Then the question is evolution
To Lost_Desciple, thanks for clearing that up.
I'll try to clearify Illusionfist question as well.
Shaolin masters were not oblivious to to the outside world and often traveled throughout China. Upon coming across other MA, there was often an exchange of knowledge. Understanding the advanced theories rather than the specific application, Masters of Shaolin would construct Tai chi forms unique to that particular styles attributes. Consider this, Chang chuan is the concept of using bone alignment for power or force rather than power through using muscle. Each animal system has its own unique form or forms that teach this theory, however the forms from system to system will look completly different however teach the sam principles.
Somthing else on animal systems. Contrary to what the Green Dragon Society claims on their webpage, the animal systems of shaolin were not only based on movement of certain animals, but the goal is to embody the animals mindset. Its not about walking around with your hands contorted saying "these are tiger claws".
To Reemul and The Willow Sword
If you two are merely venting your spleen, this thread is a healthy outlet for your childish posturing. If you two really intend to fight, you should be ashamed of yourselves. This is not the appropriate behavior for any person serious about the MA. Your instructors should be embarrassed by your behavior. If I knew whom your instructors were, I would inform them of your inappropriate behavior in order that they may correct the errors in your character. If your instructors approve of this type of behavior, then both of you have chosen the wrong instructors to train you in the MA. Both of you are acting as if you were 15 years old. It is time for both of you to apologize for any offense you have given the other.
Disagreements about MA are as old as MA. There are no perfect styles. People train in the MA for various reasons, not all of the reasons include self-defense. If the two of you are instructors you are both behaving as very poor examples to the younger members of this BB and you appear as a couple of fools to the older ones. Dignity and honor art not attributes someone else can take from you. But you certainly can give them up. If you two are serous about the comments you are making and not just goofing off (which in itself still sets a poor example) then both have surrendered your dignity and honor already and fighting will not return it to you. It will drive it further from your grasp.
If you two fight, the winner would not be demonstrating the superiority of his art only the superiority of his skill. The individual makes an art effective. The desire to injure someone who has hurt your feelings (and that is what an insult does) is as great a demonstration of immaturity as the person who has performed the insult (assuming the insult was intentional) in the first place. You are not fighting for your MA styles you are fighting for your own personal egos. It is time for both of you to start studying more deeply about the meaning of training and its purpose for developing better individuals.
To any other mature readers of this thread;
It is time you have spoken up and counseled these youngsters on appropriate behavior, if we do not, who will. If they disregard our counsel we have still set the example for the younger more impressionable readers as to what proper conduct, honor and dignity are about.
Sincerely,
Scott