Thinker V. Doer

My last blog focused on the inseparable nature of academics from mastery of a martial art. Don’t expect a recant here. You obviously have to be able to study, learn and think in the martial arts. This has more to do with getting stuck in the cerebral realm.

5 frogs were sitting on a log, two decided to jump in the pond, how many frogs were left sitting on the log?

Hmmmmm. Let’s see, 5 frogs, two decided...that means that 5 frogs are still on the log, none acted. Action is often the difference between those that think and decide and those that achieve. Obviously there is a whole body of work out here about this relationship and the shortfalls of non-action. You wouldn’t think that participants in martial arts (a fundamentally physical art form) would  have this challenge. Some, in fact do.

There is a vigorous conversation amongst teachers, one side throws out such wisdom of founding artists as this quote by Mas Oyama:

In Martial Arts, introspection begets wisdom. Always see contemplation of your actions as an opportunity to improve.

One side of this conversation will look at this quote and focus on the contemplation, the thinking part. The other side will focus on the need for actions. Both sides are right, the ones that focus on one side or the other are the ones that have it wrong.

Master Jou Tsung Hwa in his book the Tao of Meditation.discusses that thinking and ideas are a yin aspect while doing and action are the yang aspect of the complete martial art. We should all remember this concept as we pass down the road to mastery of our respective arts.

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