Good afternoon.

 

I would like to discuss one particular point from the recent Siu Nim Tao seminar (although I will mention more about it in later posts if I have time). The point I would like to highlight is that of the development of the students to enable them to think for themselves and not be ‘brainwashed’ by propaganda.

 

Each student learnt how to distinguish authentic practitioners from those of ‘pseudo-stylists’ who have the name but little or no grounding in the essential parts of the art. The students studied the most widespread mistakes of practitioners, the reasons why these are important to recognise and the serious problems these mistakes create. In fact, the depth of Siu Nim Tao is quite astonishing. Although most people are unaware, if you study the form carefully it contains all the ‘markers’ to show you the way and guide you through your journey through the art (and, at a deeper understanding, a guide through life itself).

 

One of the greatest abilities of humankind is to continually develop ideas and skills – the great leaps we constantly take in medicine and science (among many others) are testament to this. However, this characteristic has a rather darker shadow following it; you will find in life that wherever there is one good innovation or concept there will be a 100 people who will simply make ‘cheap’ copies for personal benefit, without the original belief and knowledge that actually made that concept work. And, alas, martial arts is no different – there are many people who want the name and titles, but very few who are prepared to do what is necessary to earn them. I have had students who only a few months after leaving my school announce that they are Sifus. While they are welcome to call themselves what they like (one of the blessings in living in a democratic country), what they sadly don’t realise is that the effect in this circumstance debases both the person and the arts they claim to represent. (And to be perfectly honest leaves them looking a little pathetic - if you are going be creative and choose a title, I’m sure there are more glamorous ones to pick!). As I have stated before, the real ‘nobility’ comes from inside, not from the objects that you own or the clothes that you wear. And what is martial arts master if not noble…?

 

The ‘test’ for authentic martial artists is just like that of an expert in antiques. You need to be able to distinguish the false from the real, no matter how convincing it might seem at first glance. To do this you have to look beyond the packaging. Unfortunately empty words and pretence can go a long way (particularly with people who know no different). However, good eyes and specialist knowledge can always tell which is which. For students this skill becomes increasingly important; while Wing Tsun is based on applying principles as an individual sees fit, there are important parameters to this. There are also common ‘traps’ that students need to avoid if they want to progress.