Allegory of the cat and essence of martial arts practice

In an ancient place of worship, a cat would often enter during worship sessions, interrupting practitioners’ meditation. To avoid distractions, the cult leader decided to tie the cat to the entrance during the ceremonies. Gradually, the presence of the cat in this place became a sort of tradition and symbol of these rituals.

Years passed and a new leader took over. The latter, seeing that the cat seemed to be an integral part of the practice, continued to tie it without questioning this habit. When the cat died, the practitioners even decided to adopt another to replace it, perpetuating the ritual without remembering the initial reason for its presence.

Over time, the attachment of the cat to the entrance became an immutable tradition, symbolizing the practice itself, even if its original meaning was completely lost. This cat, once tied to avoid distractions, had become a central part of the ritual.

Thus, in martial arts, it is essential to return to the essence of every technique, of every tradition, to rediscover its primary meaning. Sometimes certain practices continue simply because they have been passed down from generation to generation, but it is essential to understand their real function and determine what is truly useful, in a process of seeking truth and effectiveness.