Think On This

by Sifu Nick Francis

The Thinker

"The Thinker" (French: "Le Penseur") is a bronze sculpture by Auguste Rodin depicting a male figure, seated on a large rock, leaning forward in a posture of deep thought and contemplation. This universally recognized expression of "deep thought" has become an iconic symbol, making the sculpture one of the most widely known artworks in the world.

This week I recognized this image immediately as I was scrolling through some old nostalgic television programs. It resurfaced as I watched a rerun of Dobie Gillis, an American sitcom that aired in 1959 to 1963.

Funny as it may be, I remember very little about this program other than the fact that it is where Bob Denver got his start before becoming famous for his role as Gilligan in "Gilligan's Island".

The image of "The Thinker" always captured my attention as a kid though. I just loved the ideas it conveyed of awareness, intellect, inquiry, observation and thoughtfulness. Now, some 65 years later, stumbling across it again, it drew my attention to Wing Chun. Of course, why wouldn't it? After all, Wing Chun is know as the "thinking person's" martial art.

Even now, traditionally as westerners, when we discuss ideas, I think it can be debated that it is easier to be drawn toward discussions that explain and define. This is in such contrast to what Bruce Lee said when he introduced an eastern view into the mainstream with his renowned statement, "Don't think, feel!", calling his students to observe, sense, feel, express and explore. The former being concrete and tangible while the latter is abstract.

When it comes to Wing Chun, which is it? Think? or Feel?

Should I be using logic, anatomy, physiology and biology to develop my Wing Chun or should I be feeling it, sensing it, and learning through testing and pressure?

Well, I ask, must these be mutually exclusive or can they be complimentary?

Of course, knowledge is extremely valuable. Who can deny this? But the last time I checked, knowledge alone never altered, changed, nor fixed anything. It has always been action upon that knowledge or belief that has the power to do that.

Knowledge without action cannot produce or alter outcomes. Only actions can do that. While knowledge and belief influences our choices, it is ultimately our choices that define the futures we experience.

Why does this matter?

Well, let's take a look at Siu Lim Tau as an example. We know what this is for. We know what the intent is. We know this "Little Idea". We know what the shapes look like. We know what the shapes are called. We know what these shapes mean in Cantonese and we even know at least one way they can be used.

But the truth is, we can know all this and yet, when a punch is coming our direction, none of this knowledge informs us on how to effectively use that shape in a way that keeps us from being hit.

We need to feel the Wing Chun shapes under pressure in order to achieve the confidence they offer.

This is why Siu Lim Tau is our awareness form. It is our awareness to how the shapes work that enable us to hone them without pressure because we know how they feel. This "Little Idea" is about being present in the moment. In the moment we are not just forming a shape, we are training the effectiveness of that shape. We're not thinking about the past. We are not thinking about the future. We are intentionally focused only on the present, the only thing any of us truly has.The here and the now!

Siu Lim Tau is about being present, enjoying and building the life we want. It is about recognizing the moment we are in and the power of choice we have to define that moment. Seeing it and taking full advantage of it as the truly wonderful opportunity it is!

Think about it. What kind of life do you want?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Thinker¹

"The Lancaster Wing Chun Association exists

to create a place where

people can learn traditional Ip Man Wing Chun

 in a safe supportive environment."