SOME STRENGTH REQUIRED...

 by Phillip Starr

In a conversation I once had with Master Seiyu Oyata (10^th dan, Okinawan karate) one afternoon following a rigorous practice, he remarked that “...if a person's art requires him to be very strong, it is not really a martial art.” I asked for further clarification and he continued, “Real martial arts teach us to defeat an enemy who is bigger or stronger than us.” I nodded my understanding, but the master wasn't quite finished. “But you cannot use 'tricks' to defeat a bigger enemy”, he said. “You must train hard and develop real skill, real strength.”

Oyata sensei was saying that what we call “brute force” must not be applied to martial arts. Instead, one must develop “trained strength.” The two are at opposite ends of the spectrum. “Trained” strength refers to the type(s) of strength that is developed through proper martial arts training routines and the subsequent “toning” of various muscles and tendons. Raw, brute strength is of little use in so far as martial arts are concerned.

Different styles of karate and kung-fu utilize different training routines, which foster the development of various forms of “trained strength” in accordance with the style. There are many exercises that are used by numerous schools and some that appear to be unique to one particular school. For instance, authentic taijiquan makes use of several routines that a Goju-ryu stylist would have no use for at all.

Make no mistake; the traditional neijia (internal martial arts) routinely practice a variety of very rigorous exercises that are intended to toughen and strengthen different parts of the body, in accordance to their special ways of moving and engaging in combat. Having been involved in these arts for several decades, I can attest to their difficulty and effectiveness.

Developing the various forms of “trained strength” for any given martial art is not something that can be done quickly; to attempt to do so will only result in injury. Such strength is developed gradually. Many Westerners dislike this; they like quick gratification but in the martial arts, there's no such thing. It's best if you simply enjoy the journey...