A Thought Experiment

At the Ryukyu Martial Arts Facebook page Sensei Ryan Parker posed a question that he put forth as a “Thought Experiment.” I follow that FB wall but I am not a member so this post that follows is here vs. being a comment on the wall. This type of analysis is necessary to achieve full understanding of what makes things tick. It came to my mind that to leave it at that level would result in an incomplete understanding of the concepts or principles involved. I am not saying that Parker Sensei was remiss of anything by asking the question. Rather I propose here that it might benefit all parties to create a fuller thought in this experiment. 

There are many excellent comments made at this entry of the FB Wall for Ryukyu Martial Arts and my comments that follow below are meant as an additional thought or point of view about this complex experiment. I am attempting to provide a more broad view of an atomistic theory. 

Parker Sensei placed the following snapshot on the wall with the statement as follows:

As thought experiment... which of these two men is built in a way that gives him greater physical stability? Given that, wouldn't it be true that the other man would require a wider base in order to have the same level of stability? So, should function (stability) dictate form (stance size)? Or should form remain immutable even if it means it compromising function?

Submitted on FB Wall of Ryukyu Martial Arts Facebook by Ryan Parker.

Here is my comment or thoughts on the subject:

Function in the end trumps everything. Function comes from applying the fundamental principles of martial systems. Function is not just about stability but rather a inter-connection of all the principles involved in any given moment. This makes such things difficult to explain in words and therefore supports and validates the teaching of the physical physically. Nothing is “Immutable” except for the fundamental principles of martial systems as involved in the application of the physiokinetic to techniques. It does not dampen the other two major principles of theory and philosophy but bonds all four into a fluid yet immutable wholehearted holistic whole or “one.” 

Physical stability is not governed simply by a physical size and if properly adhered to and applied the principles will compensate and adjust to what ever size a person is and it should do so in the moment of chaos called the fight. Atomistic studies are only one half the whole and it is when you complete the whole you start or begin to find adequate answers. 

The question I would start with is, what traits and principles can any one individual regardless of physical attributes can be combined to give that person a “longer line” than their adversary. It is about discovering what principles and how those principles are applied on an individual basis that really matters. Even the person on the right at any given moment find themselves facing an even larger or one with a greater physical presence regardless of size, weight and base, etc.

I would argue that their base without other factors may put one or the other at a disadvantage rather than a superior one. I would theorize this being the reason a much smaller judo-ka having the ability to throw larger, heavier opponent. If the smaller judo-ka, etc., has mastered the principles involved with greater proficiency then the larger or seemingly more stable adversary is going to hit the ground a lot harder and a lot faster regardless of their size and mass as associated with their base.