The Journey to the West (西游记 xīyòujì）is a famous Chinese story in which a Tang Dynasty monk, Xuánzàng (玄奘), undertakes a journey to India to obtain Buddhist sutras. The traditions of martial arts and philosophy (including Buddhism, Confucianism and Taoism) have long been connected. Indeed, according to the Yijing (易经), Tai Chi (太极）means "the origin of all things."
As I travel west (of Australia), the first step in my journey will be in Zhèngzhōu, Hénán. I'll be enrolling in a martial arts camp for one month to learn Shăolín (少林）and possibly Tai chi as well。Then when I am Hong Hong (the home of Jackie Chan), I will be looking for a dojo to continue doing Shotokan karate.
But why martial arts? I started doing karate this year and generally becoming more interested in martial arts when a friend asked me to go to karate with him and also introduced me to the idea of studying kenjutsu and shaolin. My friend's form in martial arts is beautiful, and it is inspiring to see people move with such grace and intent. The first time I became inspired to do karate, however, was many years ago when I read "The Idiot's Guide to Karate" and found out about karate-do as a lifestyle and a way of connecting with oneself. At this time, I was unable to attend any karate dojos, but I was becoming interested in Japanese culture and language in general, and eventually tried out judo. Which ended up becoming a liability for my back and spine because I was unable to do proper break falls (I have a terrible fear of heights and of falling). Even in karate, which has relatively little contact and is relatively low impact, I am identifying health problems (knee pain) caused by incorrect form. I still have a long way to go in terms of understanding how my body can achieve the beautiful movements that inspired me, but I am hoping that after spending five months in China, learning martial arts in its locations of origin, I will come back with my mind and body in closer sync with one another. My current challenge is curing myself of flat feet.
I am a student at Australian National University, studying international relations and Northeast Asia (mainly China and Japan, the culture, history, and languages). I am specifically fascinated by Chinese culture, written tradition and self-development. As part of my degree, I am going to Hong Kong, which happens to be one of the most awesome cultural centres of martial arts.
As I travel west (of Australia), the first step in my journey will be in Zhèngzhōu, Hénán. I'll be enrolling in a martial arts camp for one month to learn Shăolín (少林）and possibly Tai chi as well。Then when I am Hong Hong (the home of Jackie Chan), I will be looking for a dojo to continue doing Shotokan karate.
But why martial arts? I started doing karate this year and generally becoming more interested in martial arts when a friend asked me to go to karate with him and also introduced me to the idea of studying kenjutsu and shaolin. My friend's form in martial arts is beautiful, and it is inspiring to see people move with such grace and intent. The first time I became inspired to do karate, however, was many years ago when I read "The Idiot's Guide to Karate" and found out about karate-do as a lifestyle and a way of connecting with oneself. At this time, I was unable to attend any karate dojos, but I was becoming interested in Japanese culture and language in general, and eventually tried out judo. Which ended up becoming a liability for my back and spine because I was unable to do proper break falls (I have a terrible fear of heights and of falling). Even in karate, which has relatively little contact and is relatively low impact, I am identifying health problems (knee pain) caused by incorrect form. I still have a long way to go in terms of understanding how my body can achieve the beautiful movements that inspired me, but I am hoping that after spending five months in China, learning martial arts in its locations of origin, I will come back with my mind and body in closer sync with one another. My current challenge is curing myself of flat feet.
I am a student at Australian National University, studying international relations and Northeast Asia (mainly China and Japan, the culture, history, and languages). I am specifically fascinated by Chinese culture, written tradition and self-development. As part of my degree, I am going to Hong Kong, which happens to be one of the most awesome cultural centres of martial arts.
So, why do I write this blog?
- I want to share my view of the with the world, with dual my pessimism and joyaux de vive.
- I see writing, revising and sharing my thoughts as a method of cognitive behavioural therapy.
- I want to share the way I see the world: how I learn, how I put things together in my mind.
- I want to share my writing and get feedback.
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