At the same time, cooperation is vital for high level training. Soft systems like Tai Ji and Aikido or the more aggressive Wing Chun also teach the importance of cooperation during practice. Why is this spirit of cooperation a hallmark of advance training?

Two man training drills that require a cooperative attitude, like pushing hands and chi sau focus on subtleties that make core techniques more effective, efficient and dangerous. Novice and young black belts are often unconsciously compelled to compete with their partners to prove they are faster or stronger. The exercise becomes a contest not an educational tool. In trying to prove they are more powerful, they miss the greater value of these exercises.

On the other hand, seasoned martial artists confident and emotionally secure in their abilities, focus on the real lesson: such as using a live partner to safely study redirecting of force, leverage and finding the path of least resistance into precise vulnerable targets. Although they are both doing the same drill, the young black belt focuses on power to hit the opponent’s head, while the old master focuses on striking the precise knockout point on the jaw.

Competitive training is important. After all, we strive to vanquish the foe. But to refine and go beyond strength, speed and technical skill, cooperation is necessary. When practiced in the spirit of experimentation and mutual cooperation, both attacker and defender feel safe to explore, analyze and discover deeper “secrets” that are invisible to those focusing on competing.

Evolving Martial Artists in learning to balance cooperation and competition may awaken to the harmony of opposites the ancients allude to.

With this in mind check out our latest TanDao Fight Lab, TanDao Blindfold Training.

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