A good martial artist does not become tense but ready. Not thinking yet not dreaming, ready for whatever may come. A martial artist has to take responsibility for himself and face the consequences of his own doing. To have no technique, there is no opponent, because the word 'I' does not exist. When the opponent expands I contract and when he contracts, I expand. And when there is an opportunity, 'I' do not hit, 'It' hits all by itself.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A skilled fighter remains relaxed yet ready, acting without ego. Technique emerges naturally when the self dissolves.
- In plain terms
- Be ready without thinking too much.
- What can you take from it?
- Act naturally without ego or tension.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When do you think too much?
- How do you trust your instincts?
Another view
Eliminating self-awareness may hinder learning new techniques.
More from Bruce Lee
Boards don't hit back.
Permalink to quote #3 Use only that which works, and take it from any place you can find it.
Permalink to quote #5 When you're talking about fighting, as it is, with no rules, well then, baby you'd better train every part of your body!
Permalink to quote #2
Related quotes
If you do not look at things on a large scale it will be difficult for you to master strategy. If you learn and attain this strategy you will never lose even t…
Miyamoto MusashiMiyamoto Musashi quote #22 I don't think you should ever be ashamed or afraid of who you are, or anything that's happened to you. Life is good, man. You can either feel like a victim all…
Chester BenningtonChester Bennington quote #3 Arise, Awake and Stop not till the Goal is Reached.
Swami VivekanandaSwami Vivekananda quote #5