Why Study Martial Arts

In the Modern World If you ask a person of their perception of what a martial art is; they are likely to tell you about rows of white clad students punching at nothing, maybe they will say “Bruce Lee leaping into the air, while fighting twenty opponents”, or perhaps they may say “people who break boards with their bare hands”. Most exponent of martial arts have witnessed many times, the onlookers peering in through the window with a questioning look on their faces, only to run away five minutes later in a highly excited state, leaping into the air and wailing like a frustrated cat, as they imagine themselves as Bruce Lee fighting the bad guys. In reality, what the onlooker first sees is the same as to look at a new world through a small window. When I first started martial arts, I had a similar view, but after many years of training, my views and perceptions have changed many times. It’s as though I have been passing through a tunnel. In the beginning I was in the dark as to my training and direction, but with the passage of time and the closer I got to the perceived end of my tunnel, the more I began to see, or so I thought! As one nears the end of a tunnel, the more you begin to see of the world outside. This makes you realise how limited your perceptions were and when you think you have it all sussed out and you finally step out of your tunnel into the light, it hits you, you’ve only passed through the first tunnel and the path has now split into several directions, each with it’s associated tunnel and when you get through your next tunnels, there will be another one and another one after that. With each tunnel we pass through, our knowledge increases about the subjects we thought we were following and all their associated paths that follow in parallel to it. For most people who just look through the window, it is these parallel paths that are hidden from the viewer, yet it is these parallel paths that we most use in our everyday life.

Many people have heard and understand the saying ‘that all avenues in life are circles’. This is true of our training. Wherever our journeys take us, we will return to the basics. In some styles, this is reflected in the wearing of the coveted black belt. No journey can begin without preparation. So during our early years of training we wear many coloured belts to denote our understanding of the basics (grades), until the day we achieve a goal: The black belt! To most observers this is the ultimate, but in reality, this only signifies the beginning of our own journey.

When we will take all that we have learnt and begin to apply it to our own mind, body and spirit. A progression of an individual’s journey can be seen by the discolouration of their back belt. A new black belt is shiny and black all over, but with time, it will fade and slowly turn white with age. A black belt that has nearly returned white again is a belt to be proud of, as it signifies many dedicated years of training.

To fully understand some of the links between modern living and the martial arts, we need to look at the beginning of the martial arts. It is said that a Buddhist monk called Bodhidharma, who travelled to China from India, to spread the Buddhist faith, started and became the founder of Chinese martial arts, which later spread and was adapted by many areas around the world. When Bodhidharma entered the Shaolin Ssu (Young Forest Temple), he found the monks in poor health. Bodhidharma then established several forms of systematised exercise to strengthen the body and mind of the monks, to help them with their arduous and demanding lives. Later self-defence movements were devised from Bodhidharma’s knowledge of Indian fighting systems. Chi was the Chinese transliteration of the Sanskrit word “dhyana”, signifying yogic concentration which has come to be better known in the West by its Japanese name, Zen. There are also many interesting parallel between Indian Yoga and martial arts. For example, in yoga there is a pose known as the “warrior pose”.

 

Fig 1 Step and punch Figs 2 & 3 The Yogic Warrior pose

This position is very similar to the classic step and punch found in martial arts. Many of the warm-up exercises used in martial arts can be found in yoga. As with all the Eastern philosophies, as well as the martial arts, correct breathing is a major factor to the completion of any technique. We all know what happens to our breathing during moments of strong emotions (Anger or upset), it can become shallow and rapid and we are told to breath deeply to restore calm within us. So by the correct breathing techniques, we can improve emotional, psychological and physical conditions within the body, as well as reducing stress levels.

If we take a closer look at the human body, according to western philosophies it comprises of, (ignoring all the organs and skin) a skeleton, nervous system, and circulatory system (Blood), but in eastern philosophies there is another element, the energy system, through which Chi energy flows. This chi energy flows through our bodies along meridian lines and is stimulated through correct breathing and postures. This chi energy system is at the very heart of the eastern alternative therapies, such as Shiatsu and Acupuncture. We also find the same breathing techniques and postures within the martial art systems. It is also along these lines of energy that the martial arts apply pressure point techniques, to enhance striking, escape and pinning techniques.

For me personally, I think of the martial arts as a form of alternative therapy, but with a fighting element. Although most traditional martial arts will demonstrate this, the best-known form of martial art that probably shows this concept, is Tai Chi. Tai Chi, when performed correctly is said to influence the mind body and spirit of the practitioner. As with all martial arts, it exercises the body, is a preventative and curative system of eastern medicine. If we look at any typical training session from a traditional martial art. It will begin with Warm-up exercises, to prepare the body for the forthcoming training. Stretching exercises to make the body feel more relaxed, reduce tension in the muscles, give a greater and freer movement of the limbs, develop body awareness and co-ordination, plus as previously mentioned, stretching helps to open up the meridian channels within the body. Strengthening exercises to improve muscle tone and create a stronger more resilient body. These exercises can be practice by any gender, age or ability. It is only the severity of the exercise or movement that may change to suit the practitioner. So as our training progresses, we develop into stronger, healthier and more flexible people. This does not mean that we are all capable of performing the splits or hundreds of push-ups. It just means that our body’s health and fitness will improve as we train. As people get fitter, they tend not to get so many minor infections, their zest for life increases and they tend to be more alert. On the down side, most newcomers who feel the benefits of the training, tend to talk incisively about martial arts and try to persuade everyman and his dog to join their martial art club.

