I have mentioned in class on
many occasions we need to be like bamboo in our practice (and in life, but that
is another blog for another time). For
this blog, I am going to explore some of the keys attributes of bamboo and why
being like bamboo is so beneficial to your martial arts practice.
1.
Flexible
Bamboo
is extremely flexible. It can withstand
extreme environments (wind, snow, etc.).
It does so by bending with the wind or bending underneath the snow, but
then becomes upright again, standing tall and firm. In martial arts, we can be rooted and
grounded without being stiff. If you are
stiff, it is harder to move and it will make it more difficult to defend and
attack.
2.
Strong (even if it does not appear so)
Based
on its size and how it moves, bamboo may not appear to be strong and yet Bamboo has a higher compressive strength than wood, brick, or
concrete and a tensile strength that rivals steel [Ref. 1]. Appearances can be deceiving. As martial artists we should not pre-judge
what we are capable of (keeping an open mind as noted by #3 Hollow Trunk) and
do not pre-judge an opponent of what they are capable of. The first will limit our progression in the
art form, the second could result in injury or damage.
3.
Hollow Trunk
Bamboo
has hollow trunks. To grow as a martial
artist it is very important to always create space in our minds to new concept,
ideas, skills, etc. The hollow truck can be viewed as a representation of that
space we must create in our minds to continue to grow.
4.
Always Ready
Bamboo can grow anywhere, is durable, resilient, and can survive some of
the harshest conditions (bent and buried in snow but then bounces upright and
straight once the snow melts). Bamboo is
ready regardless of the conditions to persevere and is always ready for what
environment it encounters. Aikido master
Kensho Furuya in Kodo: Ancient Ways [Ref. 2], states it best by saying,
“The warrior,
like bamboo, is ever ready for action."
Regards,
Kelly
“Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.” ~ Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do
References:
2. Kodo: Ancient Ways by Kensho Furuya
