THE ROLE OF MARTIAL ARTS TODAY: A TAEKWONDO EXPONENT'S PERSPECTIVE
TODAY. if you ask for the man on the street what martial arts is all about, chances are his reply will be that martial arts is a form of self defence. Whatever it is, both martial artists and non-martial artists agree that self defence is taught in martial arts.
However, in this fast-paced society, it takes some effort to convince one' to devote years of rigorous work-out for the off-chance of defending oneself in this relatively peaceful era. So where do Karate Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do, Aikido, Taekwondo and a multitude of other martial arts stand in this society ?
Will Taekwondo and other martial arts schools that mushroomed after the Vietnamese and Korean Wars die just as quickly as their inception to this highly scientific world of ours ?
The public's negative perception of martial arts (although undeniably there are positive ones) can be traced back to these 'mushrooms'. There are hundreds of thousands of places where Taekwondo, Karate, Judo and others are taught but not all can be called martial arts schools.
Most of these places which take pride - usually false pride - in calling itself 'martial arts schools' only teach it's members how to block, punch and kick - in other words only the technical aspects are taught. Genuine martial arts schools also teach the 'Do', or the 'Way' - the very word most martial arts names like Taekwondo, Karate-Do and Jeet Kune Do end with. The spiritual aspects of the art are emphasized here. Instructors in these schools are well-equipped with both the technical and spiritual know-how of the art and do not seek self glory or personal gains.
Similarly, only a handful of practitioners of this art can be labelled as martial artists. Most of these pseudo-martial artists train only the outer-self but ignore the inner-self and their mastery lasts only as long as their youth and strength. Some train to compete in championships because this provides a desired self-image and as an ego-massage. Such people are dangerous because they are prone to aggression and arrogance due to misplaced confidence. Others take up Taekwondo to strengthen their heart, develop their physique or just as a sport.
These goals are barly the tip of the iceberg of the often misunderstood world of martial arts.
It is not the writer's intention to redefine the role of martial arts vis-a-vis the change of times. The role of martial arts never changes - it is to make this world a better place to live in. It is important to clear up all the confusions and doubts about martial arts and to make clear the role of martial arts in achieving this universal idealism.
One of martial arts' pivotal role today is to allow practitioners know their true self better. The boom in knowledge and the great influence of the mass media have caused many of today's youth to lose a sense of self-identity. This is where Taekwondo come in. The Taekwondo training programme is unique because practitioners must be prepared to look inwards and to face whatever he or she see. Be it strength or weaknesses, the student must be willing to change his behaviour and attitude should the need arise. As this process takes years, the responsibility of an instructor as a mentor cannot be over-emphasized. Whether the student lacks courage during free sparring, whether he needs confidence in a demonstration or whether he is too egoistic after winning a championship are all 'mirrored' by his instructor. As these traits exist not only in the dojang (training hall) but outside as well, the student must be willing to face it. Ultimately, the student will have a powerful self-image and a secure identity which overcomes the need of artificial stimulants like drugs and alcohol.
To persevere and excel. These are the two traits which Taekwondo never ceases to emphasize. An instructor dares not so much on the skill, but the will for perfection. A good martial arts school maintains its standard ar its peak. To achieve the desired standard, a Taekwondoist must be prepared to work hard and persevere. 'Breaking the pair barrier' and 'pushing the body to the limits' will become everyday phrases. Repeating patterns hundreds of times to achieve perfection, kicking the sandbag till you legs turn in jelly or running ten miles a day and observing a strict diet are part of building a strong spirit-the Taekwondo spirit. Strain on the stamina must be ignored by keeping an eye of the goal. These demands may seem punishing, but the rewards are the stuffy of legends. It is this spirit that the Taekwondoist carry on outside the dojang. In 'dog eat dog' world, the fierce dedication and fighting spirit of the martial artist will help him excel whether in studies, career or facing life itself.
Another one of martial arts' role today is to instill confidence and courage in its practitioners. To advance in, training in Taekwondo, the need to overcome fear is of paramount importance. Often, people have the skills to better an enemy but lack the courage. To overcome this mental block, instructors often expose his students to the same situation over and over again. For example, if a student is technically-competant but is too afraid to free-spar, he will be asked to spar until his fears are eliminated. Hence, it is clear that the student's enemy is not the opponent he is to face, but the fear within him. One of Taekwondo's tennet is indomitable spirit-the-spirit never to retreat in the face of the enemy. The 'enemy' can be in the form of exams, studies or fears. Here how one deals with these 'enemies' and continue to show grit is more important than subduing the enemy itself. As the saying goes, 'It is not the dog in the fight, but the fight in the dog that really counts'.
The role a Taekwondo as an instrument to promote universal values cannot be ignored either. Many quasi-religious teachings like Zen and Taoism are incorporated in most of the martial arts. Values like mutual respect, humility, discipline and tolerance are taught in Taekwondo. Mutual bowing before and after class creates a sense of respect for both seniors and juniors alike.
True martial artists are humble and never feel shy to learn from the juniors. When cleaning the dojang, seniors are not given any privileges and have to work like everyone else. Discipline during training is also a must. Uniformity, seriousness anddiscipline justify the world 'martial' in martial arts. Though the Taekwondoist is not in the dojang twenty-four hours a day, he carries on these values wherever he goes. This internal discipline would definitely be a catalyst in achieving a morally-upright society. In short, the one who lives in harmony with nature is the martial artist who lives by the law that has stood the test of time.
The above is only a small part of martial arts' contribution towards mankind. Although there are many who wear the Taekwondo uniform, only a handful will venture down the path far enough to discover the secrets of the Art. Taekwondo is not just something you practice in the dojang. It is a way of life. The spirit of living each day with renewed zest; the spirit to search for perfection through constant refinement; the spirit of loving each man as each martial artist loves himself - these are the very essence of the Art that would create a better world for us.
