Art or violence?
Published: Tue, 04/17/18
I was recently invited to join yet another group on Facebook. This one seems to be trying to take a broad based approach to martial arts and the ‘warrior mindset’. This morning someone posted a question along the lines of: ‘Martial arts is the study of violence. If you study martial arts as an art with no reference to violence then it isn’t really martial arts. The writer used the analogy of learning how to play a musical instrument but not actually making any sound. Eg, martial arts practice without violence is like playing a musical instrument but not actually making any sound. A slightly different take on the old question of, what is the value of martial arts? ‘Self perfection or self-protection?’ as I heard it put in a Youtube video recently. I found myself prompted to post this response.
“ To me martial arts is the study of human interaction and the part that violence may, or may not play, in such interactions. I believe that the paradox is that one who trains seriously in martial arts, needs to be be aware of the worst that human beings can do, and yet still aspire to be peaceful and compassionate themselves. That means a balance between an art, which develops the highest qualities of the martial artist as an enlightened human being, and develops the ability to fight effectively. Violence is only prevented by the threat of more effective violence. Which means in a peaceful society the best fighters are also the best people.
What was not mentioned in the post was the role of spirituality. Too many westerners think that the spiritual dimension does not matter, or they fall into some kind of fundamentalism, and tend not think at all. The question is not, whether to train fighters or artists. What is needed are warriors, people who can act decisively, think clearly and aspire to the highest ideals.
The music analogy is useful, but also incomplete. Learning an instrument but not playing music would be pointless, but the more important question is: What kind of music are you going to play? Something that disturbs the psyche and stirs up the inner barbarian? Or something that lifts the soul and creates a connection to the divine?
As far as I am concerned, those who practice martial arts, must never ignore the capacity for violence, which is innate in all of us. On the other hand, it is not my job as a instructor to create dangerous thugs who will use force for their own selfish ends. The warrior not only knows how to make music, he or she, knows the right song to sing too.”
This is the approach I am going to take in the next training programme, which is going to be launched within the next week. Following on from the Foundation Programme, which is completed, I am now working on a martial programme which will cover the practice, drills, concepts and principles of self-protection. Please check out the page here https://iceandfire.org.uk/martial01.html
regards
Graham
PS If you would prefer to begin with the Foundation programme you can find out more and sign up for it here https://iceandfire.org.uk/foundation.html
PPS Bookings are going well for the HEMA Diversity Camp in June, four places left at the moment, so, if you were serious about coming book now http://www.hdc.stavcamp.org/index.html