The devastation in Japan dramatically shows the destructive power of nature’s forces unleashed. Swift and tragic. It brings to mind the ancient Daoist sage Lao Tzu’s famous verses on the power of water. Nothing is softer than water, yet nothing is more powerful. It is also reminiscent of the ancient Chinese image of the dragon used by traditional martial artists.

Modern martial artists with a rational scientific mindset may view the dragon as a quaint symbol, irrelevant to martial technology. Power is about biomechanics and physics – not tiger, cranes, dragons or qi. Yet, for a traditional eastern intuitive mindset, nature metaphors and images are meaningful descriptions. As a symbol of nature’s primal power, the dragon, master of ocean and lake, could control the wind and the water. Powerful.

Aikido and internal systems like Tai ji, Ba gua and Tan’s Dazzling Hands use the metaphor of the power of surging water crashing onto rocks, penetrating into creaks and crevices, or a dragon generating a whirl pool, are vivid descriptions of how to create power circular strikes and the relentless penetration of force through an opponent. By opening our minds to this intuitive model, with reflection and experimentation, we can enhance our palm strikes, kicks, throws and joint locks. Watching the haunting images of cars, homes and boats swept up by the tsunami wave reminds us of the power of the water dragon.

Toni and I send our heartfelt condolences to the people, friends and families devastated by the tragic earthquake and tsunami.

In spirit,
Lawrence Tan

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“Be formless, shapeless, like water, ” said Bruce Lee, echoing the words of the ancient Chinese philosopher Sun Tzu. Written over two thousand years ago, his classic treatise Art of War uses water as a metaphor for strategies in managing conflict. To become “like water” means to be adaptable in all situations. Water can be soft and yielding, but it is also devastatingly powerful.

Today we are facing growing issues surrounding water, conflict and survival. March 22 is World Water Day, and it is the start of World Water Week. The focus is to promote transboundary water management through cooperation, not conflict. International waters are key natural resources ensuring our global future. Where they touch on more than one country, or are intercepted by a nation upstream, they are also a source of tension.

Conflicts arise among leaders, as these transboundary issues are deeply rooted in emotions – water is necessary for survival. It also defines a culture’s opportunity for advancement. The challenge is not only to provide a sustainable clean water system, it is learning to manage and share resources in an equitable way. Understanding historical water disputes and related treaties provide signposts for conflict resolution and aides in developing strategies for the future. Focusing on cooperation and joint action is essential to vital transboundary waters. The resolution process requires a tremendous effort, great skill, programs and money. It also calls for our attention. Lao Tze  said, “The highest good is like water. Water nourishes the ten thousand things.”  In our own lives, we must become aware of how precious water is. Solutions are always best arrived at in the spirit of dialogue. Water is life. Communication is the path.

Spread the word!
Toni Josephson & Lawrence Tan

http://www.unece.org/env/water/wwd2009/waterday2009.htm

http://www.unwater.org/worldwaterday/campaign.html