{"id":7072,"date":"2020-08-25T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-08-25T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fitroots.co.uk\/how-philosophy-can-help-you-in-martial-arts\/"},"modified":"2023-02-08T11:35:26","modified_gmt":"2023-02-08T11:35:26","slug":"how-philosophy-can-help-you-in-martial-arts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fitroots.co.uk\/how-philosophy-can-help-you-in-martial-arts\/","title":{"rendered":"How Philosophy Can Help You In Martial Arts"},"content":{"rendered":"
As Martial Arts has risen in Western\u00a0culture\u00a0we have almost seen a decline in what it means to \u2018be\u2019 a Martial Artist rather than just train in Martial Arts.\u00a0The\u00a0traditional\u00a0philosophies in Martial Arts\u00a0have\u00a0been watered\u00a0down, and\u00a0have become difficult to practice due to societal changes. We don\u2019t have time, community or patience like we used to.\u00a0But it\u00a0doesn\u2019t mean we cannot still learn philosophy\u00a0and\u00a0Martial Arts\u00a0as one.\u00a0It is an opportunity\u00a0for us\u00a0to look for alternative methods to learn Martial Arts and Philosophy as one.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Bruce Lee is not only famous for his\u00a0action packed\u00a0scenes,\u00a0but also his wisdom and spirit.\u00a0His philosophies have inspired millions people all over the world.\u00a0Having studied\u00a0Philosophy at University, Bruce discovered the\u00a0spirit of life.\u00a0He believed that philosophies are meant to be applied not just thought about.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
He understood how Martial Arts and Philosophy interlinked and complimented each other.\u00a0Bruce believed that any knowledge let to self-development and said that his method of\u00a0self expression\u00a0was Martial Arts.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n“When I look around, I always learn something and that is to be always yourself, and to express yourself, to have faith in yourself. Do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it. Start from the very root of your being, which is \u201chow can I be me?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Bruce Lee<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
The Mind, The Body, And Spirit\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Martial Arts are\u00a0organised\u00a0systems and codes of combat primarily practiced for physical, mental, spiritual development, and\u00a0self-defence. When combining all elements, Martial Arts and spirituality become one.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Bruce Lee\u00a0was\u00a0not the only one who shared philosophy through Martial Arts. Many\u00a0others\u00a0exercise the\u00a0importance\u00a0of\u00a0utilising\u00a0the\u00a0mind to ensure we reach our potential physically, mentally and spiritually.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\u201cA man with outward courage dares to die; a man with inner courage dares to live.\u201d<\/i>\u00a0 <\/i>Lao Tzu<\/i>\u00a0<\/p>\n
__________________<\/p>\n
\u201cTo get better, stronger, richer, quicker, or smarter. Everything exists within. Everything exists. Seek nothing outside of yourself.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/i>Miyamoto Musashi<\/i>\u00a0<\/p>\n
__________________<\/p>\n
\u201cEngage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment. That which they cannot anticipate<\/i>.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0Sun Tzu<\/i>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
It\u2019s important to be able to link the dots when we\u00a0train and merge our inner and outer selves as one.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Mind\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Mental health awareness and teachings have come to the forefront of modern\u00a0Western\u00a0culture.\u00a0This is great news\u00a0for all of us and Martial Arts as a practice. The more people\u00a0learn to build their mental strength the stronger they become as individuals and as a society.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Martial Arts, just like many other ancient practices such as dance and music have mental benefits. They become a form of expression and creativity.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mental Benefits of Martial Arts<\/h4>\n
\n
- Focus<\/li>\n
- Conflict Resolution<\/li>\n
- Confidence<\/li>\n
- Discipline<\/li>\n
- Higher Self-Esteem<\/li>\n
- Self-Awareness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\u00a0<\/h3>\n
The Body<\/h3>\n
As many know, Martial Arts is a great way to build strength and fitness. It is also a great way to train functionally to ensure you\u00a0take steps to reaching your physical potential.<\/p>\n
Read our blog What is Functional Training?<\/a> to find out more.<\/strong><\/p>\n
