Chapter 8: Coming Of Age [3] (1/2)

”Martial arts.”

Zhang Li Qiang clasped his arms behind his body as he stood firmly on the ground, contemplating the difficulties and obstacles that a cultivator would face to become a true martial artist. His gaze was unwaveringly fixed on his grandson who was standing in front of him, bare-chested and with a display of absolute seriousness on his face. He knew about the massive effort and energy that martial arts really required.

Total tranquility and control of the inner aggression, pain and even fear, were needed by a cultivator in order to become a true martial artist. This was the reason why the Dao principles of martial arts placed greater importance on complete tranquility and control.

Emotions and reactions were major problems facing a martial artist. That was why martial arts had been regarded as a mental sparring competition with the inner opponent. Once a martial artist was able to control the emotions and reactions in a rational way during combat, the opposition's variant attacks would be much more easier to face. The Dao principles of the martial arts included moral ways that showed these principles as a way of life for all martial artists.

”These are guides you must follow when you are preparing for a combat, and during a combat. They have been arranged in systems that will make it much more easier to learn. Ju Feng, you must know one important thing about martial art. All these systems, although they made it easier, martial arts still demanded complete control and focus.”

Zhang Li Qiang observed the state of his grandson keenly before nodding his head in approval. He turned towards the direction of the combat dummies that were stationed on the right and sighed softly, before continuing his talk.

”In combat, they will let you understand and determine how to take full advantage of any situation, when it's necessary. And they will also help you to avoid inflicting harm on yourself and others when practicing.”

Zhang Li Qiang raised up three fingers as he glanced at his grandson.

”There are three Dao martial arts principles. Any martial artist who has not trained in all of these three principles is not considered as a complete or true martial artist.”

With his raised fingers, one after the other, Zhang Li Qiang indicated the numbers.

”They are spiritual principle, mental principle and physical principle. Although they are divided into basics, forms, weapons, stances, meditation, Chi and applications, they must be learned together. For you to be a true martial artist, your body must learn the physicality while your soul must learn the mental and spiritual aspects of it. Martial arts must flow freely without you being conscious of it. A true heart of martial art, a true heart of Dao. That's the level I want you to reach, Ju Feng.”

Zhang Li Qiang who was walking towards one side of the training ground, suddenly turned around sharply.

”Back to the basics!”

He stared at his grandson who was readjusting himself to stand firmer and be more focused.

”The basics are the beginning steps and very important part of any martial training. You cannot progress to the more advanced stages without them. They will enhance your upper body, lower body and core strength. In turn, these enhancement will help you to improve your punching power, kicking power and others.”

Zhang Li Qiang walked up to his grandson and put a hand on his shoulder. The moment a child was born in the world of cultivation, that was the moment a heavy load was placed on his or her shoulders. He just had to try his best not to allow the load to become unbearable for his grandson.

”You will start with the basics.”

Jufeng nodded vigorously with his focused eyes on his grandfather who looked at him with an easy smile.

”You have great strenght in your body, we will start by gradually bringing out your true strength. You will be using the general trueworld bodyweight technique. And today, we will focus on your upper body strength training since it will help your upper body to generate stronger punches and grappling power. Let's start.”

Zhang Li Qiang taught his grandson the trueworld bodyweight technique. He started his grandson on his body mass as the source of weight, before gradually increasing the weight by adding external masses of stones to his body weight.

”This will strengthen the muscles in your chest, shoulders, back and arms.”