YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeacZwl2pbg

Google Video: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8600525388547562295

Enjoy!
Nick

I have been a participant in martial arts of one sort or another for about 40 plus years. I think to start with I believed there was some mystical content that needed to be tapped before one could achieve the higher grades. However as I started to move up and reach these levels I came to realise that it was hard work and training that makes a good practitioner - not eastern secrets.

It is a little sad seeing a “master” come back to earth with a thud. Obviously he thought he could do that otherwise why put himself in that position? But in the end it needs to be exposed for what it is. Students need to know that their master is not a demi god. On another note I had no idea that raising alternate big toes would protect me against Dim Mac masters - must remeber this as I walk down the street from now on.

I agree with Rick in that there are times when breaking can provide you with an idea of how good your technique is - but a lot of that can also be performed on a heavy bag.

Thanks again for the informative site.

The first video is a great example of something that’s needed: the “put your money where your mouth is” type of challenge.

The second to last is important because, as Rick alludes, belief is a very powerful tool when used emotionally. It has no influence over the physical word. Another example of how mystic powers just don’t cut it. (Or, perhaps they do… in this case, painfully.)

Obviously this man believed that he wouldn’t be cut.

Obviously his belief wasn’t sufficient to affect reality.

It reminds me of the “Boxer Rebellion” in China.

Regarding the final video: There are applications where breaking wood is not totally useless. It can demonstrate good technique. However, one wonders whether striking with your head is a very wise maneuver outside of TV and movies. I certainly wouldn’t want to expose such a vulnerable area to counter-attack.

Thanks,
Nick