Hidden in the layers

The martial arts have so much to offer to us, many secrets are hidden within the forms and can all be accessed through applying oneself with full effort. It's as if each form itself is made up of layers, and each layer provides an answer, a method of how we develop ourselves. As we work the form over and over, we peel away new layers and lessons. Sometimes layers can be more tough to pry away than others, but as each breaks away, a new appreciation for the arts and oneself is developed.

The first layer is always the same, learning the movements of the form. We build our memory banks, and reinforce muscle memory of the techniques themselves. Once the form is memorized, full power and intention can be added, now the form becomes a source of workout and fine detail. The goal of this layer is to perform the set completely from beginning to end as if a continuous motion. After the form has been worked to the point of complete mental and physical memory, each individual technique, or series of movements must be separated from the form with the goal of learning what each technique is doing. Is it a blocking, trapping or redirecting technique? Does it end within a few movements or is it a long combination? How else can the movements be applied? This layer can be a lot of work, it is like trying to guess what ingredients are in a dish that a chef just served you. Once the techniques have been discovered the next layer is to rework the set, as before, to make it a continuous string of techniques. Then the form builds intention and with repetition the body will much sooner react in the best way possible. Each time the set is reworked and trained it becomes a workout for the student which will keep the body and mind healthy.

Each layer unlocks more for the student, and meets particular needs. That is why upon learning the form, you have only scratched the surface of the martial arts. The rest of what you learn, and how far you push yourself, is up to you, to become a master of the art you must first master yourself.

Go practice!