Monday, February 1, 2016

Be Like Bamboo - - Chief Instructor's Blog February 2016


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