“Jaau Wai” in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”

The post links Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon to Ving Tsun ideas about Jiang Hu, Jaau Wai, and the responsibility of a Si Fu. It uses several scenes to show that status, natural talent, and appearances are not enough in the martial world.

Reading notes

#

• Sir Te’s exchange with the Governor is used to show the need for constant attention to what happens around you.
• Sir Te describes the Green Destiny sword, then changes the subject to Jiang Hu, and finally cuts a tea cup to show that one must be flexible and firm.
• The post says Chinese experience is understood only within a background, citing Karyn L. Lai.
• In Ving Tsun logic, placing the feet forward creates lines in an “intangible dimension,” and changing lines is called Jaau Wai.
• A guard position with one foot forward already reveals a person’s Jaau Wai.
• A neutral stance is presented as not exposing Jaau Wai, making it harder for an opponent to know where to angle.
• Jen is described as a natural talent who surpasses Jade Fox and later steals the Green Destiny sword.
• Shu Lien suspects Jen after noticing her calligraphy and seeing that she has revealed her Jaau Wai, but still needs to open the Center Line to be sure.
• In the tea scene, Shu Lien uses Bai He while talking to the Governor’s wife and deliberately drops a cup to make Jen open her Center Line.
• The post concludes that social status and natural ability are not enough to live seriously in the Chinese martial circle; Kung Fu is what matters.
• It then applies this to the role of a Si Fu, saying the term carries weight because it involves lifelong responsibility to prepare disciples.