One of my instructors had a different way of expressing the same sentiment.
He would say, “there are no advanced techniques, just basic techniques done at an advanced level”.
To me to do something at an advanced level goes beyond doing something “really, really well.”
One can practice chudan uke until it is “text book” perfect in its execution both during kata and partner work. But to perform the technique at an “advanced level” would mean having a deeper understanding of timing, distance, anatomy and other factors that can take a “middle block” and transform it into a technique that can end a confrontation.
This video from One Minute Bunkai is a good example of taking chudan uke to an “advanced level”.
He also has another saying that I like, and to me it goes hand in hand with this topic:
"Black belt and white belt are the same, white belt is the beginning of technique, black belt is the beginning of understanding. Both are beginner belts."
Joe Stitz
"Black belt and white belt are the same, white belt is the beginning of technique. Black belt is the beginning of understanding. Both are beginner belts."
- Doug Perry -Hanshi, KuDan -Shorin Ryu ShorinKan