In class last week, we talked much about historical martial arts. As we were drilling them, some basic fundamental rules/behaviors kept coming up. However, these are not something that I think is specific to Western Martial Arts, but are common in all fighting activities.
When I talk about "The Life of a Noblemen", I'm not talking about what fork to eat with, what dress to wear, or anything like that. I'm talking about how to PRESERVE the "life" of a noblemen, and what someone of Noble life must do to defend themselves and be a quality combatant.
Before the modern era, the only well trained, cultivated fighters were those who could afford it. This almost always meant Nobles/Aristocracy.
The reason?
The majority of the peasantry were laborers. They probably were more sickly than the Nobles, but they were almost surely in better general shape.
Chopping wood builds more muscle than watching your jester.
So as we look back in history, we find many manuals on "How to keep a Noble from getting his ass kicked by the laborer".
In all cultures, the government spent plenty of dough to keep their place at the top. America kinda ruined this whole thing, but that's a different story.
So what does history tell us to do to fight like a "Noble"?
1. Keep your head up
Throughout historical pictures, and literature, posture told the whole story.
As you can see, peasants walked with slouched posture. They kept their heads low, and their ambitions lower. Proper posture is reserved for those with the pointy hats. And only them. Why do you think Bowing is such a big deal? Peasants bow before Nobles. Nobles never bow before Peasants. The life of a Noble means you don't bow to anyone.
How does this apply to martial arts?
A big piece in fighting is putting the other guy in a submissive position to you. Sometimes that's a KO, a Submission, or just plain getting the guy to treat you with more respect (bullies?). So how do the Nobles do this? They get the peasant who they are fighting to look at the ground. And as I say in class, "if I can get you to look at the ground, I will put you there". I did not invent the concept, and it is a resounding tone throughout history.
Nobles hold their head high so they exert confidence too! How to avoid a fight? Look more confident than the next victim. If you look more Noble than the other guy, the other guy will get jumped.
Peasants are distracted, depressed, and always looking for a master. Crooks love peasants.
2. Literacy
This is a strange one that might confuse you. Let me explain.
In history, one of the greatest dividers between the rich and the poor is literacy. The poor can't read, the rich could. The rich could write a manual on fighting, and give it to all their fellow nobles, and circulate the information. The poor had to pass on teachings through dance, folk wrestling, and song.
Nobles didn't ignore the peasant way of doing things, they stole it. They would do the peasant things, AND learn from the finely written manuals! They would take the good from the peasant systems, and encode it in their well written guides, then go beat up peasants. In other words, literacy gives you the best of both worlds: Peasant teachings and Noble wisdom.
How does this apply to us? Simple. Jimmy the Crackhead learned to sling dope and fight from his older brother, his friend at school, and MTV. Billy in the Trailer Park learned to fight from his old man, learned to walk like a rooster from his big brother, and learned to fight the cops from just about everyone else in his complex. What they don't learn from? Books.
We can take their styles, mix them with thousands of years of martial history, mix it with modern thought, watch expensive UFC fights, and continue to blend these together. Nobles have more methods of learning than peasants.
3. The Law
Much like literacy, Peasants don't know the law. They have a moral compass, but other than that they don't have a clue what the law says. It makes things very easy for their rulers: Tell them they broke the law, administer whatever punishment they want, then go away. Taxes, Sumptuary Law, Property Law, Hunting Law were all things that the Nobles came up with to punish peasants whenever they saw fit. In the case of Sumptuary law, they could punish the rich folks, to make them peasants. Brilliant...
How does this apply to us?
As a martial artist, you MUST know the self defense laws of your state/city. There is no point learning to fight if you can't do it lawfully. If a guy throws a bit of garbage into your yard, and you roundhouse kick him for it, you are now the crook. It's important to know the Law! Learn the law, defend yourself, and be a noble!
4. Clothing
With the whole Trayvon thing, folks have been talking about Hoodies way to much. Way way too much, actually. The thing to gather from history (and Geraldo) is that despite what you may think, others pass judgement about your clothing and dress. If you wear a hoodie, there are some members of the public who think you are up to no good. If you wear a suit, there are certain members of society that think you are banker. What do the peasants see? What do the crooks see?
Sometimes it's to your advantage to look like a peasant. Would you go into North Minneapolis at 2 AM wearing a Tuxedo? Would you try to eat at a 5 star restaurant with a pair of shorts and flip flops? Your garments matter. No mater what you think of them, society shall pass judgement.
Furthermore, Peasants wear easy to rip, low quality clothes. Heavy garments were worn by the Nobles to show wealth, and to offer protection in some cases. Does wearing a studded motorcycle jacket offer you protection from attacks? Sure! Do flip flops take away your Savate ability? Yep!
Think about what you put on for clothing each day. Are you looking like a Peasant, or a Noble?
There you have it, some basics on "how to be a noble" when it comes to street survival. I encourage you all to dwell on this and think about what you want to be!
