Martial Arts incorporate amongst other things, rather unique postures that utilize one’s concentration, energy and breathing or chi.
And of course the Arts have a very long history and heritage, dating back to the beginnings of human civilization.
Well, what sport doesn’t utilize all those things you say?
Where Martial Arts differ from regular sport is in the spiritual aspect and in particular its connection with Zen Buddhism. There are many sports today that use aspects of Zen of course, but it all started with Bushido and the Martial Arts.
At this point I must admit that I am bias towards Karate, as I’ve been taking it for just over 2 years now.
I was originally looking for some form of exercise that not only was a good workout, but also had something more to it. Not to mention trying to find something I could do with my 18-year stepdaughter, you know the step dad bonding thingy… Bingo… Karate.
We took the free lesson that was being advertised in the local paper and we’ve never looked back, …well, at least I haven’t looked back…but that’s another story…
Within the Martial Arts you’ll find a huge variety of disciplines, so do your homework and find one that suits you and your lifestyle, I’m 48 and won’t get a black belt until I’m almost 50…and my wife keeps telling me to remember that I am not Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan, and definitely not Jet Li…
Besides, attainment of belts and goals are not the focus of this art, but rather the emphasis is placed on the do, Karate-do, simply put, to practice Karate for the sake of practicing Karate.
There are some opinions out there that say that “oh its so violent” and its only purpose is to inflict serious injury on a fellow human being, even if that fellow human being is trying to jack your car or harm you and your family.
That’s a crock of farmyard fertilizer. If you looked around any of the Dojo’s that make up our Union, you wouldn’t find a violent bone amongst the almost 1000 members. Sure your going to find the hot heads, but our organization weeds them out and sends them packing.
The Martial Arts today, are exactly that, Arts…but they are also so much more than that.
Here’s an excerpt from The Zen Way To The Martial Arts
: Taisen Deshimaru“Bushido, the way of samurai, grew out of the fusion of Buddhism and Shintoism. This way can be summarized in seven essential principles:
Gi: the right decision, taken with equanimity, the right attitude, the truth. When we must die, we must die. Rectitude.
Yu: bravery tinged with heroism.
Jin: universal love, benevolence toward mankind; compassion.
Rei: right action—a most essential quality, courtesy.
Makoto: utter sincerity; truthfulness.
Melyo: honor and glory.
Chugo: devotion and loyalty.
These are the seven principles underlying the spirit of Bushido, Bu—martial arts; shi--warrior; do—the way.”
And that’s the key; the Martial Arts are not simply a sport, but rather a way… a way of life.
