djo@sdchema.UUCP (04/26/84)
Historically the warrior-priests of Vedic India, imperial China and feudal Japan were preservers of spiritual truths that form the foundation of martial arts philosophy. The teachings of Yogic, Taoist and Zen Buddhist traditions all stress that spiritual enlightenment - the highest level of martial skill - depends upon giving up one's fear of death (and attachment to life), in order to realize true freedom. As the Yaqui sorcerer-warrior Don Juan says, "A warrior thinks of his death when he become confused". It is clear that the martial arts teach more than kicks, blocks and punches. They teach us the discipline of living totally in the moment, without regard for death's constant presence. With our relationship to our own mortality in its proper perspective, we can experience life fully and without the burden of fear. In contrast to the oriental super-hero mythology that has been popularized in the west the ultimate goal of martial excellence, according to the Taoist sage Sun Tzu, is to win without fighting. With the clarity of mind that comes with physical prowess, the warrior can defeat an opponent's strategy before violence occurs. Paradoxically, the art of war, as it has been handed down through the ages, is most essentially an art of peace. Today the martial arts continue to offer us methods of self-empowerment. While there are a multiplicity of styles, generally divided into "hard" and "soft" forms, all the martial arts are ultimately directed toward the same goal - the attainment of a graceful, powerful posture in life. End of Part Two.
djo@sdchema.UUCP (04/27/84)
The "hard" styles like Kung-Fu (Chinese) and Karate (Japanese) utilize linear movements, close-hand punches and kicks. The Dojo (classroom) is designed to simulate battle conditions, where free-sparring and self defense excercises train the body/mind to respond appropriately when threatened. By controlling aggression the student learns to master all violent impulses in himself and in others. Studiously repeated techniques will enhance awareness and increase self-confidence, even though students will rarely meet more formidable opponents on the street than those he finds among his fellow students. The "soft" styles - Tai Chi Chuan, Pakua and Akido - emphasize the development of the mind through mastery of subtle internal energies, slow movements and meditation. Their motion is more circular, encouraging a less violent response toward the opponent, although they can be as powerful in self defense as any "hard" style. The differences among the various martial arts are basically differences in characteristics, attitudes, environment and level of difficulty. All of them however will develop muscle strength, coordination and grace. The diaphragmatic breathing that is practiced - where each breath originates in the Tan-t'ien center just below the navel - harmonizes the internal Chi energy and dissipates tension. Strict mental concentration keeps students from succumbing to temporary pain and soreness, pushes them beyond self-imposed limitations. No matter what martial arts method we choose, perserverance and discipline are essential if a student is to succeed in the arduous work of perfecting the physical, mental and spiritual faculties on a regular basis, year after year. But in the end it is neither the technique nor the school that can give us power; neither the technique nor the school that can give us power; it is ultimately we who can empower ourselves. THE END