The Important Shaolin Kung Fu Principle of 'The Three Arrivals'
When you watch a group of students perform the same kung fu movements, you may notice much variety in their ability and performance. The obvious differences will be in the form, force and fluidity. But can you spot others?
Good Form, Force and Fluidity is important. There is another vital ingredient though.
Look at the manner which the set is performed in, as well as the ability to demonstrate correct movement. What do you see?
When all the major ingredients are present and correct, will the food taste good?
The Three Arrivals:
My objective with this article is to raise awareness of an often forgotten Shaolin principle. Using it will improve both our kung fu ability and our daily lives, which is important as genuine Shaolin should enrich our lives. This principle is often missed both in solo and partner work, and certainly when dealing with the real world.
This principle is called "The Three Arrivals".
They are:
1) Arrival of the Heart
2) Arrival of the Feet
3) Arrival of the Hands
Allow me to briefly explain each "arrival" separately, and then we'll look how they work together and the impact they can have on your kung fu development and in life.
1) Arrival of the Heart
This is about intention and focus. It is a vitally important step that you take in your mind before you carry out any action. With your "heart" behind your very actions, you will strive to achieve with more conviction what ever it is you desire to achieve. You will move more decisively, more focused, and is referred to in Shaolin as having a one pointed mind (Zen) and I guarantee you will notice an immediate improvement the moment you utilise it.
It is important that your mind is both relaxed and focused, never tense, and certainly not dull.
In this heightened state, you will evaluate yourself and your surroundings more deeply than before. You decide the best course of action to take.
Not convinced? Try this simple exercise - Practice a simple spacing drill, like landing a perfect "Black Tiger Steals Heart" (straight punch) pattern at a wall or tree. Aim to land within an inch of the target, but not actually hit it. Firstly, hit like you would before. Do it a few times. Then implement the "Arrival of the Heart." Be relaxed, let your mind be aware of your surroundings, then gently focus on the target, and feel you are ready to do what is necessary. Don't think about anything else. Just think and see the target. Then move in and strike your target. You will notice a difference, I assure you.
2) Arrival of the Feet
Feet, here, refers to your spacing; the act of placing yourself at the very place needed to carry out your intended action. Correct spacing is a fundamental skill acquired through genuine Shaolin training. All of my students practice this systematically right from the start.
Arrival of the feet means you are stable and solid, agile and fresh. If you are to strike your partner, or defend against an attack, you use your stances and footwork to place yourself so that you maximise your advantages while minimizing your opponents. You are solid yet agile, you are in control. If you need to retreat, you not only can, you do so with speed and grace.
Of course, these skills can also be applied in our everyday lives. For example, if you must tell a friend some upsetting news, you wait until the time is right. You allow for ample time to provide comfort if needed. You make sure the environment that you are in is conducive to the cause, and you are sure of what you need to say already, thanks to your "Arrival of your Heart."
So whether you are to make an interview on time, avoid traffic hot spots or to have a table booked at your favorite restaurant, you will benefit much using the arrival of the feet. It is your transportation. It is how you space yourself in the market. I am sure you can think of examples yourself.
3) Arrival of the Hands
The "Hands" refer to the very action itself. This is the last step - with your one pointed mind at the driving seat, you have positioned yourself right where you need to be with correct spacing. Now all you need to do is carry out your objective to the full. This is taking action!
In partner practice, this can literally mean you now strike. With a one pointed mind you move swiftly in to position with a solid yet agile stance, and now all that is left is to do is carry out the attack.
If it is an job interview, and you have already made the decision on the type of job you would like to do, and made the required arrangements to get that interview, now all that is left is to carry out the interview.
The more decisive our actions the better. By having our mind clearly set on the target, we will have removed hesitancy from the process.
Now let's use this knowledge:
When you next practice your Combat Sequences, use the Three Arrivals.
E.G You know the opening pattern you will use, which could be a "White Snake Shoots Venom" (a piercing strike with the fingers). But where does it strike? And how will you "Ask the Way?" (create the opportunity to use it.)
Using the Arrival of the Heart, you make the decision to strike the throat, and to brush aside your partner's hands to your Right. Also, you are always aware, thanks to your one pointed mind, that if your partner fails to act accordingly, you will not actually strike, but instead stop. This is partner practice after all.
Using the Arrival of the Feet, you place yourself exactly where you need to be, so that you do not need to stretch to reach, or lean back, and compromise your balance. If your partner moves prematurely, you will follow accordingly with continual correct spacing.
When the time is right, you strike fast and accurately without hesitation.
Give it a try and watch how your kung fu, and your life, improve because of it. It may take some practice, but it will be worth it.
