Zen and Martial Arts

Zen Koan: Koans are sayings or instructions to disciples which appear on the surface to be illogical or impossible, but which have a deeper meaning underneath. To understand a koan it is necessary to understand the context. Zen represents one of the basic means by which people learn. Learning which depends almost entirely on the use of models, practice, and demonstration. Words are anathema to Zen because words distort.

This post is not geared toward an Okinawan view but rather one that stems from the Japanese influences. Note also that both Okinawa and Japan are greatly a part of the Chinese influence one directly and one not. At least as to admission.

Read the paragraph that starts this post. Isn't our practice and teachings such that they are of presenting a model, practicing that model, and by demonstration teaching the model? Simplistic but only meant to achieve an understanding by its brevity and association to the individuals current knowledge and understanding, a belief that could be amended by these thoughts. Zen like don't you think.

To understand a martial systems true nature you should understand its context. Not context in relation to our customs and culture and time but rather the customs, culture and time of the people who created the system. When I say system I am not saying Goju, Isshin or Shorin but rather system as in Chinese, Japanese and most important to my practice Okinawan. Styles to me are an individual interpretation of the system and System is of the culture, customs and time of the society that it comes from originally.

Does this make sense? Is it a question or an answer? Does it matter?