09/06/2026
Een gedachte na de training van gisteren.
Something that came up in class yesterday:
The late head instructor of the style I teach used to say "Do what is most appropriate." He would say that or "Zhongyong" ("Doctrine of the mean"), which is basically the same thing.
That explains both everything and nothing.
The point of the answer is that it is up to you to figure out what is appropriate in those specific circumstances. It might be very different for somebody else, or if only one factor in the circumstances changes. The question is: how do you figure that out?
Different systems and teachers have different methods for it. Some focus on free play, creativity, and exploration. Others prefer a structured, methodical way. I find both equally valuable. I prefer a structure with exploration and play built in at certain stages. To give the student a framework and help where needed as a preparation for experimentation, but also guidance if he gets stuck.
All while bearing in mind that what is most appropriate for one student is not necessarily so for another.
Picture taken at a seminar some 20 years ago. L to R:
Luce, Dan, me, Patrick.
I have no doubt that Dan was telling us about some obscure reference in Journey to the West that relates to one of our sabre or sword techniques.
Or it could have been the time when he expressed his surprise at how Yang Chengfu's son seemed to hate his father and went out of his way to tarnish his name.
It could have been any of a thousand different stories and factoids.
Those were always some of my favorite moments of spending time with Dan.
He is sorely missed.