By learning how to train in combat you will not only learn how to give your best shot but also receive some too. This body conditioning which comes when we engage in sparring or fighting in a safe environment.\u00a0A big part of self\u00a0defence\u00a0is not just knowing how to throw the best punch but to withstand or redirect the force when you receive one\u00a0too\u00a0so it doesn\u2019t overwhelm you.<\/p>\n
Physical Benefits of Martial Arts<\/h4>\n
\n
- Strength\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Self Defence\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Balance<\/li>\n
- Coordination<\/li>\n
- Fitness\u00a0<\/li>\n
- Great Physical Outlet\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The Spirit\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Probably the most misunderstood and neglected part of self development in modern Western culture. We have made leaps and bounds in our knowledge of physical and mental development, however spiritual development needs some care too.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\u201cWe are all spiritual beings living a human existence. Although our 3D dimension has basic rules, the spirit will get in the way of those rules.\u201d Kiran Sashi\u00a0(A New Vibration)\u00a0<\/p>\n
Click here to read A New Vibration 16 Simple Steps to Stay Lifted\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
What is Spiritual development?\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Finding your purpose or path is not easy. You can be told what to do but deciding what it is right for you is a solo journey.\u00a0
Spiritual development comes from self-awareness and getting to know who you are without distractions or attachments to the world around you.\u00a0Mainly your fears and\u00a0ego. This is inherently tied to many Eastern Martial Arts philosophies. Keep reading to find out about Mushin (empty mind).\u00a0
The path to\u00a0spiritual\u00a0development is not an easy one, though it can be simple when we learn to let go.\u00a0<\/p>\nRead about the 7 Stages of Spiritual Development here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Get access to The FitRoots Comic and learn the physical, mental and spiritual teachings of Martial Arts. Click the button below.<\/p>\n
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Japanese\u00a0Martial Arts\u00a0Philosophy\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Japanese Martial Arts are understood to derive from the spiritual developments based on Zen Buddhism.\u00a0Even though many forms of Japanese Martial Arts were developed for self\u00a0defence, it was never only about the punching and kicking. For centuries Martial Arts have\u00a0been seen as\u00a0a way for\u00a0self-expression\u00a0and a method to achieve the highest self physically, mentally, and spiritually.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mushin (Empty Mind)<\/h3>\n
The goal being to attain a state of Mushin (empty mind). It is a very much philosophical practice which is\u00a0deep rooted in the Japanese culture.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Mushin is a state which occurs when a person\u2019s mind is free of thoughts during combat or daily lives. They have no feelings of anger, fear, or\u00a0ego. In this state\u00a0there is no hesitation and reaction\u00a0occurs\u00a0naturally without disturbance from the \u2018mental noise,\u2019 that can distract us.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
This taps into our natural instincts and intuition. It is not comparable to relaxing your mind, more freeing your mind. The mind should work more efficiently in this state with no\u00a0intentions or\u00a0pressumptions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Some masters believe that\u00a0mushin\u00a0is the state where a person finally understands the uselessness of techniques and becomes truly free to move. In fact, those people will no longer even consider themselves as “fighters” but merely living beings moving through space.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Bud\u014d\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Budo is a\u00a0Martial Arts term referring to the way of life encompassing physical, spiritual and moral dimensions with a focus on self-improvement, fulfillment or personal growth.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The term\u00a0bujutsu\u00a0is used to distinguish the practical application of Martial Arts techniques and tactics in combat.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Bugei refers to the adaptation of learnt tactics and techniques in order to be able to use them successfully in reality.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Aiki (Joining Energy)\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n
A principle that is most widely used in Aikido. At its most basic is a principle\u00a0it is used to\u00a0redirect an opponent’s power. When\u00a0used,\u00a0aiki\u00a0will allow a student\u00a0to\u00a0control their\u00a0opponents\u00a0actions with less effort and an absence of muscular tension or physical effort.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Aiki is a complex concept, and three aspects have been used to describe it in relation to a\u00a0combat\u00a0situation:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Blending not clashing\u00a0<\/h4>\n
