On The Martial Realm
I’ve always been fascinated with the Martials Arts. Whether the lightsaber duels and sci-fi samurai attire used in Star Wars, countless Chinese (and Japanese) Martial Arts movies or numerous physical practices I’m fortunate to have been exposed to myself, this Martial ‘realm’ has gripped me ever since I can remember.
To overcome oneself through one’s opponent might be the simplest and truest intention of these practices; and in the case of more non-combative disciplines, such as Tai Chi or Chi Gong, the ’enemy’ may simply be gravity or the ground for extended lengths of time.
As mentioned already, always the ‘enemy’ is oneself in fact, existing as past traumas, addictions, destructive habits or various other physical/emotional weaknesses. By entering into these shadows or challenging areas we find inner opponents to be met with respect and humility, but also with discipline and courage.
‘No one gets out alive’ as the saying goes. And it’s true in the sense that progress in any area of life (much like the Martial Arts) comes through resistance, challenge and, at times, even pain and despair. In the most basic way, we are all dying. Death is a valuable orientation to build a life practice around - to prepare for it, accept it, contemplate it and even imagine another form thereafter.
The Martial Arts is steeped in this core understanding of impermanence and (in various Martial cultures) even esteems a ‘high quality death’ as the greatest of all accomplishments.
As Ido Portal recently stated: “(after all) we are not living, we are dying”.
What else does this ‘realm’ entail? Of course, this depends on the specific culture and portion of history one chooses to focus upon. Samurai were typically writers, philosophers, poets, as was Bruce Lee, Royce Gracie and their Indian ‘Yogi’ counterparts. To act is also to think about acting, to critically reflect and to, in turn, philosophise about one’s actions, responsibilities and consequences on the wider world.
That being said (Martial generally referring to the warrior or ‘Military’ class), Martial Arts have always based themselves in the physical first and foremost. For good reason too… the intellect and/or integrity of a person is visible through the body, it’s posture, movements and physical capacities first and foremost.
80% of communication is body language after all, and it’s very hard to fake anything with one’s entire body! Of course, something also shines through the quality and intricacies of one’s thoughts and words, but an unintelligent body cannot tell lies or keep secrets like the mind can.
I’m always initially surprised when I see very ‘in-shape’ men or women lacking in at least the basic traditional ethics or wisdom related to the Martial Arts - it baffles me that one’s body can at all manage to gain health, vigour and complexity without it’s heart and mind also following along. Usually they very much do, but there are some rare cases out there still it seems.
In the case of Marcus Aurelius and Seneca (previous Roman Emperors with the highest taste for both warrior ship and philosophy), their writings and thoughts have lasted longer, and stronger than their physical feats.
Certain individuals in the Martial Realm have perhaps transcended the body in this respect; at least in our memories. A long career of military service and physical training transforms into a certain learned wisdom and philosophy perhaps, just as we’ve seen with many great Martial Artists (and Samurai) from Eastern cultures also throughout the centuries (The Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi being a pertinent example).
The opposite may also be true, in some cases, but far less likely. ‘Sharpening one’s sword’ requires risk, responsibility and real life consequences. Outside of the physical realm there are obvious limits to how much one can truly ‘live’ and, in turn, suffer the results of doing it badly.
To lose in battle (through surrender or otherwise) is as much akin to ‘death whilst living’ as possible. When an athlete ‘taps out’ during a grappling contest it’s bigger than losing a match. The audience feels it almost as much as the defeated fighter. This lived experience and real life feedback is arguably the greatest gift one can be given, and it breeds a certain clarity and wisdom that’s perhaps impossible to gain through intellectual/cognitive pursuits alone.
I’m immensely grateful for every running race I’ve lost to a boy half my age, a grandma 30 years my senior or some other athlete with more handicaps or physical limitations than myself. Equally, I’m humbled every time I fail at a new technique that my fellow movers are already able to master or am in the middle of a contact dance with a beautiful, gifted or athletically superior dancer than myself.
My defeats haven’t involved typical ‘fight’ scenarios, but I like to think I’d be ready and willing to engage should the time come around and/or if the purpose is truly worth fighting for.
In the martial realm, one’s opponent is indeed oneself. It’s easier to identify and meet it though real life situations with real life people however. Real life is the mirror, and the best one at that. In this way, any real life, physical practice, in real space, eye to eye with fellow humans, can provide the valuable opportunities for growth, self-actualisation and wisdom so richly expressed throughout centuries of Martial Arts literature and practice.
Easier said than done though, however, in today’s world, filled with ample technological shortcuts and remote work opportunities. We may indeed be gaining time and efficiency (in some ways) but, consequently, losing our humanity in the process. Who knows how the likes of Bruce Lee or Royce Gracie would have faired in today’s world…
The Martial Arts, either way, are changing that’s for sure. There’s been more innovation in the last 20 years of MMA than there have in the last 2000 years, according the famous UFC commentator Joe Rogan. Many of his peers unanimously agree with him. The internet has changed it all and then some; not to mention the paid opportunities now available for the best ‘warriors’ of today.
Is it still as heroic though? And are these fighters still as stoic and wise as they once were? Perhaps only time will tell…
…plus, thankfully we still have the great myths and stories of old to enjoy and still learn from either way!
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