The essence of Martial Arts

Zanshin

I'd be intersted to hear everybodys views on what the true essence of Martial Arts is. How deep do you think your training should go in determining who you are?

For me it's always been a way of life, it has changed my life. I'd be interested to hear what's it's done for you.

columok

For me when I used to pursue Traditional Japanese Martial Arts particularily those with strong Shinto and Zen leanings I found that in all the talk of spirituality and in all the attached ritual that a lot of the opportunities for self discovery are lost.

In my experience Ive learnt an exponential amount more through competitive full contact training and competition. Ive learnt all about my positive side but more importantly Ive seen my ego in action. When you compete excuses go out the window and its put up or shut up time. I think that in the moment where the talking stops and only the action matters that there is something to be learnt about the self. I think that this can be reached through most activities. I think the more "spiritual" baggage and ritual that is attached to something the less pure it becomes. The intent is lost through a sea of tradition.

The funny thing is that the less I pursue "the true essence of martial arts" and the more I just train the greater benefit I get out of them. By letting go of them as a way of life they become more of a way of life.

mark.leonard

I trained TKD for many years and competed a lot in that time, I found that the competitive aspects taught me a lot about myself.
When I started competing MMA it was like starting all over again learning more. I belive fimly that in competition you get to see a pure distillation of someone's character, no masks or falseness, they are exactly who they are.

You could say -

No games, just sports!:)

Clive

What martial arts should be will be different for everybody, but what I would like MA to be is exactly what we saw at the National Submission Championships on Sunday. A group of cool people getting together, training hard, sharing ideas, helping each other, old friends and new friends, and then going on the lock.

memphis

Clive wrote:

What martial arts should be will be different for everybody, but what I would like MA to be is exactly what we saw at the National Submission Championships on Sunday. A group of cool people getting together, training hard, sharing ideas, helping each other, old friends and new friends, and then going on the lock.

Have to agree with Clive there. I like the whole friendship surrounded by the training, along with being able to seek advice from my senior and fellow students, as well as my instructor.

However, i think MA (I train in TKD) has given me the chance to feel good about my self, boosting my confidence, and generally helping me to succeed.

cavedave

MA isn't cross country tiddly winks, people could get hurt, as such it focuses the mind a bit more then gardening or whatever. However I don't think its that different from other physical sports, whether someone is kicking a free kick or jumping summersaults or crane striking as long as they enjoy it and its healthy enough to reduce the amount of tax I have to pay into the health system good luck to them.
As for martial arts having a uniquely spiritual element, I have certain doubts, mainly because anyone whose told me this has been convinced there a reincarnated Samurai. Climbers warn about "believing your own haircut" because they tend to have dyed blue hair or whatever doesn't actually give them anti-gravity powers. Same with martial arts wearing a ninja outfit turns you into a guy in a ninja outfit not a lethal fist of justice.
David

Kevin_rc_ie

Why are there no essence of Rugby threads on the Rugby forum....

dent

cavedave wrote:

Same with martial arts wearing a ninja outfit turns you into a guy in a ninja outfit not a lethal fist of justice.

Lies lies and more lies. Just wearing the outfit makes you a killing machine. If you don't believe me check out.

http://www.realultimatepower.net/index4.htm

Ninjas rock

Kevin_rc_ie

also, as seen in NSC, tattoos make u a better grappler. I have no tattoos. This will change by sept.

Zanshin

Kevin_rc_ie wrote:

Why are there no essence of Rugby threads on the Rugby forum....

There could just as easily be a thread like this. Why not? Personal development can be persued in many ways.

Zanshin

Zanshin wrote:

There could just as easily be a thread like this. Why not? Personal development can be persued in many ways.

What makes MA different in my opinion is that most Martial Artists are more open minded and therefore can seek value in everything they do. I think that personal development can be found in our daily actions.

mark.leonard

Clive wrote:

What martial arts should be will be different for everybody, but what I would like MA to be is exactly what we saw at the National Submission Championships on Sunday. A group of cool people getting together, training hard, sharing ideas, helping each other, old friends and new friends, and then going on the lock.

BINGO!

Zanshin

mark.leonard wrote:

BINGO!

The friendship aspect is definately important. I have met some of my best friends through Martial Arts training.

Roper

I just think that martial arts is such a teeny weeny part of life, compared to say, family, that if you're looking for personal development from it then you're probably looking in the wrong place. For me it's about improving my fighting skills and having fun and any benefits beyond that are bonuses.

Colm_OReilly

Zanshin did you just quote yourself! :eek:

also, as seen in NSC, tattoos make u a better grappler. I have no tattoos. This will change by sept.

Kevin,

Although the correlation between tattoos has been proven, you're missing the causation. Once your a kick ass grappler/fighter, you're free to get yourself a tattoo to declare it. Unfortunately getting a tattoo before you're a kick ass grappler angers the grappling god, Helio, and he will curse you to being a lowly two stripe white belt level for all eternity!

Peace and Love Y'All,
Colm

Kevin_rc_ie

Kevin,

Although the correlation between tattoos has been proven, you're missing the causation. Once your a kick ass grappler/fighter, you're free to get yourself a tattoo to declare it. Unfortunately getting a tattoo before you're a kick ass grappler angers the grappling god, Helio, and he will curse you to being a lowly two stripe white belt level for all eternity!

dent

Kevin_rc_ie wrote:

Don't worry. Just get yourself a ninja outfit then you can school all those SBG lads