Martial Arts - Secrets

Secrets

I don't know about you, but I have spent countless hours surfing the web for videos, articles, or forums that give away secrets to martial arts. I have sat in bookstores reading books (yes I'm that cheap) looking for that little hint that concept that will enlighten me and take me to the a higher level. But alas, to no avail. In my quest, I either find something so esoteric that my mind cannot comprehend whether it is total nonsense or a nugget of gold; or I find a serious of "new" moves that serve little purpose other than to try to make me think I'm learning something essential; or I find some basics that have been regurgitated from some other source. I can't remember exactly but I saw a small trapping video on youtube, as I watched the person was teaching it very well - his physical and verbal actions were smooth, when I realized he was saying almost word-for-word, if not verbatim, of what one of Dan Inosanto's videos said. In fact he was doing the same exercises too! Are there really no secrets other than mastery of basics? Or is everybody being selfish and not sharing knowledge because its their style's secret. I understand if no one wants to passed down what they learned from their master(s). But hasn't anyone come up with something of their own or analyzed someone else's movements and style - found their secrets? I'm calling out to all the readers , who like me want to improve and absorb any and all concepts, to become better if not the best. Can we not share a little of our epiphanies, major concept, and understandings? For instance, if we take defense against a hooking action. If someone was to hook at me and he/she was on range. By applying the concept of distance if I was to step perfectly sideways (towards the hooking action if early enough or away from if too late) I would be on range to counter as he/she misses me. However, I would prefer reading the motion earlier and stepping towards the punch (but not too soon so he/she cannot change motion easily), as this will allow full access to the outside line. However, if I moved too early then the hook action will inevitably turn into a straight forward action (probably with little power too). All I would have to do is after side-stepping, turn. Yet this is only theoretical. Ultimately, it all boils down to thinking of distance beyond 2 dimensions.

But I'd like to consider myself a little responsible. I would prefer the postings to be on concepts, philosophy and theory; rather than in-depth analysis on a movement that can easily be learned and is quite lethal. I do not want kids and novices to have a little knowledge and cause themselves or other unintentional harm. I think the posters (if any) should understand that they should gear their posts to trained martial artists. So if we were to use the Japanese term of Shu-ha-ri, I would prefer the ha-ri opinions more. Also feel free to ask questions, but keep in mind that the responders may be from a variety of styles. If this post and blog catches on enough, down the road I would like to have people post videos on their own form, fighting, or drills and let the readers sagely critique and give their opinions on how to become better.

Perhaps I am living in a romantic fantasy world, where I envision manuals and poems when understood would divulge secrets that would improve someone many degrees. Perhaps the ultimate secret is experience and basics. But this post is for finding out if this is true too.