A good martial artist does not become tense, but ready. Not thinking, yet not dreaming. Ready for whatever may come. 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.
If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves. Moving, be like water. Still, be like a mirror. Respond like an echo.
Things live by moving and gain strength as they go.
Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.
A wise man can learn more from a foolish question than a fool can learn from a wise answer.
