Little material has been written explaining not only what the martial arts of China are about but also what they signify.
It should also be clarified that many of the Systems and
Styles which make up some of the Oriental Arts of combat owe their origin to
the Chinese Arts which were developed in a sophisticated and refined direction.
Some of these arts, which go back to the era before Christ, for varying reasons
have been lost in time and some, because of the secrecy surrounding them, have
died with their masters. However, due to the role they have played in life, others
were sacredly kept and preserved to still survive today.
It should be understood that these Arts demand from the body
a mental, spiritual and physical balance, the coordination of which is vital to
their correct interpretation.
There appears to be today a fascination for the practice of
the martial arts with particular emphasis on the Oriental styles and systems.
The Occidental world is, and has been for some years, accepting these arts “as
a sponge soaks up water”, so that they have now become an everyday business to
many. This fascination has not worn off yet and due to its successful commercialization
and exploitation there is a fear that these arts, or at least the more popular
ones, are being weakened in their essence and therefore disproportioned from
their true and original meaning.
One point that shows itself apart from any other, and important
at that, is where does one go to learn this martial art or that martial art?
There are so many schools, centres, gymnasiums etc claiming that they teach
this art or that art and in some cases numerous arts, that the individual
looking for the most suitable place is usually confused. Many of these places
are undoubtedly serious – there is no question about it – but how does one know
about them? A way has to be found to sift the wheat from the chaff, the good
from the bad.
The Chinese martial arts, as the name infers, are martial in
effect but it must also be remembered, which few realize, that many of the
systems and styles are also applied in the form of health exercises and
calisthenics. It is a part of life but then, as with anything we do, it must be
done properly and in so doing the person also gains a mental and spiritual
attainment, which is beneficial.
It is unfortunate that there are few worthwhile books
published in the Western world about the Chinese martial arts. It is not meant
by this that one will learn from a book, but it certainly aids one in becoming acquainted
with the meaning of these arts. Personal instruction is vital and a great deal
of patience and perseverance is required.
It is through these arts that a person’s mental and physical
abilities are tuned, giving them understanding, showing them discipline and instilling
in them humility.
Many of these arts have been passed down through the ages
that they now belong to the heritage of the people; it is our turn now to preserve
these arts and pass them on so that they can live in the future. It is those
with this knowledge, coupled with understanding and directed by wisdom, who
must bear that responsibility and hope that others will not spoil and distort
this contribution to the life of humankind.
This article is also written to show the infinite value of the Chinese martial arts and the merit they deserve. The intention underlying these arts - and this does not in any way disrespect any other martial art - is to bring man together with life and nature and, in so doing, give him an understanding of others.
This article is also written to show the infinite value of the Chinese martial arts and the merit they deserve. The intention underlying these arts - and this does not in any way disrespect any other martial art - is to bring man together with life and nature and, in so doing, give him an understanding of others.
