Beyond Style in the Martial Arts

In combat, preformed concepts are not enough to meet the demands of the anything-goes reality of fighting. Don’t be confined by styles, rules, forms, favoritism, or even common sense. Thinking only one way is apt to lead you into a trap. This way, that way, low way, high way, straight way, round way, slow hit, fast hit. There are so many ways to choose from. No way includes every way. That is what Junsado stands for—free thinking, no limitations, freedom.

This is not to say that you should throw all convention out and train randomly. The ability to think freely comes from understanding the basic conventional concepts that lie within a system. For example, without knowing the numerical system, how can you learn how to add and subtract, multiply and divide? And without learning basic numerical functions, how can you perform simple daily tasks like calculating your change in a store?

When you learn to add, you practice by adding specific equations under the guidance of a teacher. Through this tutelage, you learn the principles of addition. There is no way for you to practice and memorize every numerical equation you will ever need in life. Once you master the principles of addition, you are able
to add whatever sum is presented to you without difficulty.

The addition you practice is not the end product of your learning, it is merely one step on your way to mathematical competency. However, the rules of adding remain constant in every country throughout the world. Everyone adds different equations, but all use the same rules.

In combat, you begin from learning how to make basic physical movements of attack and defense, similar to learning how to count. You then learn how to combine these movements in arranged applications, like learning the rules of addition. Once proficient in applications, you are able to apply your skills to many situations according to the demands of the situation, like adding your pocket change or calculating how much your grocery bill will be. Each step requires following the system until you learn and master its principles. Once you master the principles, you are free to apply them in many ways.

Addition and subtraction each have their own important function. We cannot say addition is better than subtraction or vice versa. Each is important in its own merit. Therefore, Junsado incorporates many types of skills. Sometimes you will need kicking and punching, sometimes grappling, sometimes a combination of
both. None is any better or worse than the other. It is a matter of appropriateness. Add when you must add. Subtract when you must subtract. Kick when you must kick. Throw when you must throw. Through the system of Junsado, you will come to understand the appropriateness of each skill, so you can adapt a
strategy and fighting style that is most fitting for you.