifics of a system are more in line with creating its unique personality that tends to fit individual personalities. I like Okinawan Isshinryu because the aspects unique to that system speak to me individually. You might practice Kung Fu, one of its many flavors.

So, what are the unifying aspects of all martial arts that connect us all universally? One is basics, the introduction to the system. This does not change. The next are the fundamentals of martial systems, they also do not change. Lastly, for now anyway, are the principles of the martial arts, they also don't change. I can add, for this moment till I study it a bit more, that both principles and fundamentals meet or converge.

I will quote Sensei Steven L. Pearlman from his book, "The Book of Martial Power." In chapter one, "The Nature and Importance of Principles," he gives a definition as follows:

Principle
- A "fundamental" law or truth upon which other techniques and actions are based;
- The natural way a thing [such as the human body] operates; and
- A philosophical or moral tenet.

Note: See bibliography below and get a copy, well worth the cost and effort.

Body mechanics, fundamental that transcends a particular system and encompasses all of them.
Momentum, fundamental that transcends a particular system and encompasses all of them.

Just two samples of what I see as both fundamental and a principle as defined above. As he explains this is the principles that allow all the different and varying systems practiced doable as long as one takes the time to learn the principles/fundamentals that give the system its "oomph!"

So, because I seek knowledge from any and all sources. Because I just happened to read the "Mokuren Dojo Blog." Because Patrick Parker Sensei decided to write posts on this books content I found another library addition that helps be believe and strive to open my mind and allow many new concepts and things, although they were always there, by turning on another light to illuminate the many paths we have available in our pursuit of the way or karate-do for me.

Even in the many factions of Isshinryu, regardless of beliefs and arguments that differentiate them, these truths, principles, remain identical in all factions, tribes, or systems; your choice of naming.

Bibliography:
Perlman, Steven J. "The Book of Martial Power: The Universal Guide to the Combative Arts." New York. The Overlook Press. 2006.

Caveat: I reserve the right to be incorrect on this so expect me to change as I read and go on... ;-)