Another Peek

Posts Tagged ‘tai chi’

[I:http://anotherpeek.com/wp-content/uploads/AlCase14.jpg]At the heart of the martial arts, though I have never seen nor heard of it discussed, is the ability to make beams. I say beams, and I include tractor or pressor or any other kind of beam. A beam refers to a line, though it need not be a line, of energy that is exuded from the body of the martial artist.

It is a truth that a martial art is not a true martial art unless it helps a person to create a beam of energy at will. Most martial practices on planet earth are aimed towards the shabby excuse of energizing body parts, or just building muscle. We will discuss how to awaken the reader to the ability to create beams of energy In this article.

When you think about it, the body is nothing more than a machine. It is constructed of meat and bone and has various linking systems in it. Indeed, to the person unfamiliar with the techniques of how to use a body, though the body is actually very simple to use, it can resemble a Rubic’s cube.

One must practice classical forms, and understand the value inherent within classical stances, if he/she wishes to remake the body as a device that can beam energy. One is required to work in a specific manner when one trains in the classical stances, and this work will cause the creation of energy in the Tan Tien, which is the actual energy generator of the body, and which is located a couple of inches below the navel. One should contract and expand the body in harmony with the breathing cycle to help this process work.

To create a stance and work, to breath and concentrate awareness along the desired path of the limbs, and to imagine.We are set apart from the beasts by our ability to imagine, and you must cultivate imagination if you wish to create a beam of energy exuding from the body. But to imagine you must practice until the mind is calm.

The simplest way to test yourself, and to help in the direct growth of this ability to make beams, is to use the candle trick. Light a candle, breath to calm yourself and focus yourself, and when you punch stop your fist an inch from the flame. Work on a straight line, building your focus, and do not try to trick the flame by flicking the fist off the straight line, and keep the idea of the beam as straight as possible.

With success over time, stop your fist two inches from the flame, then further. increase distance until you can put out the flame from across the room. Eventually, with great patience and desire, you will be able to merely look at the flame and make it go out.

There are those who claim that such practices as detailed here are of little importance and they will deride through laughter, and there are those who will seek the instant gratification of simple fighting and not persist. Then there are those who will, through this simple exercise, discover the depths of their being. The difference between the two is measured by faith, belief in yourself, and the desire to awaken yourself to yourself, and to your true abilities.

[I:http://anotherpeek.com/wp-content/uploads/AlCase7.jpg] There are three interesting definitions for the word crazy. One definition that is stated is mentally unbalanced. If I knew anybody that was mentally balanced I would have them tell me about this.

Another definition in the dictionary is…immoderately fond of something. I have been immoderately fond of the martial arts since Noah went skinny dipping. Don’t tell anybody, but I actually went to karate class on the night of my wedding!

And the third definition is one of the more interesting…extremely impractical. Try telling that one to the guy who makes out my paychecks! Or, if you want to get a little tearful, just look at our government.

So what the heck does crazy mean? Obviously, we could have a crazy argument concerning this. So let me give you a few samples and hone in on what, beyond all the words, it really is.

Crazy is sitting around talking about dismembering the human body. What normal, well balanced person would ever do that? Why, nobody, especially a guy in a karate class, would..uh, never mind.

Crazy is the motorcycle maniac who practiced the martial arts and who told me the purpose of a single finger strike to the eye is not merely to pop the eyeball but, by inserting the finger correctly, to angle the finger and pop out the eyeball. He said one is then supposed to chase the rolling eyeball across the floor and step on it in full view of the victim. I didn’t bother to ask him how a person without an eyeball could be considered to have a full view of things.

Crazy are the movies where the hero decides to kill himself and delivers a karate strike to his own body and expires. I mean, I understand committing seppuku (stomach cutting), as done by a failed samurai, but hitting yourself? This guy has added a new dimension to getting up on the wrong side of the bed.

My favorite example of crazy, however, is the fellow who came in to observe one of my classes. After class he came up to me and complimented me, but said he knew something that was a better than the karate I taught. I asked him what, and I expected him to pull out some kind of toy pistol…this was a while ago, now they pull out real pistols!

The fellow dropped down to his hands and knees and started barking like a rabid dog. Getting to his feet, the fellow told me that when he did that people thought he was crazy and didn’t mess with him. Now that I think about it, that’s about the sanest thing I ever heard!