Buddhism’s Influence on Martal Arts
If you have studied any type of Martial Art for any length of time, you learn that it is way more than just knowing how to defend yourself. The history of martial arts is so rich and deep that it goes back centuries. What most students learn as they progress in their training, is that the martial arts has a profound affect on the way we think, our values and the way we view every day life in general. Though some may not know this, the reason for this is because of the strong influence Buddhism has had over the Martial Arts since its conception.
Buddhism originated in India in the 4th and 6th centuries BCE and soon spread throughout Asia. Its teachings are principles which were taught by Buddha. Like many other religions, it teaches moral concepts, study of scriptures and meditation. One of the things Buddhism emphasizes is helping people to develop wisdom, compassion, love for all things and reaching enlightenment. There are different types of Buddhism which makes it the fourth largest religion in the world. Zen Buddhism has had a large influence on the Martial Arts as it teaches much about meditation, breath, training the mind to name a few things.
Bodhidharma, was an Indian Monk who lived in 5th and 6th century. He was responsible for teaching the monks of the Shaolin Temple, physical conditioning and training them on how to defend themselves. One of the most famous stories young martial artists learn about, is that he travelled through the mountains and watched and studied the animals on how they protected themselves. Some of animals in which he studied were the Tiger, Leopard, Crane, Monkey and Snake. He then developed a fighting and exercise system in which he taught the monks at the Shaolin Temple. It was important for the monks to learn how to protect themselves as there were many travellers, bandits and wild animals roaming the country side near their monastery and were often robbed and attacked. Many of Bodhidharma’s teachings had a major impact on these monks and were the foundation for modern day martial arts. Kung Fu, kobudo, karate are just a few of the modern day martial arts which have their roots dated back to the teachings of Bodhidharma.
Traditional martial arts have many of the same precepts taught as Buddhism. Compassion, gratitude, respect are just a few of the emphasis in the martial arts. As martial artists we learn that we do not attack first, we learn that its to be used only in a self defence situation. Training the body, the mind and the spirit are all important and focused on. From the time we bow onto the dojo floor to begin our training, the line up procedure, the Mukkso(meditation part of class), the physical training and conditioning, the kata, the self defence and fighting portions of a class- all teach us to better ourselves and strengthen the body, mind and spirit and cause no harm to anyone while in doing so.
The ancient teachings and philosophy of Buddhism have had a strong influence on the martial arts. It teaches us that in order to be a balanced martial artist , we must train the body, the mind and the spirit equally.
Tracy Warrener has been fortunate to have been raised within the Martial Arts since the age of 4 years old and is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate. She has had the opportunity to study with some amazing Martial Artists. Sensei Richard Kim, Sensei Peter Urban, Professor Don Jacob, Sensei Jim Wilson, Professor Wally Jay, just to name several. Of course her main Sensei is her father, Sensei Don Warrener. Throughout the 40 plus years of her involvement in the Martial Arts, she has worked her way from being a student of the martial arts to a Martial Arts Sensei ,teaching hundreds of students. She has ran and managed martial arts schools teaching students of all ages, worked within the community teaching at fitness centres, schools, businesses and Women’s Shelters, the benefits of Karate. One the causes close to her heart is teaching and empowering young girls and women the importance of self defence and awareness. Her program called Look Strong! Act Strong! Be Strong! focuses on easy self defence techniques and mind self defence techniques. In 2013 she was awarded The Silver Lifetime Achievement Award in the Masters of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in California for her contribution to Women in the Martial Arts. She is also a Certified Reflexologist and Reiki Master. She has starred in three of her own DVDs produced by Rising Sun Productions on Reiki, Reflexology and her Look Strong ,Act Strong ,Be Strong Self Defence Program. tracy.warrenerentertainment@gmail.com
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