The martial arts, if you want to be really honest, were developed in third world countries. Of course, a few centuries ago, let alone a millennia or two, every country was a third world country. The unfortunate truth this fact of reasoning leads to, however, is that the martial arts are taught using old, ancient and outdated methods.

A fellow is told to practice the horse stance. He is given horse stance forms to do. And, after a few years, sure enough, he becomes able to grip the ground pert good.

But…why wasn’t he just given the data necessary to create an energy beam? Yeah, breath to the center and make the energy grow. Now, shoot beams down your legs and make a real connection with the ground.

And, if he does not get it, give him more data and create more understanding. Show him methods for twisting the legs so that he can make energy reach the ground. Show him him methods so he can push the legs so so that he can make energy come from the ground.

oh, I forgot, the Master in ancient China didn’t have the knowledge of modern physics necessary to describe what an energy beam was and how to build it with the body. Uh, I guess we should tell the truth about the whole matter, and that is that they didn’t have any physics at all. They had a pretty heavy dose of mysticism, though, they did have that!

The truth is that mysticism is nothing more than made up reasons for things you don’t understand. Mysticism is based on mystery. And the methods of the ancients, transfigured through well meaning instructors, are based on what they didn’t understand.

Oh, people can still understand the teachings of the martial arts, sort of, and in a manner of speaking. But it takes a lifetime or four or five. It takes lifetimes, but if the student doesn’t have the ability to see beneath the tricks of language, he is going to pass on the same old tricks that enlighten a few of the fortunate, and befuddle the masses that aren’t so fortunate.

So, new methods are needed. Real understanding is the goal if you are going to master the martial arts, and move on through the mystical realms described by the ancients. Sup to you, can you find me?

Al Case has analyzed martial arts for 4O++ years. You can inspect his free ebook concerning his modern methods at Monster Martial Arts.

Tags: Self Defence