Tag: martial arts

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Using Both Sides Of The Brain To Learn

Steve Rowe

We spent a lot of time yesterday ‘learning how to learn’, understanding how differently the left and right brain learns and how both are useful. Learning in words, in a linear logical method is essential and the most useful way of starting, once the sequence is internalised the mind can easily become distracted or lazy, at this point we need to go deeper, increasing our awareness, focus, sensitivity and intensity until we are eventually studying micro moments and connections. We also need to learn by ‘direct transmission’ and this depends on the relationship between teacher and student, it’s wordless and … Continue reading Using Both Sides Of The Brain To Learn

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The Power Of Silence And Stillness

Steve Rowe

We have to develop and alchemise silence and stillnessIt’s the only way to give life perspectiveIf we’re always moving, thinking and feelingHow can we give it context without anything to compare it with?The amount of time and focus we give to each is importantWhen we develop silence and stillnessWe can see everything objectivelyWe can develop insight and wisdomThis gives value and insight into our thoughts, feelings and activitiesWhen we mindlessly engage in lifeWe’re asleep at the wheelOur locus of power is externalWhen we add the power of silence and stillnessWe’re awake and our locus of power is internalWe’re no longer … Continue reading The Power Of Silence And Stillness

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Seeing With Clarity

Steve Rowe

The moment you think of a wordYou create it’s oppositeI want to be happy means you’re notI need to be positive means you’re notTo ‘try’ to be anything means you’re not You need to be the word AND it’s oppositeOne only exists because of the otherThen they balance each other outA balanced state is betterThis creates a deeper form of insight and wisdom Like the line between yin and yangIt’s a doorway to enlightenmentA portal to the infiniteWhere everything is balancedAnd the suffering of opposites ceases Cease strugglingCease tryingAllow everything to mergeThen the illusion disappearsAnd you can see with clarity Continue reading Seeing With Clarity

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Knowing Yourself

Steve Rowe

I’ve never been comfortable with titles, grades, certificates and awards. Nothing against them, they’re just not for me. I haven’t turned grades down from people I respect but have upset and subsequently fallen out with people that run awards ceremonies because I wouldn’t associate with them or accept their awards. I know who and what I am so don’t need recognition from others, I know what I’m both good and bad at and that sometimes I’m a twat with an awful sense of humour. I don’t like to put anything between myself and those I teach so I’m not a … Continue reading Knowing Yourself

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A Good Teacher

Steve Rowe

Find a good teacher that has the knowledge you need.Then yield to that teacher so there are no barriers.Don’t challenge the teachings until you understand them properly.That understanding needs to be internalised with sufficient practice .Then challenge everything in a polite, intelligent way until it’s proven.Keep challenging it as there will undoubtably be hidden depths each time you return to it.Ask questions as a good teacher will be happy that you’re interested.Questions help a teacher to improve the way they teach.Challenge, question, but don’t argue as that will immediately break the teacher/student connection.If you feel the need to argue with … Continue reading A Good Teacher

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‘Behind The Door’ Teaching

Steve Rowe

When we begin martial arts study we have to spend time learning the structured basic layers and developing a relationship with our teacher. We are taught using key words and phrases to learn the basic ideas and principles behind our posture, breathing, strategies, techniques, mind, emotions and behaviour. As we develop, the relationship with our teacher deepens to the point where our energy and understanding is in harmony and the methods can go deeper. It’s at this point that what is often described as ‘secret’, ‘behind the door’ or ‘discipleship’ can be offered. Every system has its method of recognising … Continue reading ‘Behind The Door’ Teaching

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Qi – Our Life Force

Steve Rowe

The air we breathe and the food we eat gives us the energy to think, feel, move, and function. Our ability to harmonise the different manifestations of this energy, to use them intelligently and alchemise their harmony is the base of all martial arts study. We call the energy qi, the ability to look inwards and study it neigong (inner work), we exercise it by stimulating, storing and releasing it with qigong (energy work) we diversify that with solitary technical self defence of our health, skill and body with forms (kata) and apply it toward others with partner work. If … Continue reading Qi – Our Life Force