It’s not what you do, it’s the way that you do it.

We have to look beyond technique. The principles, ideas and intent that are the foundation, and pervade any movement we do, tell how much we really know.

The aura, the animation, the eyes, and spirit of the practitioner tell us what we need to know. The ease of the movement, the contrast and power on/off switch, when the power is ‘resting’, when it is ‘storing’, and when it it ‘discharging’ are evident to experienced eyes.

For this we need personal alchemy, internal study, and this is why a good martial artist also has to become a good person. With great power comes great responsibility.

Which art, which style, is irrelevant, ‘what is the best or most effective martial art’ is clickbait and naïve.

The image is Fudo Myoo, ferocious because he is the guardian of the Buddhist way, carrying a sword to cleave away evil, a rope to bind it and standing in stone to represent spiritual resolve and immovably on the path.

You need the right vision to see this.