how many people find the spiritual side of martial arts?

Question

most people only find the combative side of martial arts. Not many write or ask about living the "Way" out of the dojo. Living by manners,etiquette, and turning the other cheek in life's problems. Is this a dead art or have people not been subjected to this side of it?

Answer 1

Only those who are willing to find it.

Answer 2

Part of the problem is that most instructors don't teach that aspect anymore, at least not here in the US. Of course by the same token most don't train for practicality either. Martial arts in the US have degenerated to being an aesthetic pursuit suitable for limited contact competition sparring and little more. many have even adopted movements that have NO combat usage at all. As they have changed the art, the spiritual ideas have been left out, or worse replaced by ideas that are not suited to the Asian martial arts at all. Too many schools are more concerned with collecting their monthly fee than with passing on the spirit of the arts along with the practical usage. It isn't dead, but it is dying out, at least here in the US. Many don't even know that there IS a spiritual side of the martial arts, or have decided that it is some sort of pseudo-magical mumbo jumbo and has no place in the modern world. I have encountered black belts that don't even know what Chi (Ki, Qi) is. Without its spirit, the martial arts cannot long endure and whlie there are still afew of us that make efforts to keep that aspect alive, we are few and far between.

Answer 3

Some of us actually live by a code of conduct that we call the way or path. I live what I teach in my school. Specially if I want to be a living example to my students. But I must agree with Bushido, sometimes is very hard in today's society. In my opinion we Americans are so involved in wanting everything our way right now, that we are not willing to sacrifice anything. We live in a society that is very violent and arrogant which is two of the things that go against the way. To live the path you must be dedicated, peaceful, humble, helpful, among many other values. I am not saying you have to let somebody abuse you or your family, but you must only use physical confrontation when is the last resource. That is call self control. I wish more practitioners of the martial arts would make this a part of their life's, because we could help make a better future for everybody.

It is very easy to live the way or path when everything goes well in your life but the true test is maintaining does values when everything goes against you.

Answer 4

Honor
Curtisy
Intergrety
Peserverance
Self Control
Courge
Community
These are what we are trained to follow.in the Dojo and in our every day life.i think everone should exsprence the spirts of MA.the only way u can is if u pratice both sides of marital arts. it will help u become a great Martial Arist

Answer 5

I think that it's mostly due to the person's own personality, but Martial Arts has certainly helped me to become better in those areas of my life.

So you could say that it is somewhat a dead art, as only a certain few people do try to live this way. but again, I believe that it's the personality of the individual that determines whether or not they really allow themselves to be a better person or not.

Answer 6

in simple terms
after taking several types of martial arts ive seen deeply into the moral values. they teach a real sense of whats truely right. martial arts will help every aspect of anyones phisical and mental well being.

Answer 7

I think you usually just see that at higher ranks & among older students. Since most students never reach even 1st degree black belt & most are young, my guess is that it's probably no more than 1% who really find the spiritual side.

Answer 8

how do you know most ppl dont follow the path?
I cant speak for everyone but i think most ma ppl that have done it for a long time,thier paths are paved with good intentions but in todays society it's very easy to stray from the path.