From: ras@athena.mit.edu (Richard A Shandross)
Subject: Re: Badass Karate
Organization: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Date: Fri, 6 Nov 1992 18:31:34 GMT


Good thread.  I have not seen the 'old man vs. young whippersnapper' thing
personally, except for Tai Chi push hands - once - but like many, I know people
who have experienced that.  That and $0.85 gets you on the subway...

Once upon a time at the beginning of the thread, I wrote:

> Far and away, the hardest art is living... living at one's full capacity, 
> using all of your natural powers:  full use of the mind, being in touch with 
> all your emotions, and developing your spirit.  Furthermore, each of these 
> being in a state of dynamic balance which leads to a state of continuing 
> health and growth.
> 
> Now *there's* some badass Karate for you; some real Kung Fu in the true 
> sense of the meaning.
> 
> If you don't think that's tough, I ask you how many people do you know - 
> what percentage, for that matter - who really do that.  Really.  It takes 
> testicular and ovarian fortitude beyond that displayed by most.

The fact that no one responded (except for a nice email msg from one person)
can mean a couple of things:  (a) it could be living proof of the assertion in
the last paragraph, (b) it could mean that I was so off base that no one even
wanted to touch it, (c) it could be that is was just overlooked, or (d) it 
could mean nothing, really.  :-)

So, since I want feedback on this, I'll respond myself!

In support of my point, I cite some excerpts from Master Cheng's Thirteen Chap-
ters on T'ai-Chi Ch'uan.  For those of you who don't know, Cheng was one of 
those 'unbeatable' guys - in his old age no less.

Preface:  "What a pity that those who studied this art in the past either
boasted of extraordinary powers or respected only themselves.  As a result, the
path became narrower and narrower.  From this we may conclude that the superior
man is not self-satisfied or complacent.
	"Today I understand the compassion of Vimalakirti, and I seek to
express Confucius' capacity for empathy in order for brotherhood to fill the
whole world."

Chapter 1:  "Those who apply themselves to the martial arts always seek to
overcome others and gain the upper hand.  Today, who is willing to learn
investment in loss?...Only after receiving the spiritual transmission of
T'ai-Chi Ch'uan from Yang Ch'eng-fu, did I begin to appreciate that its
application was entirely based on the Great Ultimate..."

Chapter 4:  "In my youth, although possessed of the potential for righteousness
and courage, I was reckless and belligerent.  I took risks with my life without
the least care.  I loved study and strove for perfection, but my physical
strength and spirit were not equal to it.  As a result, I often stopped in
mid-course and changed direction, without ever accomplishing anything.  Now I
am already approaching old age, and what else is there to say?..."
	Having studied T'ai-chi Ch'uan for the past twenty odd years, what I
have personally witnessed it its ability to rouse the infirm, raise the weak,
and eliminate illness.  This much I already possess, and can maintain it for a
long time without flagging...When it comes to achieving perfect peace and
gentleness, I dare not make such claims.  Nevertheless, my former recklessness
and belligerence have been all but eliminated.  To speak then of transforming
my disposition is like attempting to transform brambles into lotuses and owls
into phoenixes.  I dare not aspire to this, for I believe my spirit and
strength unequal to the task..."


So this is what one of the "toughest" guys around - maybe one of the toughest
ever, who knows - found to be the toughest thing to do.

Whaddya think?

		Rich
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