Acting

Martial artists need to be actors. Not only do they to need to be actors, they need to be both good stage actors and good screen actors.

Since stage actors are so far from the audience, especially those in the last rows, they must exaggerate everything so they may be seen and heard by those in the back row. What would normally be a small gesture needs to become grandiose. What would normally be a whisper must be loud, and normal speech must be even louder. When performing patterns, martial artists need to perform as though they were on a stage; they must perform for the spectators in the last row. Punches, kicks, and blocks must be quick and powerful, but they need to hesitate for a second at the impact point so the technique may be seen and appreciated by the spectators. All movements, such as cambering for a punch, kick, or block must be done with full motion and full extension. Everything should be obvious to the most casual observer.

Since screen actors are always observed close up and larger than life, every small gesture or movement is obvious and thus is calculated to illicit a response in the observer. Since sounds are easily heard, every little sound, even the sounds of breathing, may be heard and analyzed by the audience. When sparring, martial artists need to perform as thought they were on a screen, where every movement and sound they make is obvious and is communicating something to the opponent. A slight gasp or cringe will alert the opponent to a tender spot on your body, and cause him or her to concentrate attacks to the area. Slight movements or tics may telegraph your intention to attack and allow the opponent to respond a split-second faster.