When you say you study martial arts, to what extent are you really actually studying? Many times it becomes easy to merely practice martial arts one or two nights a week for a half an hour or an hour and leave it at that. Your instructor presents you the information, you nod and agree and don't think about it until the next time you step into the school. You could also be more motivated and practice on your own at home or make special times to practice in the school by yourself. Again, practicing the art.
These are both excellent steps, but not the full progression. Although practice is a substantial factor to your development, it is still only a single piece of the puzzle. To truly study the art, one must supplement regular practice with internalization of theory and concepts behind the art. In other words, do your homework and research the art. The history of the art provides a basic understanding of why techniques are done certain ways, or why the forms have particular names. With the history of Choy Li Fut we find how the art was able to branch out into three major lineages and can then discern easily which form comes from which lineage by merely watching the first dozen movements... or less! The history of our Tai Chi also proves useful in identifying not only the evolution of techniques but also by each style. Take your time and really seek to understand your art by its origins.
These can be found in the many books and articles by Grandmaster Doc-Fai Wong, or just by spending time looking around the Plum Blossom site.
Here is a great start to your study:
http://plumblossom.net/Articles/FightingStars/interview.html
http://plumblossom.net/Articles/
http://plumblossom.net/forum/
Our art is just that, an art form. Our particular studio here in Florida is called a Foundation - the Golden Phoenix Foundation. With actual class studies that involve the same intense studies required at any university in the country. Students are required to bring notebooks and breaks are given throughout classes to visit the application of prinicpals, theories and martial concepts into their art as well as their everyday life. Grandmaster Doc Fai Wong has taught this way since I first met him in 1973 - and it has made an enormous impact on my life. I use to constantly look for opportunities to use the philosophies of the art in everyday life, now - it comes so natural that students often question where I get this stuff. It comes from within. Once you've gotten the beat - the song never goes away. Thank you Grandmaster for the one lesson that has stuck more than any other - if I may quote you - "The way you practice it is the way you'll do it!" Choy-Li-Fut Kung-Fu / Yang Tai-Chi Chuan - truly, living art forms - that require research to develope. Thank you Grandmaster - David Carr
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