Taoism, a philosophy of living and learning in harmony, and Buddhism, a religion/philosophy emphasizing enlightenment through meditation and reason, are inseparable parts of the Chinese Martial Arts tradition.

Taoism has become and integral part of Chinese Martial Arts. Applying principles such as "Harmony of Mind and Body", and "Yield and Overcome" are emphasized. Applying these principals to martial arts techniques leads to success in combat and happiness in life. Like life, martial arts is a journey and not an end in itself.

Martial Arts evolution has been strongly influenced by Buddhism, particularly in the area of meditation. The philosophy of Buddhism revolves around the mind and its capacity to attain enlightenment and final peace and knowledge. Calming the mind and controlling breathing are common objectives of Martial Arts meditation.

Centuries ago a Tibetan monk created the "Underwater" technique. Start by sitting in a comfortable, quiet spot. Relax, and close your eyes gently. Visualize that you are sitting very happily and comfortably on the sandy bottom of a very clear pond. You are alone. The water is a perfect temperature.

Begin rhythmic breathing, inhaling deeply through the nose and exhaling through your mouth. Like a fish, you only take in oxygen.

Next, as you look to the surface of the pond, exhale a single bubble through your mouth. Watch the bubble slowly rise to the surface, counting slowly to five. As you become adept in this technique, you may extend to ten the time it takes for the bubble to reach the surface. Whatever numbers you use, keep the identical beat for each bubble.

Concentrate only on the air bubbles; nothing else matters. When other thoughts enter your mind, let them float away in a bubble. As the bubbles reach the surface of the pond and burst, the thought should dissolve also. Empty your mind of all thoughts by letting them float away, so that only the clear bubbles exist. Don't be discouraged if the same thought recurs. It will pass eventually. Then you will reach the state of "Mu" � no mind � that will help you develop a highly alert mind without conscious thought. You will learn to remain calm and focused in the face of danger or adversity.

Practice this technique twenty minutes per day. After a month or two, increase the meditation period to thirty minutes per day. You will see and feel the difference and the power, almost immediately.