CHAPTER TWO:

TEACHINGS OF WATER 水

By STRICTLY on May 11, 2025

This artwork represents the fluid strength of the warrior’s mind and body.

Inspired by Tu Lam’s journey, Miyamoto Musashi’s teachings, and the Call of Duty Ronin character.

Ronin stands amidst the power of water, poised and ready with his traditional katana and underwater pistol.

Symbolising the harmony between ancient strategy and modern combat tactics.

The water does not resist, it redirects, reshapes, and ultimately overcomes.

But what does Water truly mean to a warrior, and how has this element guided both the samurai and Tu Lam?

"The ability to flow, to remain calm under pressure, and to shift tactics when needed, that’s what separates those who survive from those who don’t."

-Tu Lam

In the Special Forces, he learned that a rigid mindset leads to failure.

Mission rarely went as planned, and success required the ability to adapt on the fly, read the terrain, and adjust tactics in real-time.

Today, Tu teaches others to master their own flow, applying Water’s philosophy to combat, self-defense, and life itself.

He emphasises that strength is not about being the biggest or the loudest, it’s about being the smartest, the most adaptable, and the most controlled.

Like a river, a warrior must remain steady but adaptable.

If they panic in chaos, they will sink, but if they trust their ability to move with the current, they will always find their way.

THE ARTWORK 水

In this second piece, Ronin moves with the current, weapons bridging old and new, patient, fluid, and unstoppable when the moment comes.

STRICTLY x RONIN

THE FIVE ELEMENTS