As the heading suggests,\u00a0Aiki\u00a0describes the\u00a0idea of oneness or blending\u00a0of energy\u00a0in the midst of combat.\u00a0Many definitions for “aiki” seem to be based around “awase” though due to the complexity of the word,\u00a0the exact\u00a0English\u00a0interpretation\u00a0is\u00a0hard to describe. Emphasis is upon joining with the rhythm and intent of the opponent in order to find the optimal position and timing with which to apply force. To blend with an attack, many believe it is necessary to yield to incoming forces.\u00a0Aiki is closely related to the\u00a0principle of ju<\/a>\u00a0though the latter places more emphasis on the active physical manipulation on a mechanical structural level.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Leading the assailant\u00a0<\/h4>\n
The\u00a0aiki\u00a0practitioner\u00a0leads\u00a0the attack, and thus the attacker. The influence over an\u00a0attacker increases as their balance decreases.\u00a0Body movements\u00a0used for this may be large and obvious or small and subtle, internally generated movements. Subtle weight shifting,\u00a0and the application of physical pressure to the\u00a0attacker will allow you to manipulate their movements, keeping them still or unbalanced, so you can\u00a0execte\u00a0your techniques.\u00a0There is a strong degree of\u00a0intent,\u00a0will\u00a0or\u00a0psychology[\u00a0to this aspect of domination. Mind and body are coordinated.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Use of internal strength \u2013 Ki energy\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Kiai<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0aiki\u00a0use the same\u00a0Japanese symbols\u00a0and can be thought of as the inner and the outer aspect of the same principle. Kiai\u00a0communicates the projection of our external strength,\u00a0while Aiki relates to one’s own\u00a0internal strength. This use of\u00a0ki\u00a0will involve the use of\u00a0kokyu\u00a0power, i.e. breathing is coordinated with movement.\u00a0Kokyu Ryoku is the natural power that can be produced when body and consciousness (mind) are unified. The term “kokyu” (\u547c\u5438<\/a>) can also be used to describe a situation in which two\u00a0opponent’s\u00a0are moving with appropriate timing.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Eastern Martial Artists\u00a0and Their\u00a0Philosophies\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Samurais\u00a0and The Bushido Code\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Bushido, means\u00a0\u2018The way of the\u00a0warrior.\u2019\u00a0<\/p>\n
Both Bushido and other Martial Ats have very different intentions in the modern world. Modern Bushido\u00a0is\u00a0more about fighting, self\u00a0defence, sport, and physical training. While these are very important aspects in life and Martial Arts\u00a0there is an integral part missing. This is personal and\u00a0spiritual\u00a0development.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Bushido taught soldiers the way of life. How to treat others, how to portray yourself, how to manage finances and family life. All of which were thought to be\u00a0important when becoming a respected soldier.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Although modern Bushido is guided by the eight virtues this will not teach students to master all stages of life.\u00a0The warrior described by Bushido is not a profession but a way of life.\u00a0The term \u201cwarrior\u201d refers to a person who is fighting for something, not necessarily physically. We are all\u00a0warriors\u00a0 because\u00a0of what we hold in our hearts, minds and souls.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Bushido\u00a0is about living every moment honorably, and honestly.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ninjitsu\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Ninjitsu came about through the experience of combat methods, human psychology,\u00a0cultural patterns, and the laws of nature.\u00a0The art of Ninjitsu to shape as an opposition to the conventional concepts of\u00a0warfare,\u00a0Sun Tzu’s The Art of War was the basis of\u00a0Ninjutsu philosophy\u00a0in many ways.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Sun Tzu’s The Art of War was the basis of\u00a0Ninjutsu philosophy\u00a0in many ways.\u00a0One important purpose in the study of\u00a0Ninjutsu\u00a0is to cultivate an awareness of\u00a0ki-ai, or\u00a0allowing yourself to come into harmony with the “scheme of totality.” The student of\u00a0Ninjutsu\u00a0should become a totally natural being.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Shaolin\u00a0<\/h3>\n