CKH
2nd dan President Taekwondo Society.
However, in this fast-paced society, it takes some effort to convince one' to devote years of rigorous work-out for the off-chance of defending oneself in this relatively peaceful era. So where do Karate Kung Fu, Jeet Kune Do, Aikido, Taekwondo and a multitude of other martial arts stand in this society ?
Will Taekwondo and other martial arts schools that mushroomed after the Vietnamese and Korean Wars die just as quickly as their inception to this highly scientific world of ours ?
The public's negative perception of martial arts (although undeniably there are positive ones) can be traced back to these 'mushrooms'. There are hundreds of thousands of places where Taekwondo, Karate, Judo and others are taught but not all can be called martial arts schools.
Most of these places which take pride - usually false pride - in calling itself 'martial arts schools' only teach it's members how to block, punch and kick - in other words only the technical aspects are taught. Genuine martial arts schools also teach the 'Do', or the 'Way' - the very word most martial arts names like Taekwondo, Karate-Do and Jeet Kune Do end with. The spiritual aspects of the art are emphasized here. Instructors in these schools are well-equipped with both the technical and spiritual know-how of the art and do not seek self glory or personal gains.
Similarly, only a handful of practitioners of this art can be labelled as martial artists. Most of these pseudo-martial artists train only the outer-self but ignore the inner-self and their mastery lasts only as long as their youth and strength. Some train to compete in championships because this provides a desired self-image and as an ego-massage. Such people are dangerous because they are prone to aggression and arrogance due to misplaced confidence. Others take up Taekwondo to strengthen their heart, develop their physique or just as a sport.
These goals are barly the tip of the iceberg of the often misunderstood world of martial arts.
It is not the writer's intention to redefine the role of martial arts vis-a-vis the change of times. The role of martial arts never changes - it is to make this world a better place to live in. It is important to clear up all the confusions and doubts about martial arts and to make clear the role of martial arts in achieving this universal idealism.
One of martial arts' pivotal role today is to allow practitioners know their true self better. The boom in knowledge and the great influence of the mass media have caused many of today's youth to lose a sense of self-identity. This is where Taekwondo come in. The Taekwondo training programme is unique because practitioners must be prepared to look inwards and to face whatever he or she see. Be it strength or weaknesses, the student must be willing to change his behaviour and attitude should the need arise. As this process takes years, the responsibility of an instructor as a mentor cannot be over-emphasized. Whether the student lacks courage during free sparring, whether he needs confidence in a demonstration or whether he is too egoistic after winning a championship are all 'mirrored' by his instructor. As these traits exist not only in the dojang (training hall) but outside as well, the student must be willing to face it. Ultimately, the student will have a powerful self-image and a secure identity which overcomes the need of artificial stimulants like drugs and alcohol.
To persevere and excel. These are the two traits which Taekwondo never ceases to emphasize. An instructor dares not so much on the skill, but the will for perfection. A good martial arts school maintains its standard ar its peak. To achieve the desired standard, a Taekwondoist must be prepared to work hard and persevere. 'Breaking the pair barrier' and 'pushing the body to the limits' will become everyday phrases. Repeating patterns hundreds of times to achieve perfection, kicking the sandbag till you legs turn in jelly or running ten miles a day and observing a strict diet are part of building a strong spirit-the Taekwondo spirit. Strain on the stamina must be ignored by keeping an eye of the goal. These demands may seem punishing, but the rewards are the stuffy of legends. It is this spirit that the Taekwondoist carry on outside the dojang. In 'dog eat dog' world, the fierce dedication and fighting spirit of the martial artist will help him excel whether in studies, career or facing life itself.
Another one of martial arts' role today is to instill confidence and courage in its practitioners. To advance in, training in Taekwondo, the need to overcome fear is of paramount importance. Often, people have the skills to better an enemy but lack the courage. To overcome this mental block, instructors often expose his students to the same situation over and over again. For example, if a student is technically-competant but is too afraid to free-spar, he will be asked to spar until his fears are eliminated. Hence, it is clear that the student's enemy is not the opponent he is to face, but the fear within him. One of Taekwondo's tennet is indomitable spirit-the-spirit never to retreat in the face of the enemy. The 'enemy' can be in the form of exams, studies or fears. Here how one deals with these 'enemies' and continue to show grit is more important than subduing the enemy itself. As the saying goes, 'It is not the dog in the fight, but the fight in the dog that really counts'.
The role a Taekwondo as an instrument to promote universal values cannot be ignored either. Many quasi-religious teachings like Zen and Taoism are incorporated in most of the martial arts. Values like mutual respect, humility, discipline and tolerance are taught in Taekwondo. Mutual bowing before and after class creates a sense of respect for both seniors and juniors alike.
True martial artists are humble and never feel shy to learn from the juniors. When cleaning the dojang, seniors are not given any privileges and have to work like everyone else. Discipline during training is also a must. Uniformity, seriousness anddiscipline justify the world 'martial' in martial arts. Though the Taekwondoist is not in the dojang twenty-four hours a day, he carries on these values wherever he goes. This internal discipline would definitely be a catalyst in achieving a morally-upright society. In short, the one who lives in harmony with nature is the martial artist who lives by the law that has stood the test of time.
The above is only a small part of martial arts' contribution towards mankind. Although there are many who wear the Taekwondo uniform, only a handful will venture down the path far enough to discover the secrets of the Art. Taekwondo is not just something you practice in the dojang. It is a way of life. The spirit of living each day with renewed zest; the spirit to search for perfection through constant refinement; the spirit of loving each man as each martial artist loves himself - these are the very essence of the Art that would create a better world for us.
CKH
2nd dan President Taekwondo Society.
Comments
Post a Comment