Does the word art bring mortal combat to mind?
Probably not.
Martial-arts are not only hard. They have an internal part, the softer part that develops roots in philosophical ideals often unknown to non martial artists. The fact that martial-arts have two sides is an important reason why instructing children in the martial arts is a great idea.
Parents often believe that letting their child learn a martial art will somehow teach them to be more aggressive and apt to get into fights. The reality is exactly the opposite. There is a core philosophy in martial arts that is the reason why.
Martial-arts are actually made of two components, an external and an internal part. Remember the Chinese yin/yang, the never ending circle which visually depicts that all things have an opposite. The sky has earth, good has evil and hot has cold.
The martial arts external side is what we are used to seeing in the movies and on our televisions. External art is the hard, violent and often deadly force characters use to punish or overcome their adversaries. Yet, that is merely Hollywood's view.
Martial-arts are flamboyant and exciting at their external course. But just as the yin-yang shows, martial arts also has an internal course of philosophical study that pins the artist in search of harmony and peace. One philosophy in particular that can be hard to grasp is consequentialism or more easily understood as the "right action."
Consequentialism is a moral belief that producing the right kinds of consequences is one of the highest moral values a person can have. All actions result in consequences. Martial artists are taught that it is their duty to produce the right kinds of overall consequences, meaning bringing about the most good to the most people.
These principles involve recognition of others while developing greater personal patience and insight. Most martial arts began in the countries of Asia where Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism is rooted. The philosophical ideals of these belief systems permeate the martial arts.
There is a Korean proverb quoted by author Doug Cook that roughly translates, "Peace within the individual brings peace within the family; peace in the family brings peace in the community; peace in the community, peace in the country and peace throughout the world." Delivering the highest moral consequences through "right action" can cause a domino effect throughout society and the world.
The concept of "right action" is but one of the many philosophical ideals that make up the internal root of martial arts study. A student of martial arts learns many punches and blocks, stances and kicks that in combination sculpt a complete external picture. Equally important are the internal concepts that provide the framework for that sculpture.
Children who receive martial arts instruction learn the physical actions of self defense that build strength and increase flexibility. They become more confident and begin to absorb the philosophical ideals of good citizenship. As they learn to know the "right action" combined with this increased confidence, they become fundamentally better decision makers. It becomes apparent that defense is no longer a concern because they know how to avoid the situations that would need defending.
Suddenly, world peace doesn't sound so far fetched.
Kalynn Amadio-3rd degree black belt in Tae kwon do
Kalynn will be visiting South Korea to attend the World Taekwondo Culture Expo, July 4-11, 2008. Visit her comprehensive martial arts website, http://www.Taekwondo-Network.com - For alternative advice on natural health and wellness, visit, www.Alternatively-Healthier.com
No comments:
Post a Comment