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Inspired by the posting done from Victor Donald Smith about Kung-fu vs. Karate proponents. Style or system in the end means "nothing" because it is not the style in and of itself that makes a superior practitioner but that practitioner who makes the style. Note: I didn't say superior at the end on purpose, can you tell me why?
A long time ago I wrote, What is a martial style. Many hear the question and speak only a word. It is karate. It is Kung Fu. It is Aikido. This explains little to nothing and people make assumptions in lieu of simply asking, "What do you mean by style?"
Style is an individualized mark that is expressly representative of a particular discipline. It is an individualized imprint upon the system. It is a particular skill associated with that particular system. It is that something when presented impresses the observer with a particular person, a particular place, a particular belief that says or causes imagery of the mind stating, "this is Okinawan karate," or "this is a southern Chinese Kung Fu," or "this is a Japanese sword art."
It is a specific "feeling" one gets when the style's name is given, when a style's art is displayed/demonstrated and it is that system with a unique spin on the fundamental principles that govern all martial systems, styles.
A particular style has a unique structure and rhythm, it has a fluency much like languages of differing cultures, it has a unique culture and its precision is governed by the whole of all its parts. Its economy, clarity and dialect speaks volumes of its uniqueness in separation from the flock called martial systems.
Style is that which gives it personality, much like your personality sets you apart from all other humans. It has a fingerprint so unique it will always be seen in all its variations as that "style."
This is what I mean by "style,” when you hear me say I practice the style of Okinawan karate-jutsu-do as created by and named by Shimabuku Tatsuo Sensei, a fortune teller, a farmer, a father and family man and a native Okinawan who studied, believed and practiced those ancient classics that so influenced his decision to create a wholehearted system called, "Isshinryu, the one heart style."
If you stand two practitioners whose styles differ, say kung-fu vs. karate, and then have them compete or fight one often assumes that the superior style is the one practiced by the “winner.” This is just not true because it is the ability to apply skills and methodologies and principles well, effectively and efficiently. It is the practitioners, for instance. I have found folks who know nothing but have extensive experience in violence who top-off folks with high ranks in martial disciplines as well as some who do the opposite.
Humans need to stand out, the because of it involves status in the group dynamics of tribal survival that goes deeper and farther back in human history than styles, systems or martial arts. Survival is the key, one’s status in the group means survival and the groups survival comes from the collective abilities and beliefs of the individuals. It is human cleverness and ingenuity that creates those methods that give it an advantage when confronting other groups for land and resources for - survival.
Even when a group or individual create something unique enough that gives them the advantage and thus greater ability to survive it is temporary. A unique style of Okinawan karate created in the fifties held a higher status and yet that status waned over the decades because of the ingenuity of others taking other systems or styles or methodologies and created new, refurbished old actually, stuff to take the higher status.
This is why I say styles or systems are simply “personalities” often matching those of its creators. Isshinryu, for instance, is a direct creation of Tatsuo-san from his beliefs and experiences, etc. and still holds his personality even with all the changes coming from those changes of its followers. It is the way of things.
My Style is better but rather, my abilities are better… at least in this moment.
For reference and sources and professionals go here: Bibliography (Click the link)
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