What is the philosophy of martial arts & Bruce Lee Video

VIDEO: Watch as legend Bruce Lee explains the philosophy of Jeet Kun Do!

Not Networking

Some martial arts masters like to see themselves as the “go it alone” kind of person, solitary and able to handle everything on their own. But when it comes to running a successful dojo, you must let everyone in your community know about you.

The people running the local gym should know your name and your school. The local schools should be familiar with your program. The local business community should recognize you as a sound businessperson.

To sit in your school and never become a member of the community is a big mistake.

Traditional vs. Modern (Combat) Arts

Traditionally, martial arts were defined as fighting arts that originated in Asia that had moral codes in which the art’s philosophy was a way of life and that one would train in the physical, mental and spiritual ways of the art. Some would argue that if you did not train in all three aspects you were not considered a complete martial artist. More modern forms of combat like boxing and wrestling were therefore not considered martial arts. The definition of martial arts has slowly changed over the last decade with the emergence of mixed martial arts worldwide. More and more fighting arts are being recognized as martial arts even without the existence of a morality code. With the change, modern systems are popping up everywhere as practitioners change traditional arts, adding or taking away techniques and giving it a new name. By providing these changes the modern martial arts philosophy is more about survival, whether in the street or in the cage. Many purists would argue that many modern martial artists aren’t martial artists but are rather highly skilled technicians of martial arts techniques.

When one thinks about the original purpose of martial arts, it actually seems rather at odds with what actually goes on. In almost every school there is an essence of moral code. Almost every master teachers their pupils to use their knowledge with caution. Yet apparently martial arts are simply a collection of techniques used in war, and do not require ethics.

COMPASSION although easy to describe is often difficult for many to express. Compassion is a feeling that you get inside when someone else is experiencing pain or suffering. The martial arts stresses action and to that end you must find ways to express compassion for your family, friends, and anyone who may be having problems in their life. Helping is an expression of compassion.

COURTESY is truly needed in today’s society. The “modern world” with its “all about me” attitude could greatly benefit from the simple acts of courtesy. Please, Thank You, Gratefulness, opening the door for someone who has their hands full are all easy expressions of courtesy and they cost you nothing! And you get so much in return. Remember YOU MUST GIVE IF YOU WISH TO RECEIVE.

TRUTHFULNESS is the right and certain way. It is the way of sincerity. When dealing with yourself or others truth is the only way. To be truly aware and be able to see the path to your success you must be true to yourself and others in all dealings and interpersonal relationships. If you are untruthful then the universe will believe that you think being untruthful is acceptable and it will conspire to bring untruthfulness to you from all directions.

LOYALTY, devotion and obedience are all tied together. You should be loyal and devoted to your parents and family and realize that these are the origins, roots and foundation of your life. In the martial arts it is important to be loyal to the school or organization to which you belong. You should realize that it is they that are guiding you along your path of growth, development and improvement. If you can not be loyal you should not be there, it is as simple as that.

Essentially there are many other paths to self-realization and understanding of the greater world around you.  The martial arts simply offer a valuable template for beginning to understand yourself and others through understanding movement, power, speed, timing, energy, tension, relaxation and harmony.  It is a beginning in what can be a long and extremely rewarding journey.