Spiritual and Mental Advantages of Martial Arts

“Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless – like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup, you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle, you put it in a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can stream or it can crash. Be water, my buddy. ” – Bruce Lee

According to history, in A.D. 527, an emperor called Wu Di invited an Indian monk named Bodhidharma to go to China and help monks enhance their health and physical skills. After journeying throughout China, he bumped into a Buddhist temple in the province of Henan where he found the monks too weak and helpless versus marauding outlaws. After knowing learning the perilous scenario of the monks, it was said that Bodhidharma practiced meditation for nine years about what to do to help his fellow Buddhist clerics. After meditating, Bodhidharma composed two books: “Yi Jin Jing” and “Xi Sui Jing”. The former was about exercises for developing external strength while the latter had to do with meditation and breathing. After completing the 2 books, he composed a third book entitled “Shi Bao Luo Han Shou” (The Eighteen Hands of Lohan), which had to do with his experiences as a member of the Kshatriya, an Indian caste of warriors and rulers. This book included synchronized defensive routines that later progressed as the very first handbook on offensive and protective battle movements. Thus, martial arts was born.

People often associate martial arts to battle and self-defense … and violence and brutality. Though this form of art was presented for self-defense, this combative craft is not just about about flying kicks and flashy punches. Martial arts has to do with developing these abilities to defend one’s self and others. It is a philosophy that stresses that individuals need to stay in peace and consistency. The spiritual advantages of martial arts are commonly ignored due to the fact that of the combative and self-defense skills its brings. The genuine value of martial arts is is assisting people harness their natural strength. The power within– the spirit and the mind. Martial arts has a deep meaning and approach. It’s teachings will tell you that a true martial artist is the one who is strong enough to stay clear of battling.

Below is a list of some forms of martial arts:
· Karate (empty hand)
· Muay Thai (Thai boxing or kick-boxing)
· Tae Kwon Do (foot hand method)
· Wing Chun (permanently spring
· Silat (to fend off)
· Aikido (the method of harmonious spirit)
· Judo (mild, soft method)
· Yaw-yan (dance of death)
· Jeet Kune Do (method of the intercepting fist)
· Jiu-jitsu (the soft, pliable approach)

Martial arts training might consist of meditation at the beginning of the class. It is defined as the state of concentration on some object of thought or awareness. This practice is not a religious regular but a method of clarifying the specialist’s mind and spirit. It consists of breathing and relaxation drills which is the mental preparation for the training. According to researchers, discovering how to breathe appropriately is the secret to any physical activity. It is stated that it moves the body’s energy, therefore promoting a strengthened body, soul, and spirit. Meditation according to health experts has lots of health advantages and is now being promoted as a means to treat physical illness and anxiety. Some advantages of exercising martial arts consist of lowered emotional illness, better confidence, and an enhanced immune system.