Rick is on a never-ending quest; for many years he sought out Martial Arts masters to acquire an extensive repertoire of training methods and techniques. His insatiable thirst has also always continued to draw him into the deeper aspects of the Martial Arts beyond the physical. A quest not just for knowledge but, for wisdom and an understanding on deeper levels, not just for himself, but to share with his students. As a teacher and guide he has always felt that his purpose was to contribute and raise the level of skill as well as consciousness. At a time where society is overwhelmed and bombarded by information he now sees even more clearly his role as emphasizing Martial Arts as a transformative process. The most recent weekend immersion emphasized the importance of wisdom and understanding above additional information and physical drills.
“Knowledge without wisdom is a load of books on the back an ass” – Japanese Proverb
People entering the space on the first day seemed to not know what to expect. Upon arriving they were handed a sheet of questions. The purpose being to place them in a position to examine their own thoughts and reasoning’s behind their training as well as their perspectives on Martial Arts and its purpose. The stage was set for reflection and then growth.
Rick emphasized his belief in the importance of the Martial Arts trained and taught the correct way. True Martial Art’s training can bring about self–knowledge and then wisdom. This wisdom has a particular emphasis in Martial Arts beyond other forms of yoga/meditation because it comes from interaction with others, not only stillness. Interactions become not only enhanced in the training arena but also in life with all those that we come in contact with.
Speaking about the transformative process and the focus on truth Rick emphasized truth as not only the spoken word but also, being truthful with one’s self. Exploring those deep corners of the soul that many are reluctant to venture into because of fear. A true warrior has the strength to take off the mask he/she wears not only for others but also for themselves, to change the story we created and perpetuate in our mind. Emphasis being that a true artist seeks truth because they can live no other way but in the ever-changing truth. Attendees were shocked and dismayed when Rick requested not to be called Sifu anymore – “Call me Rick”. Wow, talk about stripping away the past. The pretense and ego of the simple title no longer serve him – TRUTH!
“To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.” – Buddha
The physical drills throughout the training focused on opening up the senses individually and holistically to become more in tuned with oneself. Bringing the once simple movements into a whole other level of understanding in tune with one’s self is key to heightening ones response to interactions with others.
Several times throughout the weekend attendees broke into small groups to initiate more intimate conversations regarding their own journeys. This created opportunities for those to allow themselves introspection as well as expose their own perceived vulnerability. Rick constructed many well-placed situations and opportunities for each individual to arrive at an “Ah ha” moment.
The participants throughout the seminar asked many questions and in return Rick asked many open-ended questions to the group. Questions to ponder and take away in contributing and encouraging an everlasting quest for truth. Martial Arts after all, as Rick emphasized, is an ongoing transformative process.
“Walk On.” – Bruce Lee
Living Wherever We Are 