Monday, July 10, 2006
Absorb What Is Useful
I think one of the greatest book titles ever is Absorb What is Useful by Daniel Inosanto. As many of you know, Dan Inosanto was a friend and student of Bruce Lee and an incredible martial artist and instructor. His message to absorb what is useful and to reject what is useless is such a powerful truth for all studying.
Here is a passage from his book:
"In the use of this book or any book, ABSORB WHAT IS USEFUL to you. Reject what is useless, and adapt or modify the rest to personally suit you. Write in it, underline it, question it, read it again. Treat it like a painting. The more you look at it, the more you might see. And it might not look the same next week or the week after that."
Remember this with everything you study - this blog included. Absorb what is useful to you!
Alain
Here is a passage from his book:
"In the use of this book or any book, ABSORB WHAT IS USEFUL to you. Reject what is useless, and adapt or modify the rest to personally suit you. Write in it, underline it, question it, read it again. Treat it like a painting. The more you look at it, the more you might see. And it might not look the same next week or the week after that."
Remember this with everything you study - this blog included. Absorb what is useful to you!
Alain
Tuesday, July 04, 2006
Economy of Motion
While preparing future Aiki Talk episodes, I was reading Volume 3 of the Bruce Lee library published by Tuttle Publishing. This series was edited by John Little and contains a lot of great information for martial artists and Bruce Lee fans.
Volume Three it titled Jeet Kune Do: Bruce Lee's Commentaries on the Martial Way. I read a passage that reminded me of something I am always saying in class and seminars I teach. I am always stressing to students that they should perform techniques with the minimum of motion, utilizing our strengths and exploiting the weaknesses of our opponent.
This is what Bruce Lee wrote on the topic:
"In kicking and striking, especially when launched from the ready position, eliminate all unnecessary motions and muscle contractions which slow and fatigue you without accomplishing any useful purpose. Much energy is wasted by the unrelaxed opposing muscles in resisting the movement - learn and feel proper contractions and recovery (otherwise your physiological engine is racing, but the brakes are on)."
I agree with Lee, but not just for kicking and striking. It is teaching hapkido joint locks that I find myself repeating my mantra regarding economy of motion the most often. It is so important to eliminate wasted motion. Make sure everything you are doing has a purpose.
Remember - with many things less is more. Economy of motion is key!
Alain
Volume Three it titled Jeet Kune Do: Bruce Lee's Commentaries on the Martial Way. I read a passage that reminded me of something I am always saying in class and seminars I teach. I am always stressing to students that they should perform techniques with the minimum of motion, utilizing our strengths and exploiting the weaknesses of our opponent.
This is what Bruce Lee wrote on the topic:
"In kicking and striking, especially when launched from the ready position, eliminate all unnecessary motions and muscle contractions which slow and fatigue you without accomplishing any useful purpose. Much energy is wasted by the unrelaxed opposing muscles in resisting the movement - learn and feel proper contractions and recovery (otherwise your physiological engine is racing, but the brakes are on)."
I agree with Lee, but not just for kicking and striking. It is teaching hapkido joint locks that I find myself repeating my mantra regarding economy of motion the most often. It is so important to eliminate wasted motion. Make sure everything you are doing has a purpose.
Remember - with many things less is more. Economy of motion is key!
Alain
