We recently received our “new” school “T-Shirt” orders, and I find myself (again) having to explain what's printed on them (to people that I encounter outside of the dojo). The “back” of the shirt displays the “Ka Han Shin- Jo Han Shin” logo that we put together. It additionally includes the kanji for “Left/Right, Forward/Back” as well, but many (well...most) people are confused by the relationship.
This principle was taught by Oyata to explain application and responses to/from the instructed techniques learned in his system.
In it's “basic” form, the assertion is that Left controls Right, Right controls Left. When (further) applied to all body motion (whether in response to, or application of motion) it includes Front to Back, Upper and Lower. What's more commonly seen, is a “separated” display of individual limb action, applied (and related to) as being independent of any other actions. Oyata's main goal, was for the student to understand that there is a direct correlation between an action/motion and the opposing side of the body during that motion. This was a physical (and natural) response.
I was recently watching one of the “TCM” guy's, doing a spiel for that methodologies application of technique/motion. It was (as expected) over dramatized and somewhat confusing to follow the (non-existent) “logic” of the shown application. It utilized various “meridians” and “organ” references (“channels, etc.) but mostly amounted to making it confusing (enough) to prompt further attendance of their seminars.
Once one removed all of the trivia, what was stated (and was somewhat accurate), it was so convoluted with the additional (if not misleading) garbage, it became nonsensical. Numerous things that were shown had “some” validity, but they continued to confuse the issue (of application) with their (additional) “nonsense”. What I found most troubling (confusing?) was the fact that they routinely ignored “natural” body-motion(s). They chose (instead) to proclaim that “they” were adding/diminishing Ki/Chi etc. when in fact, all they did was rotate their body, so that they could (physically) be able reach/motion something (on the aggressor/victim). It had nothing to do with “modifying” one's “Ki/Chi flow, it was simple (and obvious) bio-mechanics.
This shouldn't be mistaken as any level of endorsement for what was (generally) being shown by these guys (as I disagree with almost everything that they're commonly selling), IMO what they are promoting is (more often than not) redundant nonsense that is intended to confuse the issue (for the student/observer). This leads to a “further” attendance of seminars (for more money). It additionally makes it more confusing if/when the student decides to practice the application of those (taught) “principles”. By keeping that methodology in the realm of “Ki/Chi” (ie. “mystical”), it allows for more variances (and excuses for failure) to that supposed “theory”.
A far more practical field of study, could be achieved in the study of Kinesiology. This is the scientific study of human (or non-human) body movement/motion. Kinesiology addresses physiological, bio-mechanical, and psychological mechanisms of movement. Any/every topic addressed in Kinesiology is explained without the use of any “mystical” aspects being utilized (and is far more easily understood by the casual practitioner). It also does not include all of the inconsistency's (and direct contradictions) that exist in the TCM methodology. But, you will lose all your “mystical” reasons for whatever it is that your doing.
The study of (even simplistic) Kinesiology will address those motions and responses with an easily understood rationality (that can be easily incorporated into one's instructional methodology). Because something appears to be “mystifying”, doesn't mean that it is. We are a modern (hopefully educated) society, rather than believing some mystical nonsense, try doing some research. The answers are available, try Looking for them (instead of listening to the first and/or every “snake-oil” salesman that comes along).
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