Asian Sources

In martial arts the Western mind gives a good deal of credence toward sources that come from Asian sources. Because martial arts come from and have in-depth historical history the westerner has come to rely on the “Asian experts.” In a nutshell they give Asian sources a level of acceptance and validation without truly making sure that the sources are being factual, straightforward and truthful. 

It is a bit like giving a lot of credence to history as it is written in any culture or society. When you are given the quote that history is always written by the victors then you have to wonder, is that history true and accurate or simply the viewpoint, perception and beliefs of those who conquered that society and so on. Makes me wonder. 

In my past posts I have addressed a perception that a lot of what westerners have gathered regarding martial arts may be flawed by the actual cultural system that the source lives under. As I pointed out by my studies often Asians when asked and don’t answer are faced with the western minds need for answer by a consistent push results in the Asian saying and doing what ever is necessary to keep harmony. It is also, from my studies, often a way that even within their own society results in half-truths and sometimes out right lies in the need to keep harmony among one another. Often times even within their own groups they must enter into a specific atmosphere and take certain steps so they can actually feel comfortable enough to express truth that may disrupt a harmonious setting. That atmosphere is a night club and that step is the consumption of copious amounts of alcohol. 

While studying Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Golemen it was “kind of” confirmed that maybe my theory is correct and that a result is that some or most of our information and concepts of Asian Martial Arts is flawed at best and an out right fabrication at its worst. 

“A third (the discussion has two other thoughts on this subject with this one being the last, i.e. the rules of emotional display) is substituting one feeling for another; this comes into play in some Asian cultures where it is impolite to say no, and positive (but false) assurances are given instead.” - Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

In the realm of karate from Okinawa it may be that many of those early pioneers who studied in the fifties and sixties in their fervent pursuit of knowledge about the system and the systems creator may be flawed. It does not mean that some are not actually telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth but if a westerner asks for information and either receives a no or no answer at all they tend to persist - after all, it is very important to the westerner. When push comes to shove, for the sake of harmony, the Asian then may defer to some positive (but false) assurances that could be true, part true or not true at all - whatever the questioned perceives as keeping harmony among the group. 

It has only been in recent times, mostly due to the plethora of information on the world wide web, that more truth is coming. Even those Asian sources, the upcoming younger generations, may be doing the research and putting forth more accurate data but that is also flawed because except in rare circumstances and a lot of analysis and hypothesis are certain types of information are created and assumed. The why is that as to facts and history in these smaller and somewhat perceived lessor historical stuff were not documented or documentation is small, sporadic and creative. Then again, it may be written by the hands that conquered. 

It may be that what we have is all we have and unless someone creates a time machine that can take us back to witness reality we will never truly know the history. So, we have to accept what we have and hope that it is accurate. In the end, and only to those interested in the past and the connection to the present and future, it is a moot point. 

Face it, every single human being on this planet is going to say and do what they deem necessary to support their belief systems and that includes martial arts. If they cannot find truth supported by facts, details, factors, influences and other complicated stuff (courtesy Marc MacYoung on beliefs, etc.) then they will do what ever they can to find something then make it appear as factual without proper assessment in support of the problem creates an acceptable solution even in the face of refuting information, questions, facts, details and perceptions from any other valid, as valid as valid is acceptable to the whole, sources. 

As also stated by Marc MacYoung and I accept, “Beliefs are not facts, much less truths.” Adding in unsubstantiated sources that cannot be validated or refuted along with the cultural system as posted in my above comments means it is questionable at the very least and just plain bullshit at the very worst. 

I quote, “This becomes important when someone insists on a solution to a problem based, not on facts and the actual dynamics of a problem, but on belief.” - Marc MacYoung