Martial Mysticism Resolved

By Al Case | May 15, 2009

Mystery and mythology often obscure the martial arts. Matrixing is the use of physics to penetrate the mysteries of the martial arts. This article details the type of thought I was using when developing Matrixing.[l:2:J]

The pentagram is sometimes used as a key to Chinese martial arts. The five elements of the universe are represented by this key. Water, earth, fire, wood and metal are considered to be the five elements.

These five elements can be arranged in a sequence that is considered generative. Thus, each element makes the next. For instance: wood makes fire makes earth, makes metal makes water makes wood.

A degenerative order can also be envisioned. In the degenerative each element destroys the next element. Fire is destroyed by water is destroyed by earth is destroyed by metal is destroyed by wood is destroyed by fire.

Generative or degenerative, there is an order to the series, and, according to ones viewpoint, there are different ways to consider the order. If metal is considered as a tool like a shovel, or a weapon like an ax, this can create a whole different order. One can see how different viewpoints result in arguments over the arrangement of the sequence.

The elements, when applied to the martial arts can be arranged in relation to the motion they represent. Earth goes down, water flows with, metal (a weapon) reaches out, wood stays in place, and fire charges. Thus, each element is assigned a potential of motion.

Wood is motionless. Wood doesnt move. Wood waits for the attack.

Fire is an aggressive attack. It moves towards wood. It destroys wood.

Earth is grappling. When fire comes in, earth takes it down. Thus, earth can destroy fire.

Water flows and is liquid. Somebody trying to take you down would cause you to flow with. Water can handle earth in this manner.

Metal can be considered as a weapon. A weapon extends the body, even to reach somebody who is water. Metal thus destroys liquid.

Wood has no motion. Attack with a weapon can be handled by the simple act of assuming no motion, and thus letting the attack pass by. This is the manner in which wood can defeat metal.

This is how motion, and combat, would relate to the Chinese pentagram. Relating motion to element makes for an understanding of the element. Unfortunately, the comparison is somewhat loose.

I would have preferred to leave metal out as it is a product of civilization and not natural. This would leave a square, which would be a bit more manageable. Or perhaps replace metal with spirit.

Mythology, ultimately, must give way to science. Mystery is at the heart of mysticism, which is merely a way of saying we dont understand something. Thus, the confusions of mythology should fall to the analysis of force and direction, which is what Matrixing ultimately is.

Al Case has been practicing the martial arts for four decades years. You can get a free book on Matrixing at Monster Martial Arts.

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