Two Tigers Cannot Roam the Same Mountain

The Chinese idiom, Yi Shan Bu Rong Er Hu (一山不容二虎) – Two Tigers Cannot Roam the Same Mountain, is used to denote the difficulty for two people with assertive personalities to coexist in the same surroundings. This is especially true for two martial arts masters who have schools in the same community.

Chinese Gong Fu has a plethora of different styles that are often categorized by Northern and Southern, and by Internal and External styles. But even schools that teach the same style are often in conflict if they are located within the same community. Just like two tigers on the same mountain, this will inevitably lead to power struggles.

In ancient times, this competition was usually settled by establishing a clear hierarchy among the various local masters. This hierarchy brought a sense of peaceful co-existence. However, newcomers on the scene at times would test this hierarchy.  

Another idiom is, Liang Hu Xaing Dou, Bi You Yi Shang (兩虎相鬥，必有一傷) – When Two Tigers Fight, One is Sure to be Injured. This implies that fights between masters were to be avoided, and, unlike in martial arts movies, if they did occur, they were conducted in private.  

Outside of the martial arts field, this fierce competitiveness can be seen in all aspects of life, especially in politics and business.

In politics we see conflict between political parties and individuals vying for a state or national office. We see it in gubernatorial and mayoral races, as well. This is often the dirtiest type of fighting.

In business we see it in companies, big and small, vying for their share of the market. Advertising campaigns are geared to gain an advantage over rival companies. Within companies there are struggles for advancement to higher positions of greater responsibility.

Another idiom has essentially the same meaning: Yi Hai Bu Rong Er Long (一海不容二龍) – Two Dragons Cannot Swim in the Same Sea. This also refers to the conflict that can arise between two strong rivals.

As martial artists, we must be mindful of Wu De (武德) – Martial Morality, which should govern every Wu Guan (武館) – Martial Arts School. We must learn to tame our inner tiger and master the emotions of anger and fear.