__________________________In martial arts, a concept that remains a constant in the minds of the practitioner is the theory of water. Water is a force of nature that is both gentle yet powerful. It flows around its obstacles as well as crashing through them.
Take for example a slowly flowing river. If you were to observe the river, you would not see the water being stopped by the rocks but flowing around them. The water has a dance with its obstacles. Flowing around and over them as if they were not there. It is in this way the martial artist must also perform. Obstacles are not there to be crashed through with force, when an obstruction arises, flowing around it is always a better method then attempting to crash through.
However, at the same time water, when concentrated, is a force nothing can stop. A surging river can uproot trees and tear down walls. In the martial arts, a practiced student is able to overcome any obstacle. By flowing past the opponents strikes and countering with a crushing blow you are able to defeat your enemy without expending unnecessary energy.
Take for example the waterfall. It crashes onto the rocks from great heights, bringing along anything that is unfortunate to get in its path. The power it brings behind it is a frightening and awe-inspiring sight. Yet while the waterfall is a symbol of power, even while it falls it retains the grace of water. As the waterfall plummets towards the ground, the water twists and flows through the air, gliding through the empty space. For all of its power, a waterfall falls with almost a lazy roll, floating gently yet forcefully down.
When faced with a combat situation, one can choose to block all of the aggressors attacks, thus wearing yourself out and making you useless for the rest of the fight. However, you can choose to flow around the attacks, using your hands to guide the punches past you, and striking as you glide past. Through this tactic you inflict maximum damage with minimal energy.
When you are preparing to strike, whether it be an opponent, a heavy bag, a focus mitt, or any other training device, imagine concentrated water flowing from your feet, up your legs, and through you fist, propelled with the turning of your hips and the extension of your arm. The difference of power in a strike being dependent on mind set is an interesting phenomenon in martial arts. By simply envisioning water flowing through your strike, it is surprising how much the strike itself will change.
When the theory of water is incorporated into the martial arts, the concept of all you have learned prior is subject to change. Many students start out with very rigid movement, trying to strike as hard as they can, assuming that the stiffer you are, the stronger you are. When you learn about water theory, you find that the more you are able to flow and adapt in situations, both martial and in life, the stronger you become.
In life there are obstacles presented. If you get stuck on one it can weigh you down and turn you around. When presented next with an obstacle, flow around it. Most of the things we as humans hang onto in life are not worth the time and trouble they cause. By flowing past the obstructions you will find that life becomes easier and clearer. With a clear mind, your goals in martial arts and in life become much more crisp and obtainable than if you keep your mind stuck on the little things.
- "The softest things in the world overcome the hardest things in the world."
~ Lao-Tzu
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