October 2010
Message from the Chief Instructor!
Two words describe our practice: ‘Martial’ and ‘arts’.
The definition of the first word, ‘martial’, is certain. The
meaning is, “of, pertaining to, or suggesting war,” and
unfortunately describes the prevalent view of martial arts.
Today, most people relate martial arts to violence of some
sort. We usually ignore or forget the second word, ‘art,’
in the context of martial arts. Art suggests spontaneous
creativity, a changing of consciousness, beauty and
elegance. Art inspires us and adds to our life.
Martial arts or fighting?
So what distinguishes martial arts from any other
violence and fighting techniques performed since the
beginning of time? Martial arts began in the sixth century
with Tamo Bodidharma, a Shaolin monk. In a simple
monastery in Hunan Province, China, Tamo realized that
martial techniques, if practiced with the correct mindset,
could be used for much more than just self-defense.
Tamo pushed the monks to challenge themselves to
greater heights, forcing them to break through limitations
and develop their bodies in remarkable ways. By concen-
trating to master difficult physical moves, students learned
to better focus their minds. More importantly, they
cultivated powerful discipline and will, which changed their
self-image. The earlier picture of simple monks, overweight
and lethargic, transformed to one of acutely focused
individuals, living up to their personal convictions and
beliefs. Under the guidance of Tamo Bodidharma, these
first practitioners integrated deep introspection, meditation
and physical techniques to create a complete practice that
is now known as martial arts.
