Kim is talking about... cage fighting???
Yes, that's right. Cage fighting. And specifically, a form of professional fighting that is rising in popularity, called "MMA" - mixed martial arts. This is Western-style fighting that is grounded in an Asian martial arts background, along with the mental discipline and philosophy of martial arts.
My connection to this is through my tai chi and qi gong teacher Chris Shelton, who is American, but has 20 years' experience in these Chinese practices. He is also an excellent Chinese doctor skilled in medical qi gong therapy. About a year ago, he was given the opportunity to enter the MMA world, both as a participant and as a doctor to the fighters. He trains with Cung Le, a well-known MMA fighter.
Why would Chris take this opportunity? Why tread the path of staged fights in a cage - apparently the ultimate in boneheaded brutality and the American celebration of violence? Precisely because he wants to transform some of this energy. Chris has noticed that Americans think tai chi means "old people in the park." In reality, this Asian practice works with incredibly powerful energy and has the potential to improve the practitioner's health and spiritual depth. The mental discipline of most martial arts would be a beneficial substitute to the mindless, reactionary violence often seen in young fighters. Instead of turning away from our interest in violence, Chris is turning toward it, trying to increase interest in tai chi and other martial arts so that more young people will take this rigorous training and improve their mental state.
In one sense, I can respect that. I have decided that despite the violence and disrespect inherent in Western capitalist business, I will enter that world and bring a new energy to it. It is the area where my work is. And Chris' work is with the "fighter" mindset among young people.
To my heart, this is a really challenging area. Kicking and punching another life form are grounds to make me feel ill. Incredibly, some folks enjoy it. Chris works in what is literally a battle zone. That takes strength of character-- which I know Chris possesses because I've studied with him for several years. I wish him well in his work. The world will indeed be better when more young people learn tai chi.
This YouTube video is about a fight in San Jose between Cung Le and Frank Shamrock. It's a pre-fight interview at Cung's gym, and includes some footage of my teacher Chris performing medical qi gong after the workout (to rebalance Cung's energy). Check it out. My experience with Chinese medicine is that it works.
(Incidentally, Cung Le won the fight. You probably already knew that if you're an MMA fan. I had to do a Google search to find it).
My connection to this is through my tai chi and qi gong teacher Chris Shelton, who is American, but has 20 years' experience in these Chinese practices. He is also an excellent Chinese doctor skilled in medical qi gong therapy. About a year ago, he was given the opportunity to enter the MMA world, both as a participant and as a doctor to the fighters. He trains with Cung Le, a well-known MMA fighter.
Why would Chris take this opportunity? Why tread the path of staged fights in a cage - apparently the ultimate in boneheaded brutality and the American celebration of violence? Precisely because he wants to transform some of this energy. Chris has noticed that Americans think tai chi means "old people in the park." In reality, this Asian practice works with incredibly powerful energy and has the potential to improve the practitioner's health and spiritual depth. The mental discipline of most martial arts would be a beneficial substitute to the mindless, reactionary violence often seen in young fighters. Instead of turning away from our interest in violence, Chris is turning toward it, trying to increase interest in tai chi and other martial arts so that more young people will take this rigorous training and improve their mental state.
In one sense, I can respect that. I have decided that despite the violence and disrespect inherent in Western capitalist business, I will enter that world and bring a new energy to it. It is the area where my work is. And Chris' work is with the "fighter" mindset among young people.
To my heart, this is a really challenging area. Kicking and punching another life form are grounds to make me feel ill. Incredibly, some folks enjoy it. Chris works in what is literally a battle zone. That takes strength of character-- which I know Chris possesses because I've studied with him for several years. I wish him well in his work. The world will indeed be better when more young people learn tai chi.
This YouTube video is about a fight in San Jose between Cung Le and Frank Shamrock. It's a pre-fight interview at Cung's gym, and includes some footage of my teacher Chris performing medical qi gong after the workout (to rebalance Cung's energy). Check it out. My experience with Chinese medicine is that it works.
(Incidentally, Cung Le won the fight. You probably already knew that if you're an MMA fan. I had to do a Google search to find it).
posted by Kim at
6:50 AM
2 Comments:
I was fortunate enough to have a Tai Chi master come to my hometown of Conway, AR. Apparently it's a big deal though I don't know enough about the art to identify the weight the title carries. I only took one class, (Mostly because I would have been charged for every class after the first, and I couldn't justify forking over the dough as a starving art major) However, after only spending a short while with the master my respect for the practice deepened quite a bit. Much like you said Tai Chi is often seen as a style with no combative qualities, at the same time it is often viewed in too shallow a view. The principles behind it are much deeper than most people will give credit for. Having taken lessons I'm sure you already know that. But I was amazed at how much depth I saw in it with only one lesson. If I could afford it it's something I would definitely consider picking up.
By
Ryan, at 8:30 PM
Hi Ryan. I know what you mean about the price, being a (returning) student myself! And you are right about the depth, which is visible right away even though it might take a long time to develop. I think that's one reason Chris might get some tai chi converts among the fighters he works with. Even on the first lesson, the depth is evident, which will help draw people in. I hope you'll get a chance to try tai chi again.
By
Kim, at 6:29 AM
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