Shaolin Philosophy and Kung Fu is not about defending yourself or attacking others. It has its roots embedded through the\u00a0advancement\u00a0to enlightenment through meditation. Shaolin Martial Arts places great emphasis on discipline, respect, patience and being humble.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Shaolin Kung Fu is deep rooted in the philosophy of Taoism.\u00a0The philosophy helps students learn to cope with modern day stress, anxiety and pressure by living in harmony\u00a0with\u00a0nature, other people and within yourself.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The concept of Yin and Yang portrays that everything has two aspects which create balance. Both are needed, and harmony is achieved when balance is reached. Yin and Yang may be hot and cold, hard and soft, male and female. This is an important concept in Shaolin Kung Fu as it\u00a0relates to the application of physical power in techniques.\u00a0<\/p>\n
“Nothing in the world is softer and weaker than water;\u00a0
But, for attacking the hard and strong,\u00a0
there is nothing like it!\u00a0
For nothing can take its place.\u00a0
That the weak overcomes the strong, and the soft overcomes the hard,\u00a0
This is something known by all, but\u00a0
Practiced by none. “<\/p>\n(Tao\u00a0Te\u00a0Ching, chapter 78).\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Western Philosophers and Martial Arts\u00a0<\/h2>\n
There is no doubt that Eastern philosophies have many lessons that we can benefit from. As Martial Arts is so ingrained\u00a0within Eastern culture there is less separation between the mental, physical and spiritual teachings. However,\u00a0to do so in the West would be harder as we\u00a0live and grow up in very different circumstances with a different set of principles.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
By learning Philosophy alongside Martial\u00a0Arts\u00a0you will learn to become psychologically independent and will be able to discover your own solutions to problems once you have the right tools.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
A New Way\u00a0Of\u00a0Building Power\u00a0In\u00a0Martial Arts\u00a0<\/h3>\n
In the mid 90s a\u00a0researchers\u00a0in science of learning movements\u00a0or motor learning,\u00a0have been discovering new information about physical education.\u00a0Since then\u00a0theories\u00a0have been developed and expanded upon in the area of physical development.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s look at some\u00a0well known\u00a0Western philosophers who have contribute to Western philosophy, lifestyle and culture.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Socrates\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Socrates a Greek Philosopher,\u00a0was often accused of corrupting the youth with\u00a0controversial\u00a0ideas of the Gods.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have also established that the gods are inconsistent with one another, Euthyphro,\u201d said Socrates, \u201cand that they dislike each other. Isn\u2019t that true?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Euthyphro stroked his chin. \u201cThat\u2019s true.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSo\u00a0some values are hated by one god and loved by others?\u201d Socrates said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, very likely.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Socrates sat up straight, a spark in his eyes. \u201cThen according to your argument, some things are both pious and impious at the same time?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Euthyphro tried to redefine pious several times but never gave Socrates a satisfying answer. What the philosopher\u2019s carefully designed questions did was draw out the inconsistency of Euthyphro\u2019s definition of \u201cpiety.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
More importantly, Socrates seemed to have blown a hole in the validity of the charges leveled against him by the government of Athens. How could he be accused of impiousness \u2014 of not valuing something the gods valued \u2014 if the gods did not each share the same values?\u00a0<\/p>\n
Well, that\u2019s an interesting discussion best left to philosophers and theologians\u2026\u00a0<\/p>\n
Today, you might know this tactic as the\u00a0Socratic method.\u00a0It\u2019s used in different ways by prosecutors, defense attorneys, philosophers, and teachers.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
To lawyers, it\u2019s a way to persuade; but for philosophers and teachers, it\u2019s a way to provoke self-examination and critical thought.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t The FitRoots Comic – A Mental Expansion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n Applying the Socratic Method in Martial Arts\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n
