Thanks for that story Sy,
Quote:
Sy Labthavikul wrote:
... I let him continue his explanation with a demo.
Unfortunately, his demo was to blow out a candle flame with a short range, unchambered punch. He was surprised when I wasn't impressed; I told him I could also do that, and did so. It was something I did with college buddies as a parlour trick (along with the exploding beer bottle bottom trick). He then tried to demonstrate his tactile sensitivity with a few baguazhang and xingyichuan throws with me resisting; they didn't feel much different from the techniques I practiced with the aikidoka and judoka I know who would be quick to admit they don't know what internal strength is. ...
|
Isn't that almost always the case?
I really think it is best to NOT try to explain some skills, not because that damages ability but because those with the biggest explanations often seem to have the lowest skills.
Tricks and tests however are valuable and should be used more often and developed into commonly accepted ways of gauging skills.