| Because of movies, books and forms of folklore | | | | advanced principles. If you have a strong foundation, |
| from both the east and the west, the public has a | | | | you will become a strong martial artist. |
| misunderstanding about the martial arts. At the | | | | But this isn't the only reason why the basics are so |
| forefront of these are so-called deep secrets--many | | | | important. |
| of which are thought to be lethal one-hit killing | | | | The basics are important because their just that: |
| techniques or special internal power methods. | | | | basic. Basic striking techniques are not only the |
| Although there are different perceptions of internal | | | | easiest, but they are also the fastest, more efficient, |
| energy (known as chi in Chinese and Ki in Japanese), | | | | most practical movements in your arsenal. When you |
| these methods most likely do not exist. Even If they | | | | get into a fight and the intermediate and advanced |
| did, they wouldn't be practical for self-defense | | | | stuff doesn't work, what do you fall back on? The |
| anyway. | | | | basics. So if you want to show your friends a secret, |
| So are there secrets in the martial arts? Yes! But | | | | powerful technique, show them a basic reverse |
| they're not exactly what you think. | | | | punch or front kick. |
| So what is one of these secrets? Get ready: its... the | | | | Why is it secret? Because everyone is so caught up |
| basics! Yes, you read that right. It's the basics. Crazy, | | | | with learning the next most advanced thing with their |
| right? I don't think so. | | | | training, or acquiring abilities that most likely do not |
| The basics are the building blocks that build a strong | | | | exist. They don't realize that the most powerful |
| temple. If those building blocks are weak, it doesn't | | | | techniques-the most practical, efficient methods-are |
| matter how strong the higher blocks are; the temple | | | | the basics of their system. |
| will crumble. This foundation is all-important in the | | | | So train your basics: your stances, techniques, |
| martial arts, and without it you can't get anywhere. It | | | | exercises, movements. They will make you much |
| builds your physical strength and it builds your | | | | stronger, and allow you to be the best you can be. |
| technique, as well as prepares you for the more | | | | |