Aphorisms, Truisms, Proverbs, & “Old Chestnuts” are common to the point of being Universal. The title of this post is a fine example.
When it comes to proverbs, Xingyiquan is quite rich.
Returning to the title of this post, we clearly see an expression, in proverbial form, of the central challenge faced by those studying an Internal Style of Martial Arts. Being based on a combination of Medical Concepts & Natural Principles, many aspects of the training methods are simple & intuitive. You used to see kids doing some of this stuff just because it’s fun, or it feels good. But that was during a time when kids were allowed to be kids.
“Easy to Learn, Difficult to Master” is an especially pressing problem in Xingyiquan. The Style’s focus on simple techniques taken to a deep level of refinement is challenging for an enormous number of people. When the “do” Martial Arts, they want to indulge their more Bruce-like side a bit, if you know what I mean.
Lessons Learned in the World of Martial Arts 