The samurai days of Japan are gone. So, why are martial arts so popular, still? Is it some inexplicable desire to better understand the past? or a foreign lifestyle?
Or is it a combination of factors that offer broad and deep improvements to our lives? Here are some clear ideas that might explain our long held interest in Japanese martial arts in our modern American lives.
Health
About 50% of the people that have walked in the door to discuss martial arts training with me have mentioned explicitly that they have an interest in working out, and that “the gym is so boring” that they want a more interesting option, “and it would be good to get some skills at the same time” while getting their exercise.
Physical Health
You are certainly more likely to be attacked by coronary artery disease than a sword-wielding ninja … so sweat a little. Do some strength training, and work on your flexibility. All of this is found in good martial arts training. Of course, we can also look at the health benefits of potentially preventing or overcoming violence as a health issue. The Center for Disease Control actually takes exactly that position and calls violence “a serious public health problem in the United States.”
Mental Health
About 30% of the folks who have discussed martial arts training options with me have mentioned “focus” or “confidence” or other similar issues. While I assume this also applies to the parents who have brought their children to training, I’m only recounting the adults who wanted these things for themselves.
And, again, martial arts does deliver on these needs: sword training develops incredible focus, and the improved health and self defense capabilities of a serious student will tend to improve confidence, too. From another perspective, we are avoiding some mental health problems that could come from the trauma of dealing with violence without preparation.
Life Values
There are obvious things that will help us in our non-physical lives that are improved through martial arts training. These could be improved posture, polite speaking and manners, or cultural sensitivity, etc. There are deeper values instilled through martial arts, though.
During intense martial arts training, we constantly trust each other with our safety. Unsui Sensei gave a talk once in which he mentioned that because of the violence inherent to martial arts as a topic, we can more easily appreciate the wonders of our daily lives, and enjoy the extreme trust we place in each other during practice.
Self Defense
Certainly, most folks agree that martial arts is relevant to self defense. That’s not always true, though, and it works in both directions.
Good
Sometimes martial arts practice (in other schools) has a goal coincidental to self defense, or even contrary to it. On the positive side, our particular martial arts practice is maintained as a method that does handle real world violence efficiently and effectively. We have no interest in sporting application of martial arts skills, or in developing ornamental movements for the sake of visual demonstrations. In that way, we are preparing to handle “the real thing” of violence in its extreme case.
Bad
On the other hand, our martial arts practice has such a wide range of practice that it is entirely possible for a student without adequate training to improperly apply their skills. This can be detrimental two ways. Choosing a gentle method to deal with full force violence may be ineffective; however, choosing a method too strong for a less aggressive problem may be legally damaging.
So, can our martial arts be used in self-defense? Absolutely – I’ve done it a number of times, and so have many of our students in their vocations. Just be sure to understand that each method or technique has an appropriate time and place. The chosen application is the important part, and is a good reason to train regularly.
Kids
In old Japan, kids in the samurai class were expected to learn martial arts skills and appropriate etiquette and even some politics. In that way, again not much has changed. Kids with a knack for conversation and appropriate behavior across various social groups will typically have easier days at school or on the playground, as they will be the fun kids that everyone likes. Of course, when part of the confidence comes from their ability to protect themselves, that “cool kid” becomes less of a target for potential bullying, which keeps them (and their parents) happier.
Kids in our classes are physically active, have mature conversations with each other, and learn to address people with appropriate manners. They can stand up for themselves vocally, and physically. They have first-hand experience dealing with adversity, and using teamwork to overcome obstacles of all kinds. Their healthy lifestyle choices in training can lead them to long, healthy choices as they grow.
Other Reasons?
Of course there are plenty of reasons to do martial arts beyond these. A security professional would benefit from having the physical skills to stop an aggressive person; a high school student could show their determination and commitment to martial arts practice on a college application. I’ve even met employers who are impressed with job applicants who demonstrate physical health and mental fortitude through martial arts practice.
What other reasons are important to you? Or, what aspects of these aren’t discussed in enough detail here?
