Yesterday I put forward a question whether Bruce Lee was right or wrong by saying, 'I do not believe in styles'.
The base of the question is the known fact that styles exist and have continued to exist ever since he claimed this statement in an interview in 1971. Seemingly there is not too much effect of his claim on the popularity of styles, even though he appears to be the most famous, influential, legendary martial artist. Millions of Bruce Lee fans and believers are practising one or more martial art styles. Millions of martial art beginners, inspired by Bruce Lee, started to learn traditional martial art styles. Consequently, some contradiction is apparent, and the question is justifiable.
Now, I publish my friend Milagros' great answer to the question.
'The Dragon is right; people should not rely on style. People try to keep an open mind; I believe this is what the Dragon wants to install in his teachings. Those who rely on styles limit their own potential. Also, I believe the Dragon is trying to help his students minds to be set free
(Why do you think styles exist?)
I think people want to build a false sense of security and say to them selfs. "Hey this is my style or this is not my style". Thus, creating a false identity. People want to put their ability forward on a style level to receive acceptance. People want to categorize themselves to belong, this is the worst thing to do. It's OK, to be part of a community. But, the community can't be a part of your soul. This is the reason the Dragon had always said don't duplicate. I believe he wanted to push his students to work with what works and not even copy him. I'll use my self an example, this way I no one has to feel as if they are targeted. I have a background in Tai chi, Kung Fu, Mantis, and I just started Wing Chung. I would not consider this my style; I would consider this a part of my skin, a way to honestly express myself(as the Dragon said). Others may take a completely different path to express themselves. One is not wrong, and the other is not right. It's really what you have inside as a graphic designer when people see my work. Some ask me, What is this?. I respond, what do you see?. I receive many different answers. Everyone sees what they have inside. That is why there is no such thing as style. You can't label a soul a style. You can't label vision a style. You are what you are. This is what the Dragon, I believe was trying to teach.'
Let's think of a situation when someone wants to be a Karate, Taekwondo, or a Wing Chun student, and Lee goes to him saying, 'don't be!' just express yourself. Would he understand?
In some subsequent posts, I will investigate and explain the problem philosophically and psychologically with some significant facts about him.
Just for thinking forward, relying on his persuasive opinion, can we ever say that 'we do not have styles'? Can we say Bruce Lee had no style while thousands of people try to copy his distinctive 'style'? Isn't the way of our self-expression our style? Is the concept of 'Individual Fighting Style' manifested in reality??
