Power to you
Or power over you
Which one do you choose 💕
~ M.L Adams
Tag Archives: martial arts
The Journey of a Martial Artist
The journey of a martial artist is a tough one, it is that of a warrior. One who is willing to set their mind and spirit on the ability to overcome any obstacle for the sake of moral justice and protection of those who need it most.
It is a journey that tests our character and willpower to the upmost but one that is worth every step of the way, for the courage and integrity it builds within are values that once there are always within you.
These values and many others are built along the journey. As a Martial Artist grows and are tested throughout the way, their belt begins as white and gradually become darker over time with all the effort put in; then further over many more years it returns to white again.
Why is this and what does it symbolise;
Throughout the journey of toil and effort we grow stronger and our belt is soiled, then further and further it begins to fade. We then reach a time where we no longer fight as our intuition is so developed we realise we need not fight, and as any great martial artist knows the highest skill is to not have to fight at all. To sense an opponent before he can even engage with you.
The journey is one that always stays with you and these are skills that will always remain a part of you.
Ultimately we return to our original purity; to the source ♡
Miranda ♡
Teachers and students
We teach by our actions
We learn by example
We are all students
All teachers
Teach the truth you choose to live
Learn from those who are an example of it 💗
~ M. L Adams
The centre point
Make sure you always come from the centre point where you see everything,
Ying and yang;
Go where there is nothing
Stay centred
Go to the midpoint , Not to either extreme
The way becomes as you are so stay centred
When you are centred nothing will bother you because you see it as it is,
With nothing added to it
In order to go the other way life will push you to the extreme- if you stay stuck in one way and never bend or flow you will remain there, never seeing the centre point.
Bend and flow
Always returning to the centre
Centering or self actualisation is achieved by swaying back and forth until one comes back to the centre.
The way is to intercept or stop extremes – to intercept the ego- using any method- to point to the centre; to the truth.
Wanting to control
Or moving to extremes
In the uncontrolled
Comes from fear
Be centred
Jkd
Jkd is nothing
It’s a being
A process
That lies in the space in between
Therefore it can not be seen or described
Because it is in fact a liberation
It’s a pairing of opposites-
In order to find the centre
The space
That which exists in between everything;
That is everything
And therefore it is nothing
It is not a system, yet it is
A style that is not a style
Don’t get hung up on it
It’s one with everything
This is how it liberates
And why the teacher is only the pointer
~ M. L Adams
Discipline and focus
Discipline and focus allow for effective learning and adaptability in flow. If not for the discipline and structure then focus is scattered. There is then a lack of awareness and therefore inability to adapt, flow and grow efficiently in practice.
The discipline and structure should be aligned accordingly in order to learn the next step and movement. The adaptability that comes with it allows for necessary training and new things to be learnt with the awareness to apply where most appropriate.
If the ego or prior knowledge gets in the way then there is lack of awareness and an inability to adapt and learn effectively.
Without sufficient respect for the teacher/ mentor nothing can actually be learnt. Because of this the whole mind should be emptied and full awareness applied each and every time one is being taught.
The teachers knowledge is rightly far beyond what the student knows, therefore full awareness, discipline, respect and focus is always required.
Sidenotes
– Emptying your cup allows for full focus
– Self discipline is essential in order to learn and execute fully
– Without full focus one cannot learn and execute fully
– With full focus can adapt accordingly- when something is not working then have the awareness to change it. To be like water, adapt and flow.
– Discipline also shows respect to the art and teacher, also clearing the mind allowing for learning.
Detachment and Attachment
After practicing Jeet Kune Do for the last 3 months I’ve found myself having some philosophical insights and reflections after classes, so I’ve decided to add this as a regular topic on my blog in hope these insights may also be of some inspiration to you.
The following is my latest insight, please do share your thoughts and comments too. Thank you. 🙏
Detatchment and Attachment
Ultimately it’s about detachment, in detachment you have conscious awareness and control. You are able to direct your energy where it is you choose to go.
Find and attach as you need and is right to do, at the right timing and then let go.
You are your own unit of conscious energy, learn and trust in your directing of it. Only then can you be equally aware of where others are and what they are doing.
In order to not be directed, you need to be detached in the sense that you are the observer – to direct, you need to be in control, in charge of where you are at all times, always- knowing.
From here you are really in a position to guide and teach others because you can see all and be all- you can adapt, direct & let go.
This is full awareness from the ultimate whole – it sees all – it’s not in a fixed position – it flows, it adapts. Be like water therefore, don’t attach, be the flow, always moving, flowing, adapting and changing. Always letting go.
In letting go you find new things, new ways- you open your mind. You are never fixed or stuck but always moving as you need to, just like water.
Sometimes you may direct and sometimes you are directed, sometimes it is still and balanced but it is never fixed. Everything changes and has to change otherwise it does not grow.
Water within is always centred but it adapts as it needs to- to the environment- to the one it’s with. To learn, grow and move, it adapts, it follows. Only then may it rise and as it’s stronger it can guide rather than be guided.
Trust within that you do and will adapt and flow just as you need to do, that your energy is one, always is and always will be. Therefore use your mind, trust with feeling that wherever you go is the right way, as you are always learning.
“Give up thinking as though not giving it up. Observe the techniques as though not observing.” ~ Bruce Lee
Journeys in Writing 