Why do we say SUN!. Good question. To someone outside the system (or even inside) it can seem strange, even cultish. A quick look in our handbook will dispel that notion. I won't go through the four Oriental Characters or the meanings attached to them here since we have all memorized them as white belts. But I would ask you to consider the deeper implications of the term the next time you are at class.
For instance, when I enter the training area and I bow and say SUN!, (and hopefully everyone responds with a good attitude as they should), I am announcing to the class that I have come with Honorable Goals. I am affirming that I will endeavor to IMPROVE MYSELF through REFORM (dropping old ways that don't work) and REFINEMENT (more on refinement later...)
And, of course, I am stating that I APPRECIATE the opportunity to train there, with them, and I will not COMPLAIN about ANYTHING.
When an instructor is explaining technique or form and we acknowledge what they are saying with a loud SUN!, we are affirming that we will do what they are saying to the BEST OF OUR ABILITY for our continued REFINEMENT.
When we square off with someone in Promise Sparring or one of the Two Person forms we always precede with SUN!, affirming to our partner that we have SELF-DISCIPLINE.
Imagine, all of that packed into one little word.
SUN!
TCB
Sun Martial Arts Blog With Hosts: Master Tim Baker, Master Dave Pryga, and Mr. Matt Dowds
5 comments:
I was one who did find the whole "SUN" thing cultish when I was first exposed to it. However, it's now one of the things I enjoy the most about PSR. It's like a positive affirmation for me everytime I say it. And now, after this insight from Master Crane, I like it even more.
SUN!
Thank you for your wisdom, Master Crane. SUN was what made PaSaRyu stand out to me in a positive way from the moment I first read the four meanings. Each of the four meanings is important to me in martial arts and in my life.
Ambition, to set a goal and work for it; Self-Discipline, to learn and better myself so I can achieve the goal; Self-Respect, gained through improving myself in the process; and finally Appreciation, when I've realized the goal and am ready to move to the next one.
Once again, Master Crane, I thank you for addressing this and for your wise words!
SUN!
Hunter (Mr. Fox) was asked in his 6th grade class earlier this year to get up and read a particular section of text. Half-awake or just half day-dreaming he responded with a loud SUN as if Master Hawk just asked him to demonstrate a form. He had to explain the meaning of SUN to his whole class in order to prove he was only day-dreaming rather than just merely disruptive.
That's kind of funny but very interesting as well, Mr. Dowds. I think I would probably do that too if I was still in school or college! SUN just becomes sort of ingrained after the meanings are internalized. The teacher should consider it an honor... especially coming from Mr. Fox-- I can't think of anyone more focused on his training and serious about his goals. I wish I'd had his drive and focus when I was in 6th grade.
Mr. Dowds, Speaking of our Mr. Fox...
In last Wednesday nites class, he was hot! He always does a good form demo, but I was impressed beyond words at his demo that nite.
He then proceded to spar every guy and never backed off once. Never dropped his guard, just kept the pressure on everybody. It was great. Whatever your feeding that guy............!
Post a Comment