The Element System as a Tool for Learning

Human beings have quite a natural way of learning effectively and efficiently. A physical, hands-on approach coupled with theory leads to an emotional feeling about that which we have learned. This feeling can be good, bad or even neutral but we 'attach' the feeling to our learning experience.

Unfortunately we deal with stress and stressful experiences in the complete opposite way. First we feel and experience an emotional response to a situation, encounter, environment, etc. Then, based on whether this feeling is good, bad or neutral, we form a mental strategy of what to do based on what we know and have been 'programmed' to do and then we finally leap into action. This whole process only takes a fraction of a second.

The Martial Way Elements System works to attach an emotional feeling of the elements (earth, water, fire, wind, void) to physical self defence and combat techniques. In class (predominately in the Skill Session) you learn specific physical moves that coincide with a particular element. As you learn the physical mechanics of a specific block or a specific strike for a specific attack or defense situation you are being presented with an appropriate emotion metaphorically represented by the elements. For example, if you are working in Earth you attach the movements of a certain block and counter strike to an internal feeling of being strong, solid and grounded, like a rock or a heavy tree trunk.

In a 'real' confrontation, the specifics of the situation will more than likely automatically trigger the recognised emotion of Earth (as the example) and the related feelings associated with this element. What will follow will be an appropriate and effective physical response to the present threat.

More highly trained and experienced people in the Element System will be able to consciously take on the emotion of an element very early on in the confrontation, thus giving them even more control of the situation.

All people naturally have one element or a small combination they lean to or feel more comfortable with. For example, personality Type A people are generally FIRE or a combination of FIRE and EARTH. The Martial Way system aims to develop a fully balanced elemental representation. Earth and Fire on their own or as a combination can be confident, determined and positive, but they are still limited. There needs to be an all-round physical, mental and emotional response capability.