Martial Arts

Archive for January, 2008

Martial arts are always in the trend and the term originates from central Europe. There are different forms of martial arts, all with the main objective of defending one-self from attacks. Some martial arts are based on religious beliefs, such as Buddhism and Shinto. Apart from Asian culture, martial arts are also part of the western culture for instance Europe and America. These include sword fencing and wrestling. In the past and present, martial arts are being contested and are included in world sports such as the Olympics.

Martial arts were established for thousands of years, although currently the pioneer is still unknown. It was thought that in Asia, the Buddhist and Hindu started the trend long time ago. It is a speculation that the Asian martial arts are a blend of the two. Early writings have shown that martial strategy and philosophy were developed during the Warring period of the Chinese. The Asian style has a master-student relationship, where students are trained in a hierarchy way by a master.

In Europe, boxing is part of the Ancient Olympic Games. The old Greece has integrated sports into their life, making sports part of it. Extensive reconstruction is being carried out to bring back the ancient martial arts in the Europe, for example sword and shield, jousting, halberd fighting and sword-fighting. All these are known as Western martial arts. The reconstruction groups are working based on survival of manuscripts and manuals from the past. However, the introduction of firearms and the easiness of using one has affected the popularity of martial arts in Europe.

A mixture of bow, knife, lance and tomahawk is a characteristic of Okichitaw, which is a martial art in America. Another popular style, the Capoeira originates from Brazil and incorporates high degree of endurance and flexibility. The modern America introduced wrestling, fencing, archery, and Javelin, and all these are part of the Olympics Games.

Each martial art has its own style and character. Some may require strong physical and attacks, while some are softer in terms of energy use. Tae Kwon Do is one that requires high physical strength and stamina as it involves high energy kicks and hard styles. Tai Chi Chuan is suitable even for the elderly, as it is graceful and focuses on calmness and tranquility. Some may utilize weapons such as in sword fighting. Apart from these, there are martial arts that incorporate dance and aerobics in them, an example being Capoeira which is a Brazilian art.

Martial arts can be divided into categories based on their styles. Weaponry includes fencing, Kendo, Kali and Jukendo. As the name implies all these are weapon-arts. Judo, Aikido, Jujutsu, Wrestling and Sambo are examples of grappling martial arts. All these tackle the opponent with the use of different grappling holds, choke holds and counters to attacks by the opponent. The fighters use throwing, pinning the opponents or joint locks to control the opponents. Boxing, Kung Fu, karate, Capoeira, Tae Kwon Do and Wing Chun are examples of striking martial arts. All these incorporate punching, kicking or knees in their styles of fighting.

Different people have different views of martial arts. Some practiced for health reasons, while others may do so for their own interest or as a hobby to fill free times.. The East are learning the Westerns culture, and vice versa. Furthermore, some may learn martial arts to protect themselves from the danger of our society. No matter what the reasons are, martial arts are a global interest and it is still being practiced throughout the world.

Thomas Jefferson reportedly said “I am a farmer so my children and grandchildren can be philosophers.”

Of course, we know he may have been a great farmer, aided in no small measure by servants and slaves, but he was also a first rate political philosopher and not a bad President, either.

History remembers him fondly, even if he embroidered a little in his narrative.

Why do people study the martial arts? Ask them, and you’ll get a lot of answers, including self-defense, self confidence, fortitude, and self-discipline.

Few will fess up to the idea that they’re tired of feeling wimpy at work and when they go out on dates.

And nearly no one will say, outright, “I want to learn how to kill!” but statistically, there are at least a few weirdoes who would love to snuff someone. Hopefully, they’re screened out by dojo management before they learn any serious techniques.

So, what are the best motivations for studying the martial arts?

To me, it’s reminiscent of what Jefferson said.

If our heads are on straight, we learn these skills so we WON’T have to use them, so we’ll be better at avoiding trouble, especially by not having to prove ourselves in interpersonal combat.

(You do know that it is the insecure, the ones who doubt their strength, that feel they have to overreact to the slightest threat, real or imagined. People who KNOW their capabilities are almost always the most relaxed and non-threatening ones in the room!)

In a sense, we learn martial arts so we can be philosophers, musicians, good and gentle people and calm citizens that can go about their business feeling secure from attack.

No dojo hangs out a sign or advertises the slogan, “Learn NOT to fight!” or “Walk away from bullies–we’ll show you how!”

They’d get no students that way because people believe they already know how to run, how to flee, how to act like, what they consider to be, cowards.

They want to learn to stand their ground, attack back, and WIN!

Ironically, they have to study long and hard to get to a point where their motivations and understanding change, where they aim themselves at pursuing peace instead of preparing for war.

Some never reach this point, and that’s a pity.

They drop out of training after achieving a certain level of physical prowess, but this just makes them bigger targets and more likely to incite violence because they fed their egos, instead of enlarging their spirits.