My son, who is a student of Kali (Why not kung fu, you say–? I guess he wanted to be his own man), was saying to me a while ago that it’s amazing how many people who call themselves “martial artists” can’t even throw an effective punch. I asked him why he thought that was, and he replied, “Well, I’m afraid it’s because of you, Dad. Your TV show gave people the idea that the martial arts were something to do with softness, having to do with a philosophy of peace and gentleness.” Well, that’s exactly what we were trying to do, the emphasis being on restraint more than anything. It seemed that Bruce Lee was getting the message of the gnarlier aspects of the arts across just fine without us. Still, one ought to be able to let loose when the time is right for it. Certainly, when we were off the set, working out, we didn’t hold back. On the contrary, just like anyone else, we got a big kick out of stuff like breaking things with our bare feet.
Yes, I’m always explaining that the real purpose of kung fu is the betterment of oneself, and the pursuit of that goal certainly shouldn’t be limited to knowing how to knock someone down. Angry opponents are not the only obstacles in the way of personal happiness. We all really do need to get along for it to work out well. The oneness of mind and body, good health, spiritual enlightenment are the goals to seek, definitely. Aggression as a means of getting through the day is more likely to land one in jail than anywhere else.
One thing I’ve noticed is that the kung fu fighters, boxers and Samurai swordsman of my acquaintance are all really nice people when they’re not “in the ring”. And my series is not responsible for them being like that. Since time immemorial that’s been true. Someone who knows how to take care of himself doesn’t have to prove anything. (People who like to bite off their opponents ears are the rare exception)
There’s a movement in martial arts these days, though, that disturbs me. Grapplers, fighters who like to get hold of you and twist and gouge. People obsessed with squeezing people’s heads. These bozos are forgetting that this is a Monk Art. It’s about bettering yourself, seeking spiritual enlightenment. How does that turn into hurting people? Wrong perceptions lead you astray don’t they? Learning to understand your own space, and how you can occupy it in a good way, helpful to the world in general as well as to yourself, is the higher goal. Standing tall and having some dignity about you feels good, and inspires people around you. Gaining respect certainly doesn’t require knowing a lot of painful finger holds that make your fellow men say “Uncle”. Yet, that’s what many of our colleagues are striving for.
In the simplest form of Chin Na, the study of joint manipulation: you figure out which way your arm won’t bend and then do that to someone else. I guess there’s a place for everything, and when you think about it, it’s kind of a funny image: a guy twisting his own limbs around ‘till he says, “Ow. That hurts! I’ve got to try that on someone.”
Having strength and endurance, being limber, being able to stand up and fight for what’s right are all noble achievements. I revel in them. At the highest, though, kung fu is a healing art. We should all be striving for that: making the world a better place for everyone. When I asked Sifu, “What about the Dim Mak?” He said, “Well, David, that’s supposed to be for healing.” And Sifu is no wimp. He can become a real tiger when someone tries to push him around. But few people do try that. Just like it says, when you’re that good, you radiate a confidence that dissolves hostility. Fights end before they start. A true master never needs to show what he knows, because one of the biggest things he knows is how not to need to show it. And, as I’ve said many times, When the universe is unfolding before one’s eyes, dazzling in its splendor, there are better ways to spend one’s energy than beating people up.
And, anyway, who wants to be a bully? Nobody likes them.
