"An artist's expression is his soul made apparent, his schooling, as well as his "cool" being exhibited. Behind every motion, the music of his soul is made visible. Otherwise, his motion is empty and empty motion is like an empty word - no meaning."
"Knowledge is fixed in time, whereas, knowing is continual. Knowledge comes from a source, for an accumulation, from a conclusion, while knowing is a movement."
"Effort within the mind further limits the mind, because effort implies struggle towards a goal and when you have a goal, a purpose, an end in view, you have placed a limity on the mind."
Types of speed:
- Perceptual speed. Quickness of eye [...]
- Mental speed. Quickness of mind to select the right move [...]
- Initiation speed. Economical starting from the right posture and with the correct mental attitude.
- Performance speed. Quickness of movement in carrying the chosen move into effect. Involves actual muscle speed.
- Alteration speed. The ability to change direction midstream. Involves control of balance and inertia.
(All quotes) Lee, Bruce. (1975). The Dao of Jeet Kune Do. Santa Clarita, CA: Ohara Publications Ltd.
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Bruce Lee did not write a book on taiko, but some of his observations apply to art and/or athletics just as much as martial arts.
The only quote here that relates specifically to martial arts is the last quote, but it's my favorite. As beginners to taiko, we focus mostly on making a good sound, a simple yet strong *hit*. As we train, we start worrying about how we look in accordance with fellow players, maintaining good form while tired, moving about and keeping sharp lines, etc. etc. The once-simple hit is now chock-full of a whole host of considerations. But then, for many of us, there's a breakthrough and the *hit* becomes just that, an automatic reflex that makes a good sound regardless of the other factors.
Good sounds!
You picked some good quotations.
ReplyDeletethere are no empty words... only lack of context...
ReplyDeleteI've been playing taiko with a collegiate taiko group for less than a year, and now that the school year has ended and we'll soon be making additions to the group this following year, I've been reflecting back on how I was when I first started and how I am now. From experience, I can completely agree with you that beginners to taiko try so hard to hit hard and that as one plays more, they realize that the hit comes naturally.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I loved the last quote you used. I'm going to put it where I can always see it. Haha.