Even though sometimes slogans can lack real content, it is not the case with "When the Martial Art Touches the Art of Life". For me, it is truly the essence of our work at YaLon College and the very heartbeat that gives life to the teachings.
The martial art for me is purification of the soul, understanding and accepting oneself. Martial art for me is not merely with supplying a sense of physical safety (an important issue in and of itself) but the mental gifts I receive – becoming more decisive in face of dilemmas, more powerful while encountering difficulties and generally getting to know myself better in order to break free of old habits pulling me back and changing what must be changed in order to advance.
This is for me the essence of when the martial art touches the art of life - to contain more, hurt less, become more sensitive and yet with less ego and stubbornness. This is the essence of the warrior coming to improve his power in all dimensions - mental, spiritual, energetically and of course - physical. This is how one can become more efficient in practical fighting on a physical level, but more importantly in fighting or dealing on the mental-spiritual level.
Combat training for me is not just angle of intercept and a stronger blow. It is a practice that creates energy which connects us to our environment in peaceful control. It is the kind of attunement that allows us to find our most inner core, and thus enable the use of our senses in a coordinated manner which creates an "inner fire" that brings an inner sunrise.
Martial art to me is the journey into the depths of our souls to overcome ourselves and create in us a supportive energy field. I have recently seen a film about a group of Zen drummers who also trained in martial arts as part of their training. The main character phrased it beautifully by saying that we do not practice martial arts in order to fight or overcome another, but to overcome ourselves - hesitancy, fear, pride, etc. ...
With this feeling surrounding me, with friends, family, students or colleagues, I feel better in soul and body. The physical tool allows us to reach places worth making an effort for. So why settle for just another defense technique against a knife? Look for a little more. I know I did it and it was worth every minute and still is!
