NON violent Martial Arts

[Mike NSW]

We all hear about Instructors and students telling their friends and family that martial arts has more to offer a student then the acts of violence. But what are they??

The idea here is for you guys to post some of the things you have learned/inherited from your martial arts training that has effected your life on a personal level and does NOT reflect violent behaviour what so ever.

We all know the easy ones:
*Strength
*Confidence/over confidence
*flexibility
*Accuracy/ co ordination
*Balance

I'd like for everyone to go a bit deeper than that (if there is a deeper side). Maybe a personal experience of some sort, a philosphy or a life altering technique (and there are many types of techniques that aren't physical).

[Berserk]

Nice topic, Mike! I don't think there is any other sport that has so many benefits.

I'll add:

- Discipline
- Improved posture
- Peace of mind/calmness
- Health

Besides the pros you posted, these three [I was always healthy] were really lacking in me. Martial Arts helped me become more focused and disciplined. I have learned to do everything on time (well mostly).

Martial Arts has also improved my posture. I now look like I have a spine, lol. I guess gaining more confidence has something to do with it too; they go hand-in-hand.

Lastly, I am now a much milder person. See I've got my Dad's temper but after a few months of Martial Arts training, I've had better control over it.

[Bart Scovill]

I can sum it up for me with Peace of Mind. I tend to be more accepting of things as they come. The "no mind" or "mind like water" philosophies have had an impact on everything I do. I don't always live up to it, but it gives me a goal whenever things get off track.

[Lawrence Jessup]

I need to second this aspect, but more like peace of soul. My level of aggression has definately lessened and is more controlled. It's not in my mind but in my spirit. I find myseld thinking less in an agresive manner, I don't have to convince myself to remain calm.

either that or that labotomy really worked

[Bart Scovill]

It certainly explains the dementia comment.

[Graeme Dunning]

I thought it was "better a bottle in front of me, than a frontal labotomy." ;-)

Yeah it gets even harder to say when you do actually have a bottle in front of you.

[Jonathan Forrester]

I think that this is a prime question that is answered by Bushi Matsumura's Seven Precepts of Bu. Martial Arts on the surface always seems to be a violent art form. A good martial arts school will teach you to avoid situations where you might have to use your skills. Budo has seven virtues which were outlined by Master Sokon Matsumura (1809-1902). They are:

1. Bu prohibits violence - Since the Martial Arts are defensive in nature, one does not attack first, therefore it is non-violent. This applies to the classical martial arts - not some of the more contemporary styles such as MMA
2. Bu keeps discipline in soldiers - Martial Arts teaches discipline and respect for your elders, peers and superiors alike. Discipline is the basis for an ordered military, who in turn are strong citizens.
3. Bu keeps control among the population - Martial Arts teaches an individual respect for authority and to respect the individualties of others.
4. Bu spreads virtue - Martial Arts teaches moral character - to recognize the difference between right and wrong. It teaches you to be honest, take responsibility for your actions, take pride in your achievements, recognize the achievements of others, and not to make excuses.
5. Bu gives a peaceful heart - Martial Arts are learned to gain control over both your mind and body so that you can live in harmony without anger. (Bart's favorite)
6. Bu helps keep peace between people - Martial Arts teaches you to respect others and how to control yourself. It also teaches you not to judge someone by their looks alone.
7. Bu makes people or a nation prosperous - A polite society works together for the good of all. Martial Arts helps to make you a valuable person for the good of society, respecting yourself, and others.

So there are some of the virtues of this apparent "violent" study which really aren't violent at all.....

[Graeme Dunning]

Nice!

This thought came to me when teaching, literally last night. I'm not against violence, I just don't like 'mindless' violence. I think this is a possible distinction for what this topic is getting at. There is a difference between using violent acts and mindless violence. Just a thought.

[Mike NSW]

Those are some good precepts. That pretty much covers evreything lol

[Mike NSW]

Actually, does anyone have any more elaborated stories on thier non violent training.

eg: some of the guys here were talking about peace of mind and peace of soul.

Do you (or anyone else) have any training exercises/techniques in particular that help you achieve this?? And I'm not talking about combative techniques obviously ;-)

[Berserk]

I would be very interested. :)

[Lawrence Jessup]

The spirt forms of Martial Arts will lead themselves to this form of training.
The improvement of Zen.
Yoga and Tai Chi are perfect examples of this

[Bart Scovill]

Yoga, Qigong, Meditation, Kata. They all have a meditative aspect. To react appropriately, we must see the world as it really is. This is the precept behind "mind like water." When the mind is agitated, like water, it doesn't reflect reality and we don't get a clear picture of what's really going on. Meditation, whether it be moving or stationary, helps clear the mind of preconceptions and removes the ripples that distort our view of reality. One of my favorite books on this topic is The Unfettered Mind: Writings from a Zen Master to a Master Swordsman.