KAIZEN (CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT)
These series of post are mainly
my own LIMITED thoughts and experience from practicing Yiquan and should be
taken with a HUGE DOSE OF SALT.
In these modern times, often we
tend to view a set of exercises or internal martial arts as something to be
acquired, much like a trophy or a material thing. I have spoken more on this here.
This viewpoint means the intention is to get it done and quickly over with. And
then we hop onto the next trendy exercise routines. Instead of taking time to
understand, focus and deepen our understanding the meaning and reasons of each
of particular exercise in the set, we want to immediately jump to the next
thing. This is the MONKEY MIND in action.
There is something laughable
and ironic about seeing someone profess that they’ve learnt a particular
martial art, especially an internal one such as ‘Tai Chi’. Observing their
practice, asking them some questions tends to reveal a superficial
understanding. After their initial effort in learning the superficial form and
achieve a modicum of proficiency, many slack off completely. Their minds wander
off during the exercise. They do not understand the purpose or reason for the
exercises. They are unwilling to even alter some of these postures that they’ve
observed and practiced ‘wrongly’, even after being advised to do so. They
proudly proclaim they’re practicing ‘Tai Chi’ but understand not a SINGLE
thing. And after perhaps a year of doing this exercise daily, they are utterly
incapable of performing these exercises solo, needing someone to lead them. Is this a lamentable state?
What is more important is that
we need to turn the critical view and point this to ourselves! Are we making
the same mistakes? Do we understand the reason and purposes of Zhan Zhuang? Do
our minds wander off during our practice? Do we proudly proclaim to be learning
Yiquan and yet unable to stand firm and resist the gentlest of pushes? Are our
practice ‘hollow’, only having the form and no ‘substance’?
The major point I am getting at
is that there is no obtaining or end point in learning Yiquan. Every day, we
can hopefully, learn a little more in-depth and deepen our practice. We must
always be vigilant and on our toes in learning. Do not be easily satisfied with
superficial achievements. Ask the reasons for certain exercises. Put what is
being practiced to the test. Always be mindful in our exercises. Read more,
question more and practice more. Apply the concept of KaiZen in your Yiquan. Focus
on the exercises until it become second nature. When you reach a level where
you can instinctively and naturally perform the action without any hesitation, then
you are beginning to understand it. Remember that this journey is a never
ending one.