What would happen if at the end of your life you found that you did need to use the martial skills you learned after years of practice, but you didn't realize it? That is the question I ask myself after reading this sentence by Chotoku Kyan, one of the great masters of Okinawan karate:
“If at the end of your life you never needed to use the martial skills you achieved after years of practice, you will have reached the ultimate goal of training martial arts.”
Kyan was an advocate of teaching and learning martial arts as a way of life, not a sport or business. His phrase refers to avoiding conflict and violence, not to giving up recreational practice. It's very different.
But I believe that martial arts not only serve to defend ourselves from physical attacks, but also from mental and emotional ones. How many times have we had to deal with difficult situations, with toxic people, with stress or with fear? Aren't those also forms of aggression that require an appropriate response?
I believe that martial arts help us develop skills such as confidence, discipline, respect, patience and perseverance. These skills allow us to face life's challenges with more serenity and wisdom. It's not about fighting, it's about living better.
So perhaps the ultimate goal of training martial arts is not to ever need to use them, but to always use them. Not only when we are attacked, but when we are faced with any situation. Not only with the body, but with the mind and heart.
What do you think? Do you agree with Kyan's phrase or with my reflection? Have you ever used your martial skills off the mat? I would love to hear your opinion in the comments.
Subscribe today and purchase my book "El Arte de la defensa" at Amazon! Prepare yourself for any danger and discover all the teachings that this essential book offers you. Don't miss it!
Comments