A punch is just a punch , a kick a kick

[nelson]

Dear Kenpo brothers and sisters:

In the "Tao of Jeet Kune Do" by Bruce Lee he makes the following statement in the forward to the "Tools" chapter.

"Before I studied the art, a punch to me was just a punch and a kick ws just a kick. After I studied the art, a punch was no longer a punch, a kick no longer a kick. Now that I understand the art, a punch is just a punch a kick a kick."

How much of the MA's is esoteric "mumbo jumbo" and how much is essential to the developemnt of the "free, creative martial artist?"

Nelson

[Blindside]

To paraphrase Sturgeon's Law:

"90% of martial arts, 90% of EVERYTHING is crud."

[thedan]

Translation, Mumbo to English (Mumbo is the Jumbo letters):

"Before I studied the art, a punch to me was just a punch and a kick ws just a kick." Before I studied martial arts, a punch was a fist thrown any which way and a kick was just a foot thrown at some vague target.

"After I studied the art, a punch was no longer a punch, a kick no longer a kick." After getting instruction, I learned that punches and kicks should be thrown with proper body mechanics and directed at specific targets, while still protecting myself as much as possible. Furthermore, a punch or kick may do several jobs at the same time. Wow-wee! Lots here to learn- and the more I learn, the more there is to learn. Practice, practice, ...

"Now that I understand the art, a punch is just a punch a kick a kick." Used my training today. Punches and kicks were effective, and just came naturally.

Dan C

[Brother John]

How much of the MA's is esoteric "mumbo jumbo" and how much is essential to the developemnt of the "free, creative martial artist?"

Nelson

I know where you are coming from..
but

One mans Mumbo Jumbo is another man's meaningful idea and useful feature.
If it's not for you, don't worry.

keeps it simple.

Your Brother
John

[Celtic_Crippler]

TheDan pretty much summed it up.

Your average Joe views a punch as simply swinging their arm in an attempt to put fist to face. A martial artist learns there's much more to making a strike (or any maneuver) effective and efficient. Once learned (or re-learned depending on how you look at it), the punch becomes second nature and again is simply a punch.

[nelson]

Dear Dan C:

You made a great translation brother.

Thanks!

Nelson

P.S. What is the sound of "one hand clapping?"

[Blindside]

P.S. What is the sound of "one hand clapping?"

Something monks probably aren't supposed to be doing.

Lamont

[nelson]

Dear Lamont:

What might that be my friend?

Nelson

[KenpoChanger]

What is Buddhist Monk policy on that anyway?
How do you know they aren't to explore that realm?
Sean

[John M. La Tourrette]

In the "Tao of Jeet Kune Do" by Bruce Lee he makes the following statement in the forward to the "Tools" chapter.

"Before I studied the art, a punch to me was just a punch and a kick was just a kick. After I studied the art, a punch was no longer a punch, a kick no longer a kick. Now that I understand the art, a punch is just a punch a kick a kick."
How much of the MA's is esoteric "mumbo jumbo" and how much is essential to the development of the "free, creative martial artist?”

Not sure where you want to go?

You gave a quote by Bruce Lee that is actually very high level chunk thinking.

Then you ask, “How much of the MA’s is esoteric “mumbo jumbo”…

Are you stating that what Bruce Lee said is mumbo jumbo?

And if so what is your reasoning for that?

I’m just really curious.

Now, if you want to know what Bruce Lee meant by that, I can explain it in martial arts terms and in psychological terms.

©Dr. John M. La Tourrette

[John M. La Tourrette]

Translation, Mumbo to English (Mumbo is the Jumbo letters):

"Before I studied the art, a punch to me was just a punch and a kick ws just a kick." Before I studied martial arts, a punch was a fist thrown any which way and a kick was just a foot thrown at some vague target.

"After I studied the art, a punch was no longer a punch, a kick no longer a kick." After getting instruction, I learned that punches and kicks should be thrown with proper body mechanics and directed at specific targets, while still protecting myself as much as possible. Furthermore, a punch or kick may do several jobs at the same time. Wow-wee! Lots here to learn- and the more I learn, the more there is to learn. Practice, practice, ...

"Now that I understand the art, a punch is just a punch a kick a kick." Used my training today. Punches and kicks were effective, and just came naturally.

Dan C

Nice.
You are covering the 5 levels of competency, sort of.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Dr. John M. La Tourrette

[John M. La Tourrette]

Something monks probably aren't supposed to be doing.Lamont

A koan for the right brain hemisphere.
Dr. John M. La Tourrette