醉剑：琴心剑胆 侠骨柔情

武者，为何而习武？

Why does one practice martial arts?

曾经，凌云对此感到困惑，他自从八岁起拜师，学习醉剑，二十年过去，从拜师学艺，到为人师表，在艰难的习武过程中，一直寻找着答案。

Ling Yun was confused about this question. He began to learn the Drunken Sword at the age of eight. Twenty years later, he's already a master, but has yet to stop searching for an answer to the elusive question.

凌云，武者，修习醉剑二十年。Ling Yun, a martial arts master, has practiced the Drunken Sword for 20 years. /CGTN Photo

醉剑，一种以剑法为基础，醉态为表现的另类剑法套路，步履踉跄，似醉非醉。在古代，道人们在住山的时候，常会随身带一些药酒，饮至微熏时，会趁着酒兴来舞动宝剑，借助酒气之势，把手中宝剑和身体融为一体，达到天人合一的状态。

The Drunken Sword is a special sword style exhibiting the state of being drunk. The practitioner staggers, as if they’re intoxicated. In ancient times, Taoist priests lived in the mountains and used to carry with them alcohol for medicinal purposes. When they got tipsy, they would dance with their swords. In their state of stupor, they believed that the sword merged with their body and that they had finally reached the point where man and nature were one.

醉剑，以醉态为表现的另类剑法套路。The Drunken Sword is a special sword style exhibiting the state of being drunk. /CGTN Photo

“武术里面讲究一胆二力三功夫，所以胆放在首位。我们饮酒之后，人体肌肉会出现一个放松的状态，放松才能产生最强的爆发力量。”

"Courage, strength and effort are essential in Chinese martial arts, with courage coming first. The muscles are relaxed with alcohol. And that's when you have the most explosive power," says Ling.

醉剑的诀窍在于，不一定要喝酒，但一定要有醉态，它实际上是一种阴阳之剑。阴面表现为步伐及肢体动作的柔和，似喝醉般七歪八扭的形态。阳面体现在它的刚毅，看似醉意，实则在当中寻找最佳的时机，瞬间进攻。

Here's the trick to practicing the Drunken Swords: You don't have to throw back a few drinks, but merely give the illusion you’re drunk. The sword combines the yin and yang. Yin corresponds to gentle and mild movements as if in a state of bewilderment. Yang means you are steadfast. You come across as off balance while in fact you are looking for the right moment to attack in a flash.

醉剑是一种阴阳之剑。The drunken Sword combines yin and yang. /CGTN Photo

除了武术技能的提升，醉剑的练习更是培养一种积极向上的生活态度。习武可以让人从练习的过程中感悟人生，体会武术对生命和生活的指引和改变。

Practicing the Drunken Sword goes beyond improving your physical skills to cultivating a positive attitude towards life. It offers people a perception of life in the process, and allows you to feel the guidance and change of martial arts on your own life.

古人讲，琴心剑胆，琴心是安静的表达，剑胆则是胆识的体现，实为刚柔相济，阴阳相合。剑分双锋，人有两面。挥剑起舞是他，静心抚琴是他，一身胆气是他，人淡如菊亦是他。正所谓孤阴不生孤阳不长，唯有如此，才不会停滞不前。

Ancient Chinese masters promoted the heart to play an instrument and the gut to perform with the sword. The former presents the internal peace, while the latter is about courage. It focuses on the balance between hard and soft, yin and yang. The sword has two edges, like men have two sides. One can wield the sword, or play chords. One can be valiant in fight, or have a secluded life. Nothing is truly isolated in the world. Only when two sides co-exist do things develop.

剑心琴胆，实为刚柔相济，阴阳相合。The heart to play an instrument and the gut to perform with the sword./CGTN Photo

“对于我来讲，习练武术到了后面更多的是通过武术来影响到我的生活，通过武术，找到自己生活的平衡点，你的生活才处于一个平和的状态。”

"As for me, practicing martial arts has more impact on the course of my life. Through the process, one can find balance in their life to live peacefully," says Ling.

如今再问，武者，为何而习武？

Again, why does one practice martial arts?

答案自在人心。在凌云看来，武不止是为武，更多的是修行。人既要有理性的一面，也要有狂性的一面，习武最终是来控制自己。挥剑抚琴，静心克己，在这个习武不能够为武的时代，仍可保留一份纯粹的侠骨柔情。

The answer lies within. For Ling, practicing martial arts does not stop there. It's more about the cultivation. Humans have a rational side and a wild side. The aim is to be able to control oneself. Both the sword and the instrument are good ways for meditation and self-restraint. Although practitioners are not allowed to use it at will, it always gives you a vivid swordsman dream.

凌云与徒弟的醉剑练习。Ling Yun and his apprentice practice the drunken sword. /CGTN Photo

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