2006-09-20 18:45:04 · 23 answers · asked by mohit 1 in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
to gain spiritual enlightenment. and to defend oneself.
2006-09-20 18:47:35 · answer #1 · answered by mi. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very good question which may create a mountain of answer. Most people think of martial arts as a way to defend and or defeat any adversary, which is not the case for there is more involved than just techniques and form. You have a mindset of a fighter, history of the art in which you endeavour in, mental and physical stability. In all arts you have a soft and hard side of the person. You may practice the art with vigor, but you need to have a soft side to keep you in prospective of the art, your family and community. Some Martial Artist preffere painting, gardening, music, reading or what ever type activity that may be the softer side or inner part of themselves.
So instead of thinking in the box, think outside the box of what the true meaning of the Martial Art you practice. always remember; "It takes a better person to walk away from a confrontation to fight another day"!
2006-09-21 12:30:58 · answer #2 · answered by Jeffrey C 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Many people have a preconceived idea of what martial arts is. Martial arts is not only about fighting and hurting people, it is about growing. If you practice martial arts for the sake of the art, then you also cultivate your mind and spirit. And when you throw the body in there you have a oneness of the mind, body and spirit. This can lead to a state of enlightenment. Have you ever seen the old martial art flicks? The Buddhist monks constantly practiced martial arts, but they were also peaceful and very helpful. This is the goal of a martial artist. Sure you throw self defense in there but a true martial artist that understands the spirituality of it will not fight unless absolutely necessary. It gives you a sense of confidence that allows you to avoid the fight because you have nothing to prove. Most people that are insecure or afraid will usually lash out in self defense, causing harm to themselves and others. So if you're thinking about taking up an art, just know that its very important to understand the philosophical aspect as well as the physical.
2006-09-21 01:54:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
The importence is that the Martial Arts as a whole is an education of your soul, not as a fighter, but a more fulfilling and balanced aspect of your life.
it not only teaches you how to fight or defend yourself, but reinforces your own awareness, a better sense of right and wrong, a more focused outlook on life, physical and mental preparedness, relaxation, and brings the mind and body as well as the spirit together, and a deeper appreciation of the value of life.
but only if you're receptive enough to understand what the Martial Arts is truly about which takes time and practice to understand what the techniques were developed for: unarmed combat and the possible preservation of life.
2006-09-22 01:15:38 · answer #4 · answered by quiksilver8676 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
everyone has their own reasons to study martial arts. To some it's a form of exercise. To others it could be learning self-discipline/control. Others might want to learn to defend their selves while some may just want to learn something to get a competitive edge over opponents. I would hope that most look into martial arts for the discipline and the beauty of the art while learning what their body and mind are capable of mastering.
2006-09-21 01:57:13 · answer #5 · answered by funwithfondu 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Gichin Funakoshi, founder of the Shotokan, said, "The spirit of Karate- Do is to stand for justice even if your opponents number in the millions." Fact is most of us don't stand for justice in the face of even minor opposition because we're afraid. Through the practice of martial arts we likely will never eliminate our fear, nor should we, but we will learn to overcome it, not be paralyzed by it, and not allow our fear to stop us from seeking justice, showing compassion and risking our bodies for what our mind tells us is of value and merit.
Many martial artists practice a lifetime without ever experiencing combat, and most masters would say that avoiding impetuous conflict is very much a goal of their discipline. But if we live a lifetime without ever confronting injustice, without ever putting ourselves on the line for the sake of others, then we are a failure, a coward and a good-for-nothing. The martial arts, practiced with right mind, prepare us to live successfully, courageously and purposefully long after the snap has gone out of our punches and kicks, because through our training we learn that all battles are contests of the mind and will, and those skills serve us in all areas of life, including the ones where a roundhouse to the chin is not an acceptable response.
Good luck with your walk on the path.
2006-09-21 02:06:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Our traditional Okinawan system has three goals in this order:
1) Perfection of character.
2) Physical fitness
3) Self-defense.
This should cover all the bases.
If you are speaking historically, martial arts have been shaping warfare for thousands of years.
2006-09-21 09:38:53 · answer #7 · answered by spidertiger440 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Martial Arts teaches man to discipline oneself. It is also a form of self-defense without using deadly weapons. It is also a way to exercise and achieve physical and mental fitness.
Bruce Lee once said that we must not admire a man for his strength but rather on how he uses his strength.
2006-09-21 01:58:48 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Well said Danny and Garret . . .
May I add a quote from Miyamoto Musashi's "The Book of Five Rings" . . .
" . . . The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time, and to teach them in such a way that they will be useful in all things . . . "
A good martial art provides an improved method to conflict resolution in both hostile and non-hostile situations, in public, in school, in business, in relationships . . . in everyday life.
2006-09-21 03:16:53 · answer #9 · answered by Matthew 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is mainly for the self discipline. You can observe the monks in Shaolin temples in China. Their way of discipline is the ultimate and they say that they practice the art of fighting without fighting.
2006-09-22 08:48:40 · answer #10 · answered by Anikris 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Martial arts allow you to kick peoples' asses left and right.
2006-09-21 01:47:56 · answer #11 · answered by Gypsy Catcher 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