CLUB MASTER HOANG: Post 762 23May2026 Exercises Van Ly and Thach Ban

Post 762 23May2026

Exercises Van Ly and Thach Ban -

Pictures Levico,

Various items

POST 762 2026

Linda’s Thursday Quotation

POST 762 The seeds of great discoveries are constantly floating around us, but they only take root in minds well-prepared to receive them.

Joseph Henry

==========================

Instead of a quote I present Eratosthenes, a great Greek scientist.

Eratosthenes was a great scientist who measured the earth more than two thousand years ago. This is an amazing act.

The article says that we don't know how accurate he is as we have now don’t know the length of a stadia.

It is easy for us to do such measurements nowadays with all the many tools

we have developed. He only had his mind and simple measuring to

come to an excellent result.

(Eratosthenes, (born c. 276 BCE, Cyrene, Libya—died c. 194 BCE, Alexandria, Egypt), Greek scientific writer, astronomer, and poet, who made the first measurement of the size of Earth for which any details are known.)

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eratosthenes

		POST POST 502 LINK
		Vietnamese Music
		https://youtu.be/2acGbaFSLMY *(Ctrl + Click to follow link)*
		(ALBUM BAO YEN) NHẠC HUẾ BẢO YẾN - 2021

THACH BAN- The Marble Table

Master Charles Phan Hoang

THACH BAN

The Marble Table

THACH BAN, “The Marble Table”, is a series of six refined movements—solid, unmoving, eternal. Like stone shaped by centuries of wind and water, these forms cultivate resilience, calm, and unwavering presence.

Rooted in the Deep and Stillness routine, THACH BAN invites the practitioner to embody the strength of silence. Each motion flows with intention, each pause echoes with meaning.

For the advanced disciple, these six postures are more than form—they align with the Six Strategic Considerations, offering a path not only through the body, but through the mind and spirit.

Stand firm. Move with clarity. Return to stillness.

Stillness Training

Stillness training is an internal martial arts practice that focuses on cultivating a peaceful state of awareness. This method uses specific postures as physical supports, encouraging stillness and mental clarity. The training routine involves selecting one or more postures to focus on, positioning your body correctly, and remaining still for as long as your body can comfortably support. Breathing should be slow and deep throughout the practice.

The power of stillness training lies in its ability to develop inner strength, mental clarity, deep concentration, introspection, and readiness for action.

In this Post, you will find six postures to practice.

Six Strategic

Considerations

Strategy is a complex and expansive domain, relevant to all those involved in conflict, whether as adversaries or as allies. In Vietnamese martial arts, six key elements—Thiên, Thời, Địa, Tụ, Bình, and Quân—serve as symbolic representations of core strategic principles. These terms are not merely words but they carry deep, broader meanings that shape the foundation of strategic thought.

Thiên - Sky

Sky symbolizes vision and perspective. A strategist must cultivate a broad, far-reaching view of the world, extending their awareness beyond the immediate situation. This involves understanding the environment in which the conflict is taking place, but also anticipating the long-term consequences—what the aftermath will look like for both sides, including potential losses and gains. The sky is also a metaphor for long-term planning and the ultimate goal of the conflict. A skilled strategist must always look beyond the present, considering the full scope of the struggle and its lasting effects.

Thời - Timing

Timing is often the difference between success and failure. It is crucial to align actions with the right moment, ensuring that moves are executed at precisely the correct time. Effective timing involves not only executing one's own plan at the right moment but also disrupting the opponent’s timing—forcing them into a misstep or error in judgment. A well-timed action can tip the scales of the conflict in one’s favor, while poor timing can lead to failure. Accuracy in timing, therefore, is an essential element of strategy.

Địa - Earth

Earth represents the foundation and resources that support any conflict. This includes the practical aspects of strategy: the supply lines, logistical support, and the technical expertise needed to engage effectively. A chosen strategy must be compatible with the available resources and capabilities; without adequate preparation and support, even the most brilliant plan can fall apart. Earth reminds the strategist to ensure that their approach is grounded in reality, with the resources and training necessary to bring it to fruition.

Tụ - Focus

Focus is the art of concentrating one’s efforts on a singular goal. A successful strategy requires laser-like focus—mobilizing all available resources and actions toward a common objective. This not only means directing efforts toward the primary target but also involves rallying the support of allies. Focus involves eliminating distractions and ensuring that every action serves the ultimate purpose. It is about prioritizing what matters most and committing fully to the mission.

Bình - Peace

Peace symbolizes safety, stability, and happiness. In strategic terms, this concept suggests that the ultimate goal of conflict may not always be victory through destruction, but rather the achievement of peace with minimal loss. A strategist must weigh the costs and benefits of pursuing a conflict to its end. While some may opt for a strategy aimed at achieving total victory, others may choose a path of de-escalation, aiming for peace with fewer casualties and risks. Throughout history, the most revered generals were often those who excelled in avoiding war, rather than those who sought to win at all costs.

Quân - King

The King represents power and authority. Every strategist must understand who holds the real power on each side of the conflict. This includes identifying key figures, understanding their strengths and weaknesses, and recognizing their limitations. A strategist must be aware of the broader power dynamics at play, and tailor their approach accordingly. The role of the King also symbolizes the importance of leadership and decision-making in shaping the course of a conflict.

In summary, these six considerations—Thiên, Thời, Địa, Tụ, Bình, and Quân—provide a framework for understanding and developing effective strategies. Whether in martial arts, military conflicts, or other forms of competition, these principles offer timeless guidance for those seeking to navigate the complexities of strategy.

(Master Charles Phan Hoang, Post 54, June 2025)