Originally Posted by
Bruce W Sims
I think you are very right, David.
I also think that using a term for which there is no actual understanding is equally fruitless. There are some terms such as "master" and "grandmaster" which are thrown about with considerable abandon, but are poorly defined and understood. Fact is that prior to the 1970-s the term 'grandmaster" did not even exist within the context of MA and the term "master" was not used here in the US until the 1960-s (See: Black Belt Magazine). In the Korean traditions, rank, for instance, did not exist at all until its was foisted on Korean martial traditions following the Japanese Occupation (1907-1946).
Taken a step ****her, there are terms such as "soke" in Japanese traditions and "sifu" in Chinese traditions which are regularly invoked and used by Western practitioners with very little insight into what the purpose and obligations of these titles entail (See: JAMA). All of which is to say that if the use of a term such a "Shaolin" is only to invoke an emotional response rather than makes a true distinction among the various traditions, then I think perhaps, we need to examine who is using the term and why. For myself, I am of an understanding that there are some folks who have come to use "Shaolin" as a category to cover all Northern Chinese traditions, much like others use the term "Long Fist". This begs the question, what distinction is being made when someone identifies a practice as "Shaolin Long Fist", yes? Thoughts?
Best Wishes,
Bruce