Price, Brian R.

Journal of Western Martial Art
Volume 2000, Issue 10, pp. 1-20 (2000)

Recommended

Martial arts in modern society might appear to be something out of place, an attempt to go back in time, but rather this article argues that these arts and the true practice of them are applicable to modern civilization. Not in the way that people might use these martial arts in everyday life as they once did in past times, but rather that the values and morals instilled through the practice of martial arts are as needed today as they were once long ago. People today have a need to explore their selves, to understand their own strengths and weaknesses and to have a format in which to improve on them. The author goes as far as to say that the philosophy behind martial arts along with the camaraderie that is felt between those who fight and practice together, these combined are what is known as chivalry. Martial arts tend to emphasize not just the ability to fight but also the responsibility and self-control that is needed to truly excel at these sports. These traits are similar to what knights in medieval times also possessed. Mainly these traits included humility, truth, and piety, in the past and today translate in several different ways.

The martial arts groups are not only a place to develop skills but also one that creates a community in which people learn. The author states that chivalry is practical in the arena of martial arts in that those who are patient, generous, concerned for others and not arrogant and more likely to do well in tournaments. Even the practice of these arts can develop good character traits due to the settings. In order to learn and work well with others people must be dedicated, disciplined, and respectful of others regardless of rank. Perhaps most importantly, as one develops their own skills they often are called upon to teach others who are not as experienced as themselves. Through teaching one learns to be patient and courteous of others. It is also within an actual match that a person develops their character, for it is only under duress that one can truly know the depths of their own self. The author claims that in fighting another it is not who wins that is remembered by all but rather how they fought and how they acted that really counts. In essence it is what one learns from the match and how they address problems that arise that determines how they will develop as a person and a fighter. The confidence one must have to take on a fight is only as important as the courage they have to deal with possibly loosing. Another important ideal that martial arts enforces is that there is always something more to learn, that even the most skilled fighters must be open to the process of learning from others and from their own observations. The author hopes that these ideas and concepts will soon be applied more to the tournaments and to the framework of them. Much more though he hopes that people will use what they learn through these martial arts and apply it to everyday life.

Annotated by: Sarah LaGrange (December 2005)

Martial Arts: other martial art: Medival Martial Arts

Topics: history | philosophy |