Whenever we hear the word martial arts, one of the very few or maybe the very first thing that comes into our minds is FIGHTING. True enough, martial arts means “the art of fighting”. Most people learn and try to learn martial arts for the very reason of being able to fight or for self-defense, or in general, to at least be able to survive. Some might have other lesser reasons of joining like for physical fitness, for fun, peer pressure, a fad, or sometimes maybe just a result of one’s interest.
Most people’s perception about martial arts as an “art of fighting” is just a part of what martial arts is really about. Martial arts, in the strictest sense, could and would actually mean “the way of life”. Martial arts is one of the things that could develop a person wholly. One becomes physically fit and at the same time emotionally and psychologically strong in the process. Among martial arts by products are core values that makes up a good person. In the process, martial arts teaches perseverance, determination, humility, patience, and many other values. These values learned are not only limited to the dojo or the gym but it is instilled in the person, thus, it becomes a part of him/her, just like all the techniques he/she has learned in the art. These are some of the values one needs in order to survive the harsh world out there. After all, that’s what martial arts is all about, survival in one way or another.
Going deeper, martial arts is also one way of finding inner peace. Real martial artists are contended people and they are all grounded with strong and right principles. To become a true martial artist, winning numerous tournaments or fights or beating up more people is not enough. Being able to resolve conflict without engaging in violence or even verbal tussles is a mark of a martial artist, a peacemaker. Martial arts is devoted to peace and real martial artists strive for peace, peace for others and for one’s self. Fighting will and must be the last option, or better yet, not an option at all. Fighting creates hate while martial arts promotes love, brotherhood, and camaraderie, two things that will never go hand in hand.
As it teaches all good values, martial arts denounce the bad ones. Egos are bruised and sometimes, even gets busted in martial arts. The boastful and the proud will learn humility while the low hearted will gain confidence gradually. All in all, martial arts is a total “human overhaul”. All things learned in martial arts are totally applicable in life. And for sure if one is a “true” martial artist, he/she can take whatever life would throw at him/her.
