"Open mindedness", I feel, is important to training in any art or sport. Open mindeness allows us to take constructive criticism, allows us to see things from other people’s point of view, and facilitate for an enjoyable experience.
There’s something I’ve noticed though….a conundrum of sorts. In Martial Arts, I’ve met many people who are so open minded how they train in their chosen arts and are very skilled in their arts. However when it comes to subjects that are similar (or even within the same branch of the art), heaven forbid if someone has a different viewpoint about a particular technique or method within that similar subject! I’ve met people that will downright bash the "different" viewpoint, or totally dismiss the possibility that there are other aspects to the art other than their own. When speaking with Martial Artists of this nature, I feel that a two-way conversation is next to impossible, and less than enjoyable.
One exchange that I had with a gentleman, almost turned into a "my style is better than your style" conversation. He came in to inquire about our school, and was interested in taking the trial introductory lessons. This person told me about how his method of learning in his previous martial art, was similar to "Jeet Kune Do", in that they were not "bound" by the "classical mess". He went on and on about how people that adhere to strict traditional technique, would surely be hurt or killed in the street. "Its all about being to adapt and flow with each situation", he said. A little later, we discussed the slight differences between the same technique (inward block) from art to art. I then was asked…."why is it that you call your inward block an ‘inward strike’"
"Well…..because that’s the name of the technique in this particular branch (I was trying to lighten the mood and be funny with that comment), and we’ve been taught that a block IS a strike or vice versa, the only difference being one’s intent of the result. We were also taught that the same "inward" motion is just that, a ‘motion’……some people might call a "Tettsui" to the head a "hammerfist strike" and the same motion blocking a punch as "ude uke" (middle block), or a forearm strike but I tend to call the motion, no matter what the target, an "inward strike".
"Humph. Well, My ude uke is meant to break your arm or injure your forearm (pats his forearm). Do you have a technique that that? I think that having only one name for a motion, will confuse students. If you teach them how to do the usual inward ‘strike’ as you call it, how will they learn to block or parry or evade, much less know their targeting?"
"Well hopefully their teacher would teach them evasive footwork and good targets also", I replied. I sensed a little bit of skeptism in his tone.
A type of "arrogance" in his thinking, perhaps? The dictionary defines arrogance as "overbearing pride evidenced by a superior manner toward inferiors". Now, here’s the puzzle….if this type of thinking is a type of "arrogance", how was it possible for this guy to be so open-minded in their training? How is it that he can take any suggestion and correction from his teachers, apply it to his repertoire, yet be so closed to anybody else’s opinion?
*scratches head* I’m confused…..
I realize now, that sometimes people have differing definitions of "open mindedness". However, it was apparent that this guy’s ‘open mindedness’ applied only to his own system.
Learn well, train hard folks. Keep a sponge mind…..absorb everything. After you’ve digested things you’ve absorbed, THEN discard what you feel doesn’t work for you or modify to suit your particular needs. Get to really know your art before you start changing things and before you throw assumptions around.
"Humph. Well, My inward block is meant to break your arm or injure your forearm (pats his forearm). Do you have a technique that that?
Yeah…..and so does every other martial art out there…..the "motion", that is. Does every art call it an "inward block" or "Ude Uke"? No, but I’m sure skilled practioners can use the motion however they want…..labels aside.
Don't Fight The Tao 