what the true meaning is behind martial arts is, the common answer would be...To Fight, or To be able to kick some ones butt. a low to medium percentage of the people you ask, would say, "to defend your self". Those are the most common answers people would give you. Being a practitioner of the martial arts for 20 years, I my answer has changed over the years. Training hours a day 5-6 days a week really help me to understand what the true meaning behind martial arts is. After a few years of that, you come to understand that, martial arts is not just about physical training, its about mental training as well. along with my training, I started to read many articles and books about the martial arts including its history. One particular master stood out to me. His name is Gitchin Funakoshi. Although I am not a practitioner of Shotokan, I have always been intrigued by what He wrote. Between his writings and what my Sensei always told me, it has helped me to come to the conclusion as to what is the true meaning behind martial arts. I feel my answer ; many martial arts practitioners would agree to. Those with more experience / higher ranks would probably have more to add to my conclusion. So by all means, this is just the beginning to my answer. martial arts is a path, a way. hence what the do means in Karate-do.
I would like to start with the word "do" pronounced Doe. do is a Japanese term for path, or the way, as mentioned above. therefore martial arts may have no destination as to where the path ends. This would also be up to the practitioner. Some are Happy with a few month or years of training. That means your path ends where you want it to. You are in Control as to where the path ends. For True martial artists, There is no End. there is always more to learn and things to improve on. the word do also refers to the word Journey and Some Journeys never end.
Martial Arts is not just about fighting. Yes its used to protect and or defend, but some have abused martial arts and has tainted its true meaning and has used it for personal gain. It is for those reasons that more people would say its all about fighting, or using the martial arts to kick some ones butt. A true Martial Artists, avoids fights. They are taught from day 1, to avoid fights. Fighting can ruin a persons image, in a fight some one always gets hurt. True martial artists, do not want to hurt anything .Gitchin Funakoshi once said
"The correct understanding of Karate and its proper use is Karate-do. One who truly trains in this do (way) and actually understands Karate-do is never easily drawn into a fight.
It is clear that the true meaning behind martial arts is not about fighting, bullying and violence. The true meaning behind martial arts is to better ones self. Strive to become better and overcome your fears. Martial arts is about self discipline, knowing what is right and wrong, knowing when to go, or stop. Martial arts teaches you how to set goals, long and short. all those qualities are also used in daily life. Therefore Martial arts can improve your daily life, and that also backs the quote made by Gitchin Funakoshi that Karate goes beyond the Dojo.
With the practice of martial arts, your possibilities become endless. It will teach you to keep moving and to work and earn what you want. You will notice that you have become more humble, and content with your daily life. Large tasks or projects for work or school will be easier to deal with. it will teach you overcome obstacles weather is physically, or mentally. Kicking, punching, breaking bones and such, is a small part of the true practice in martial arts. True martial arts is about developing ones self character through the rigorous and repetitive exercises used, and being able to persevere over any challenge or obstacle life throws at you, weather it is mental or physical.
