It is clear that, in this post-pandemic age of the internet where decreased attention span and a general need for “quick fixes” are increasingly the norm, there is less and less room for traditional arts and practices. This is certainly the case in martial arts where the traditional systems, particularly those of Asia have now either become the domain of children and teenagers (think Karate and Taekwondo) or have been replaced by combat sports such as MMA, BJJ and the like. In Chinese traditional martial arts, the move to more “realistic” forms of martial training has been fueled by the meeting (often head-on and violent) of the fantastical and mythic claims of those Masters who, for whatever reason have allowed themselves to fall into a reverie where they imagine they have superhuman powers, with the hard light of day in the form of journeyman fighters from the various combat sports who have gained their skills the hard way with blood, sweat and tears. You only need the most cursory of YouTube searches to come across numerous examples of the outcome of such physical clashes between these two worlds.
What makes this sorry state of affairs even sadder is that Chinese Traditional martial arts are founded on the bedrock of gong fu, those skills only attained after a long period of blood, sweat and tears but somehow this seems to have been forgotten and, in many cases, lost. The methodology of these arts was created out of the crucible of real combative experience. But as the term gong fu implies such honing of body and mind takes time and effort and combat sports seem to the youthful mind to offer a much quicker and more assured way to martial prowess with the added lure of possible fame, glory and financial gain in the competitive arena.
If it is the case that the traditional martial arts have indeed lost their attraction as ways to acquiring martial skills, to becoming a good fighter, whatever that may mean, why then do them? There are many traditions both good and bad that have not stood up to the test of time, why not just let them quietly die?
It is in answering this question that we really start to discover a world of such great value that it might well be accurately described as a priceless treasure. But before we delve any deeper it must be pointed out that there is no doubt in my mind and in that of any long-term practitioner of these arts, that they are an efficient method of learning, developing and training effective combat skills. To put it bluntly I would not have continued training for five decades if I had not proved to my own satisfaction that the art I practise has consistently proven effective in the context in which it was used. No, I have not won the UFC or any blood and guts secret “kumite”, nor I am I the “hardest man” in any village, town or locale. That is not the measure that should be applied to traditional martial arts if you wish to access the riches they have in store for the dedicated practitioner.
What then are these benefits? The short answer is to fulfil your true human potential, but this may well seem trite, something that you might expect from a motivational speaker. The nature of the traditional martial arts, however, is such that no matter what your original motivation, no matter how inspiring your teachers, the only way to discover the benefits in such a way that by the time you notice them they are already a part of you is to walk the Dao of your chosen discipline. And therein lies a crucial part of the value of these arts. They are, if you allow them to be, Dao or Ways. Dao that you walk day in, day out, through rain or shine. And on the way you discover that there is no ultimate aim in carrying on other than the journey itself – the journey is the destination.
In walking this Dao you will find some measure of increased health and fitness both mental and physical. If you are training correctly, you will acquire fighting skills but far more importantly you will develop a deep foundation of those intangibles which are invaluable and integral components of what used to be termed “character”. These include discipline, courage, resilience, perseverance, loyalty, patience, humility and acceptance. In turn this will develop in you the ability to always look beyond the surface, to delve deeply into all aspects of life and to rise above superficial judgementalism. In so doing you will find yourself leading a life of self-reflection; what the Chinese call Self Cultivation. All of this will lead you closer to the role of the true warrior of the traditional martial arts, a person who stops conflict, a peacemaker as the Chinese character for martial (Wu) may be understood, to stop the halberd, thus making one definition of the term martial artist “One who stops conflict”.
In walking your Dao you will find that you recognize in others the way that they walk their own chosen Dao, or the one that life has chosen for them. You recognize and respond to those qualities listed above, wherever you might find them. It is no accident that at a, usually advanced, level of training practices designed to develop the open or empty heart are emphasized. Such practices develop personal tranquility and calm which in turn increase sensitivity, both tactile and mental, and develop the ability to “read” situations and people clearly. Alongside this empathy and compassion grow; all of which further enables peaceful resolutions to situation of conflict.
The value of the traditional martial arts or ways as it might be better to term them, in the context of life in the modern world, is summarized by the martial artist and academic John Donohue thus:
“For the mature martial artist, the power acquired through study is not power as it is popularly understood. It is something that aids in the spiritual development of the person and, by extension, makes a contribution to the quality of all human life. While this is a point that seems to be frequently lost in popular depictions of martial artists and the arts themselves, it is nonetheless well understood by those men and women who endure in their training.
They are not looking to become killing machines. They don’t want to kill anyone. Nor do they want to be machines. In fact, what they are looking for is a way to become more fully human; to develop, through overtly physical techniques, a spiritual dimension to their lives.
The pursuit of a martial way can aid us in spiritual development, but only if we consciously pursue this path. Refining our skills will make us better technicians. Only by extending the insights gained through training to the rest of our lives, however, will we become better people.
And this goal is the only one worthy of serious attention.”
(Herding the Ox – The Martial Arts as Moral Metaphor by John Donohue PhD Turtle Press 1998 p.14)
That this view of the value of the Traditional Martial Arts is not a new one is illustrated by Karl Friday another contemporary exponent of an ancient Japanese martial way and academic in his book Legacies of the Sword ( Karl F. Friday University of Hawai’i Press 1997 p99)
“… Thus Kashima-Shinryu bugei is, in a phrase, the art of hoyo-doka, the science of acceptance and resorption in all its myriad implications. What this means for ryuha initiates is summarized in the Ogi (or Okugi), a statement of the guiding principles or paramount teachings of the school:
Know that the essence of Kashima-Shinryu lies not in savoring the unavailing joy of felling an enemy, of destroying evil, but in fostering noble men who strive to revere and satisfy the will of those who govern the realm. Thus it nurtures in those who practice it the will to kill one only to save ten thousand. Such an art lies in total neutrality and impartiality. Of its own accord it maintains the state of certain life. It issues forth in limitless permutations, reaching, as a result, the epitome of form and contour.
All actions exist within the unitary mind. The dictum of the unitary mind and the unitary sword must be followed.
Eliminate selfishness: this is the sword of certain life. This, in turn, manifests hoyo-doka. Certain life is certain control, is certain victory. If the heart is not pure, he who willfully attacks will only be destroyed. Destroying evil, establishing righteousness: the principle is clear. Is it [not] then worthwhile for men of spirit to come to train diligently? Thinking thus the Kashima-Shinryu first prepares the body, at the midpoint cultivates heartfelt human relationships and arrives ultimately at realization and understanding of the fundamental principles of the Universe. This is the inner truth of the Kashima-Shinryu. As in days of old, it is the great Way of the sacred nation of Japan.”
As far as my own core martial tradition of Zhengzi Taijiquan is concerned the founder, Zheng Manqing, summed up very succinctly his view of the most important outcome of the practice, that it enables you, when you have reached the understanding of what life is all about, to be fit and healthy enough to enjoy it!