A further aspect of the benefits of martial arts training is the mental stimulus that comes from performing and understanding, intricate movements. Any martial art, regardless of it’s origin, is made up from the basic laws of physics and mathematics and it is only the emphasis that shapes a particular style of martial art. Students are constantly evaluating and using these basic principles over and over. As their training progresses, they learn how to use their bodies in the most efficient way. They learn how body strength alone is not enough to beat a bigger opponent.

If we look at the body as a simple frame performing a basic step and punch, then we can see that many sections of the body are involved. We can also apply lines of force, indicating how the Body, generates a powerful punch by co-ordinating and aligning the limbs and muscles of the body. A punch is said to start from the floor. Moving up the back leg, whilst the front leg is driving the body forward. As the hips are pushed forward they are simultaneously turned. Then as the hips turn, the fist is propelled forward towards its target. When the fist hits the target, the hips thrust through the target and recoils, keeping the puncher balanced and controlled. During the punching sequence the mind is focused, not to see just the target, but to project through its target. A well executed punch is like a whip, free flowing until the last second prior to impact. Where it delivers maximum directed force.

When a student uses their minds to add directional strength to the punch, they can be faster and far stronger, than they ever thought possible. But when a student waste energy contracting none directional muscle, the punch will be slower and less efficient. When students start to understand this principle, many things can change for them. Even in their everyday lives, just going through a swing door using a positive directional attitude can make a heavy door seem to fly open. Recently, I took a student for her first martial art lesson. We were talking about punching and the use of strength within a punch. To prove this point about how you think your strength. I got her to hold her arm out and rest her wrist on my shoulder. When I applied downward pressure to her arm, I bent her arm easily, even though she was applying all her strength to stop me. I then got her to hold her arm out again, but this time to apply direction to her strength and to think her strength in a different way. This time, when I applied a downward pressure to her arm and even though I applied all my strength, I could not bend her arm, much to her amazement and delight.

As we develop these skills, so our confidence grows both inside and outside of our dojo or kwoon. As our skill, power and confidence continues to develop, so too grows an inner calmness. In the heat of battle, we try to remain calm and fully focused on the events that are before us. Whether this is an actual fight or just a task at work, we train the mind to focus and to calmly deal with these events. Whether it is the flowing movements of Aikido or the moving Kata’s of karate and Kung Fu. The mind is trained to concentrate using a form of moving meditation. I have heard many times from students, who report that during their training sessions, they are not affected by events in their lives outside of the dojo or how fast the training session seem to go by. During our increasingly busy lives, we seem to give ourselves less and less time to relax and release all the stresses and strains of our demanding lives. Through our martial arts training, we let our body’s release all this built up tension, by stretching and exercising the body. Helping the mind let go of all those hounding problems, by focusing the mind in intricate manoeuvres and generally lifting our spirits by training with friend and like-minded people.

Communicating and working with people of all ages, sex and abilities are paramount in any martial arts club. As instructors we need to be able to develop individuals and help them gain the knowledge and skills, so that in time, they too can pass this knowledge on to other students. Many of my black belt students tell me that after years of training in martial arts, they now find themselves studying people. Watching their movement, balance and the emotional content of their behaviour. Although some of my students have unfortunately been in situations where they have had to resort to using their martial arts skills. Most agree that their training has not only given them a greater confidence to deal with a situation when it arises, but also a greater ability to see and understand a situation as it develops. This allows the student the choice: to stay and resolve the situation or simply to leave and not get involved.

This awareness has led myself and some of my students to explore and develop new interests in alternative therapies, coaching physical fitness, working with children, working with physically or mentally disadvantaged individuals, teaching, biomechanic and psychology. For me personally, one of the endearing qualities of martial arts is its ability to bridge the bonds of age, sex, religion, wealth and cultures. For when you wear the uniform (Gi, white suite) of your club, you will stand in a line with your brothers and sisters of a kindred spirit. The only age in a club is the number of years you have been training, and this will be denoted by the colour of your belt. We bow to our dojo (Training hall), Sensi (teacher) and opponents before and after training to show our respect to each other. We will train with people of all sizes or sex, as we cannot pick our attacker in the street (or can we! But that’s an issue for another article). How we act too and perceive others will change, as we develop our knowledge and skill.

After many years of training, we are promoted to a grade that allows us to open our own club, if we so desire. For this, not only do we require all our knowledge and skills that we have worked so hard to obtain, but new skills, like the ability to plan and organise a class. To actively market a new club and to continuously market the club. To keep all the accounts and financial records, structured and accurate. To keep all the clubs equipment and new clothing stores maintained. Plus the new club and all it’s associated students must be properly insured and licensed.

 No matter where I may travel in this world, I know I can walk into any dojo and be welcomed by instant friends. Over the years, I have met many people who have studied martial arts at some point in their lives, and everyone of them has spoken warmly of their times in the training halls of would be gladiators. Many will tell of great deeds performed by their instructors, who have learnt the skills of ancient masters. I have spent many hours talking to martial artists; ex-martial artists and would-be martial artists about its virtues and the many different type of emphasis that now exist around the world.

I have come to learn that no matter how much you think you know about this art, there is always another avenue to explore. To me, my martial arts experience has become a journey of life. When I talk to people about martial arts, I will explain that the martial arts is a personal journey through life. It will test you and reveal any flaws in your character. It is not easy to learn and will demand perseverance and dedication from the student, but in return it will give you a greater knowledge of yourself and of all that is around you.

Finally if you are one of those people who look in through the window of your local martial art club, or you are just passing by an open door and see the guys training. Don’t see them as a line of white suited students punching, kicking and throwing each other around. Look closer and spare them a thought, for theirs is a very long journey to behold.

 

Sensi John Barnes Hurst Karate Club