Training is Everything
You Can Only Fight the Way You Practice – Miyamoto Musashi
The training philosophy of martial arts has been practiced throughout history and traditionally, martial arts were characterized as a form of fighting arts that have originated from Asia. The training philosophy of the arts includes moral codes that exhibit these philosophies as a way of life.
Every individual who has trained in just one of the three philosophies – namely spiritual, mental, and physical ways of the art – is not considered as a complete or true martial artist and Western combative forms of martial arts such as fencing, boxing, or wrestling were not considered as martial arts.
However, scholars from the West are somewhat altering the definition of what martial arts really is since any type of fighting art, regardless of whether it has a morality code or not, is recognized as a form of martial arts.
Because of the change of mentality among individuals, contemporary types of martial arts have surfaced in numerous places since practitioners continue to alter the traditional art by adding novel thoughts and ideas before giving these arts a new name to go by.
Altering the Training Philosophy
By altering the training philosophy of martial arts, a sports tweak is provided to create something new that can be practiced by many. Studying a form of martial art sport – whether this is collegiate fencing, kendo, karate, or a new favorite in western martial arts – requires one to have extra focus and seriousness unlike in other types of sports though it does not mean that sports such as tennis, football, or even rugby do not need mental discipline.
Martial arts definitely demand a unique and great sense of physical and mental control to avoid inflicting harm to oneself or to a training / sparring partner; simultaneously, this will also let one understand and determine how to adequately employ such techniques to its full advantage when necessary.
This is the reason why the martial arts training philosophy (which also involves the code of chivalry) places a great amount of emphasis on things such as mental tranquility and anger control as a response to aggression, pain, or even fear; so because of this, martial arts has been viewed through philosophy as something that is not a test of skills, but a mental sparring competition with one’s inner opponent.
If one is able to control their emotions and reactions by “keeping your cool” during situations where an opponent is executing an attack such as throws, punches, or stabs, the practitioner will then be able to easily face any form of adversity or challenges that are thrown at him or her. Studying the skills of lethal martial arts is one of the best ways to develop a practitioner’s character, as well as to develop their proficiency when it comes to self-defense.
The Martial Excellence
The martial excellence – traditionally referred to as prowess – brings a sense of responsibility that allows one to learn how to make use of their strength without any form of judgment. Training philosophy is all about how certain martial arts are utilized as well as teaching that these are educational and fun; however, engaging in these arts is not all about fun and enjoyment since it also teaches a practitioner true dedication that exhibits the greatness of ethical, physical, and mental development.
Western martial arts offer great advantages for an individual of European descent since the art is basically derived from the same culture that has been based on the same elements that have established the excellence of the Western culture. In this case, the arts may fully provide a unique road to personal growth and development that aids in the creation of an individual’s sense of education and judgment.