In Martial Arts, it\u2019s important to not just learn the techniques but apply them too if ever needed.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Socratic method is useful as it helps you find the solutions to problems when your instructor is not there. Best known as\u00a0discovery learning.\u00a0<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n
Discovery Learning is much more impactful the pure\u00a0memorisation\u00a0or traditional academic learning. The main benefit here is that you will be able to recreate these techniques in a far more natural way.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Ask the right questions, and fail fast, and success will come in good time. It is important however, to ask the right questions that are specific enough, yet not too prescribed.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Plato\u00a0\u00a0<\/h4>\n
Did you know that Plato was a fighter? He recommended wrestling for the youth and was known for his\u00a0physique (or for having muscles of a gifted grappler).\u00a0<\/p>\n
In his dialogue\u00a0Laws, he celebrated the benefits of stand-up grappling. This had a straightforward military use, developing \u201cstrength and health\u201d for the battlefield.<\/p>\n
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But it also cultivated character if \u201cpracticed with a gallant spirit.\u201d The overall impression is that physical virtues encourage psychological excellence: perseverance, courage, and perhaps a greater sense of autonomy.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Plato believed that Martial Arts exercised healthy competition and put physical activity before sex.\u00a0\u201cSuch was his passion for victory, his pride in his calling, the combined fortitude and self-command of his character, that,\u201d wrote Plato, \u201che never once came near a woman, or a boy either, all the time he was in training.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
With this in mind, at\u00a0the beginning of Western Philosophy lies Martial Arts, not as an activity but a way of life.\u00a0He\u00a0stated\u00a0that Martial Arts can make us more dangerous and more virtuous.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The point here is that Martial Arts provides a safe place for\u00a0self expression\u00a0and a positive way of channeling energy. You may\u00a0think that either way a punch is a punch, but it is the intention of the punch that makes the difference.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Exercise at its most virtuous is an enterprise of honesty: accepting the more destructive\u00a0urges, and\u00a0socialising\u00a0them for the greater good.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Learning to fight (and not to fight) can be excellent for Plato\u2019s \u201cstrength and health\u201d.<\/em><\/p>\n
The Parallels between\u00a0Martial Arts & Philosophy\u00a0<\/h2>\n
From the\u00a0eastern traditions to the\u00a0western teachings we can see that Philosophy and Martial Arts can benefit each other.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
By learning to master your mind and body you can develop the virtues of both\u00a0eastern and western\u00a0philosophy. Martial Arts has developed over time and have deep, rich philosophical traditions which blur the lines between cultures over the years.\u00a0Over time Martial Arts have challenged the mindset of philosophers as they ponder over ethics, aesthetics and the mind.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The idea is not that every fighter is necessarily going to become a\u00a0world-renowned\u00a0philosopher. And it is not going to be true that every black belt\u00a0will follow the righteous path. However,\u00a0self-development\u00a0in both Martial Arts and Philosophy will bring a student onto a path of questioning one\u2019s own\u00a0existence and\u00a0taking them towards their full potential.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Physical violence and intellectual ambition seem\u00a0radically at odds. Yet they cannot only coexist\u00a0but also complement one another.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Learn the physical, mental and spiritual teachings of Martial Arts. Click the button below.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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As Martial Arts has risen in Western\u00a0culture\u00a0we have almost seen a decline in what it means to \u2018be\u2019 a Martial Artist rather than just train in Martial Arts.\u00a0The\u00a0traditional\u00a0philosophies in Martial Arts\u00a0have\u00a0been watered\u00a0down, and\u00a0have become difficult to practice due to societal changes. We don\u2019t have time, community or patience like we used to.\u00a0But it\u00a0doesn\u2019t mean we […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7076,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7072","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n
How Philosophy Can Help You In Martial Arts - FitRoots<\/title>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n