tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975783351164630904.post2402681071032802405..comments2024-01-28T00:27:16.818-08:00Comments on The Path of Traditional Martial Arts: The Traditional WayPhillip Starrhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00515356625856100572noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975783351164630904.post-37661467546814712732011-06-02T19:51:07.723-07:002011-06-02T19:51:07.723-07:00actually the addition or modification of technique...actually the addition or modification of techniques and principles of a system was not only encouraged, but headmasters looked for students that would do just that when passing on the system. They looked for a level of understanding in the student to not only refine but further grow the understanding of the principles he taught so that the style/tradition wouldn't stagnate and die but flourish in the coming generations. Unfortunately "traditional" nowadays means to do things exactly as was done X number of generations ago...this is foolish and detrimental to martial arts as we can see in various styles that have all the moves, but no spirit or real ability. What is dangerous is when a student doesn't understand the principles or techniques on a deep level and they change things because they don't really understand what something is for, it's uncomfortable, etc. when they start teaching! So you have the tomfoolery we have with people creating their own forms/styles after only a few years of training! If you really keep the tradition alive, and a previous generation practitioner were to observe your style they should easily recognize the principles even if the way the principle is applied has grown!Wayfarerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18200913573625500404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7975783351164630904.post-1771612489791711692011-06-02T18:16:40.230-07:002011-06-02T18:16:40.230-07:00Very nicely put. And I loved the Python reference....Very nicely put. And I loved the Python reference. I wonder exactly how a school system can call itself traditional anymore. Perhaps at one time it was "Traditional" but as a system is taught each new instructor adds or modifies things to fit themselves and their students and this happenes with every progression of student teacher. So at this point there is no more "tradition" to the style. At least none that any of the very first practitioners of the art would recognize.eek3https://www.blogger.com/profile/02788982198675116167noreply@blogger.com