When observing any martial art in the world, what we see with our eyes are the techniques, the speed at which they are performed, and the personal methods of the practitioner. Based on these visible aspects, we often conclude that a martial art is effective or powerful. This impression motivates us to study that particular martial art.

But what are we truly studying? What attracts us are the techniques — the variety and execution of them. We try to emulate the skilled martial artist, actor, or athlete we admire. However, there is a crucial truth we must understand: any powerful martial technique is built upon a strong foundational principle. Training in techniques without understanding the principle is like trying to fire an arrow without a bow — an ineffective effort.

Therefore, based on my knowledge, I have outlined below how techniques are formed within a martial art:

1. The Root Purpose – Every martial art is born with a fundamental reason and a specific source or origin.

2. The Underlying Theory – The theory used to realize the purpose and express the origin of the martial art.

3. The Methodology – The method used to apply the theory and achieve the core objective.

4. The Tools – The instruments or techniques that make the method applicable in real-life situations.

5. The Design – The form or manner in which these tools must be shaped and employed.

For clarity: a “principle” refers to a natural law or universal truth, while a “theory” is a man-made interpretation or explanation. Principles cannot be changed — they are constant in the universe — but theories can be modified. In other words, we recognize principles; we create theories.

From what I have understood, these five components are essential in developing any martial art technique.

Accordingly, any technique must be built upon a universal principle. For example, “When two solid objects collide, the one with lesser strength is damaged” — this is a universal principle. Can a weaker object destroy a stronger one? Yes — under specific conditions, using leverage or strategy — and that too aligns with a universal principle.

The martial artist (or creator of the system) applies a theory to use these principles effectively in combat. A method is then developed to apply that theory in a practical context. To bring that method into action, tools are needed — those tools are what we refer to as techniques.

So before diving into technique training, we must understand the theory and the underlying principle behind them. Only then can we successfully use a martial art technique.

If you deeply study a martial art, you’ll eventually be able to develop your own theory and method.

Thank you.

Note: By Sifu Premil