"Knowledge in martial arts actually means self-knowledge... to me, ultimately, martial arts means honestly expressing yourself."
- Bruce Lee
"It is not daily increase but daily decrease; hack away the unessential."
"When one has reached maturity in the art, one will have a formless form. It is like ice dissolving in water. When one has no form, one can be all forms; when one has no style, he can fit in with any style."
- Bruce Lee
I've always admired the great Bruce Lee for his physical power and energy, and for his mastery and insight of martial arts. His books and movies have been a great source of inspiration over the years. And his influence doesn't stop there.
When you read his words, or watch him act and teach it soon becomes apparent that this man was on a path to enlightenment. The great martial artist studied philosophy in college. He dove into oriental teachings, self-improvement, physical training, and mysticism. He meditated. And he developed his body, his mind, and his spirit by seeking the highest levels of mastery in combat. Not only were his actions powerful, his thoughts reverberated with deep wisdom as well. Bruce was constantly using Taoist and Zen-like examples when explaining himself.
When you read his words, or watch him act and teach it soon becomes apparent that this man was on a path to enlightenment. The great martial artist studied philosophy in college. He dove into oriental teachings, self-improvement, physical training, and mysticism. He meditated. And he developed his body, his mind, and his spirit by seeking the highest levels of mastery in combat. Not only were his actions powerful, his thoughts reverberated with deep wisdom as well. Bruce was constantly using Taoist and Zen-like examples when explaining himself.
"It is not daily increase but daily decrease; hack away the unessential."
"When one has reached maturity in the art, one will have a formless form. It is like ice dissolving in water. When one has no form, one can be all forms; when one has no style, he can fit in with any style."
Bruce Lee believed that every one of us was unique, and therefore we could not adopt a pre-fabricated style or technique to suit our needs. In the beginning, we learn what is already out there, explore, and experiment. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Yet our true mission is to find ourselves. It is our duty to find better ways to suit our purpose. It is all about finding personal freedom of expression while still being able to learn from everyone and everything around you. In other words...
Use what works for you; discard the rest.
This has been one of my central beliefs for years. It is one of my most powerful beliefs. Why? Because it has worked for me. We cannot use everything. We cannot be everything. We can, however, be anything. Find what you want, what you desire, what works for you. Discard the rest. Do not waste your time or your money trying to please everyone and doing it all. Choose your path. Then walk it. You can be great. You can be more than anyone has ever imagined. As long as you be like Bruce.
He often talked about the importance of being like water. Fluid. Formless. Flowing. Be like Bruce. Be like water.
Go with the shape that works for you.
Be yourself.
He often talked about the importance of being like water. Fluid. Formless. Flowing. Be like Bruce. Be like water.
Go with the shape that works for you.
Be yourself.
Charles
Copyright © Charles Begin
2 comments:
cool...I wanna be, I wanna be like Bruce.. ( remember those ads)
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