13/11/2024
The Martial Art Brotherhood
Since the earliest days of martial arts, there have been young martial artists who wanted to prove that their style was superior to others. They would walk into someone’s dojo and challenge the master to a fight to prove their skills. Although many martial artists have done this over the years, it does not change the fact that this behavior shows immaturity and a misunderstanding of the true spirit of the martial arts.
Miyamoto Musashi traveled around Japan fighting sword duels to the death until the age of thirty. After that, he realized that this was not the way. He stopped fighting duels and focused on his philosophy, art, becoming a master of the tea ceremony, and writing his books. Still, people today debate which martial art is the best. These arguments are often by those who don’t understand what martial arts are truly about.
Martial arts are about self-improvement and self-defense. The best style is the one that is best for you personally. What matters is that you are training, learning to defend yourself, and strengthening your spirit, mind, and body. You are building character and learning to conduct yourself with courage, honor, and integrity.
You are developing a strong spirit and a warrior mindset. My rule in martial arts? I use whatever works, period. It doesn’t matter to me whether the technique comes from karate, kung fu, taekwondo, hapkido, krav maga, the Navy SEALS, or some old farmer who used a cast-iron skillet to incapacitate an armed thief. If it’s useful, I integrate it into my training.
As a Shotokan Karate practitioner, you won’t find me debating whether Shotokan is better than Hung Gar Kung Fu, because I don’t care. You train for yourself; others’ opinions don’t matter. This mindset comes with experience. After 40 years as a martial artist, I have friends from almost every style imaginable.
When it comes down to it, we must remember that we are not at war with each other; we are a martial arts brotherhood. Instead of downplaying other styles, learn from them. You will learn something valuable from everyone you meet. Remember, use what works for you! Bohdi Sanders ~ excerpt from, BUSHIDO: The Way of the Warrior, available from Amazon at:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1937884201
or from The Wisdom Warrior website at:
https://thewisdomwarrior.com
