Go toward self-actualization rather than self-image actualization... Search within... for honest self- expression.
The more complicated and restricted the method, the less opportunity for expression of one's original sense of freedom.
True observation begins when devoid of set patterns; freedom of expression occurs when one is beyond system.
Simplicity of expression rather than complexity of form.
To me, the extraordinary aspect of martial arts lies in its simplicity. The easy way is also the right way, and martial arts is nothing at all special; the closer to the true way of martial arts, the less wastage of expression there is.
All martial arts is simply an honest expression of one's body - with a lot of deception in between.
Martial arts, like any art, is an unrestricted athletic expression of an individual soul.
What we are after is the root and not the branches. The root is the real knowledge; the branches are surface knowledge. Real knowledge breeds 'body feel' and personal expression; surface knowledge breeds mechanical conditioning and imposing limitation and squelches creativity.