The minimal expression used in chabana flower arranging is again reinforcing
the idea that less is indeed more and in some ways the work of an artist is
as much in what they refrain from adding as what they actually put in.
(Andrew
Juniper)
Frogs
When you read a lot of zen literature you occasionally come across the
frog motif.
What is so remarkable about frogs?
A frog sits and sits and sits. In fact, all frogs seem to sit in the exact same
posture.
They just sit. Unmoving. Still. Calm.
There is no fidgeting, no restlessness.
Frogs just sit.
Then, suddenly they erupt into motion. With no warning and preparatory build-up.
In tai chi we call this 'cold jing'.
Telegraphing
The term 'telegraphing' is used in martial arts to indicate that you
are broadcast your intention in advance of performing the planned action.
There are no techniques as such in our tai chi syllabus because you do not
really know what the assailant is preparing to do.
We just wait.
Our aim is to respond to the attack at the earliest indication.
It is said; “If the opponent does not move, then I do not move. At the
opponent's slightest move, I move first."
(Wu Yu-hsiang)
As soon as the assailant begins, we move with intent.
Response
Tai chi self defence does not involve any planning or forethought. You just
wait.
If you do not know what action the attacker plans to do, what exactly are
preparing to counter?
What are you responding to?
Everything you do is a response to the attacker. They are the centre of your
universe.
You move as they move. Only because they move.
The attacker is your focus.
Be here and now, in the immediate, in the moment.
Preparatory movement telegraphs your intentions.
It illustrates your unease, your emotional state, your fear, your nervousness.
This is not the way.
Emulate the frog.
Rhythm
When you come to terms with the fact that self defence is not
fighting,
you lose any notion of reciprocity.
Your aim is not to trade blows, or win, or look cool.
Self defence is about avoiding harm. It is about
incapacitating the attacker without being
injured yourself.
Skipping about involves rhythm. In order to attack you must change rhythm.
This is a form of telegraphing - advertising your intentions.
Such behaviour is not tai chi.
Stand silently, alert and calm.
Wait for the attack to begin, then move smoothly and decisively. Do only what is
necessary.
Waste no motion. Step only when and if you have to.
A tai chi person should not offer a predictable rhythm when defending
themselves.
Patterns can be anticipated, countered and exploited.
The form is not symmetrical. Learn from this.
More...
Page created 2 October 2003