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Meiji Restoration
After the Meiji Restoration, Japanese
martial arts were changed in order to align themselves with post-Samurai
Japan.
Traditional systems of combat were altered
to include a wider range of concerns.
Instead of focussing principally upon
techniques and methods, martial arts now emphasised character development, a spiritual component
and living.
Jutsu
Jutsu is any combat method focussing upon functional techniques and
practical fighting.
Do
Most Japanese martial arts end in 'do' - karate-do, aikido, judo,
iaido, kyudo.
Some people believe that 'do' means art.
This is incorrect. Do means 'way' - as in
Tao or Dao.
Tao/Zen
A Japanese martial art that ends in 'do' is still concerned with
jutsu.
It has to be.
Otherwise it wouldn't be a martial art at
all.
However, 'do' methods are also interested in Taoism and Zen
(but not always overtly so).
Way
The degree to which Tao/Zen features in a Japanese martial arts class will
differ from school to school.
It might also be relative to ability level/grade.
If you read Zen in the Art of Archery,
Zen is a major factor, whereas Angry White Pyjamas
doesn't mention anything of the kind. Every school is different.
What has this to do with
tai chi?
Everything.
If we consider tai chi in terms of the Japanese model, the
art is 'do'.
Yes, jutsu is mandatory but tai chi training
also requires an in-depth grasp of Taoism and
Zen.
Does your tai chi contain jutsu?
Most judo students can fight
but can most tai chi people?
No.
Very few modern tai chi
practitioners possess any viable combat skills
at all.
What they are learning might be more properly considered 'tai
chi for health'...
Does your tai chi contain
'do' (Tao)?
Unlikely.
In order to understand Taoism and Zen, it is
necessary to commit a great deal of time to the
study of the Taoist Classics.
Not many modern people are
willing to do this.
Qi
In lieu of jutsu or do, tai chi students often opt to
talk about qi instead. Qi is a convenient, exotic sounding
catch-all.
Jutsu and 'do' (practical Taoist insights) can be easily
demonstrated and
proven whereas qi is ethereal/vague/mystical.
No proof at all is required.
Tai qi?
Tai chi refers to the yin/yang principle. The 'chi'
is not qi. Tai chi literally means
martial art that uses the yin/yang
principle in combat.
Tai chi is supreme ultimate (yin/yang).
Chuan is fist
(combat/martial art).
The name is commonly translated as 'supreme ultimate fist' and correctly
pronounced 'tie jee chwan'.
Taoism
Tai chi is based on Taoist insights.
Tai chi uses yin/yang continuously.
In order to fully understand and
employ the art skilfully in
combat in it imperative that the student study Taoism and its off-shoot
Zen.
This is the 'do' part.
Application
Tai chi uses striking, chin na
and shuai jiao. All three skills must be studied,
practiced and utilised.
Without the 'jutsu', these two systems cannot conceivably be regarded as
martial arts.
Tai chi jutsu?
For tai chi to be a credible martial art it must contain both
jutsu and 'do' elements.
Jutsu alone would render the tai chi
external - relying upon
conventional martial arts methodology -
rather than Taoist-influenced
precepts.
There must be a balance found between combat skill and
Taoist insight; with the art expressed in an 'internal'
manner rather than relying upon force.
And so he sets off on a path to mysterious destinations. He does so in spite
of observations by others that such a way is naïve, outmoded or idealistic.
He goes because he knows others have gone before, because the unchanging
direction of the Way attracts and calls to him.
He goes because he is compelled. He sets out on a journey of a lifetime
because he senses that this way is the one to lead him to a place very much
worth the going.
(Dave Lowry)
Page created
21 May 1995
Last updated
20 June 2023
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