In Depth Martial Art Aspects
- Part 1 -

Dr. Hanjabam Barun Sharma *

Martial art is not simply just a "system of fighting techniques", but in itself encompasses a much deeper inner aspects also. It is the stretching of one's physical as well as mental, spiritual, and other inner abilities to new heights, levels to which one would think were impossible to attain.

It is a way of life which opens you up to the universal energy pool. It is a state of mind, you train and don't have to use it & if you do, your movement is so dynamic that the opponent backs off without any harm. It is a tool to express the human soul, a path towards utmost spiritual height.

It is a vehicle for 'self ' revelation coupled with a simultaneous deepening insight into human nature & its corresponding relationship, realized through the intense investigation into the motivating & governing values and standards of relationships ( morality, ethics ,etc ), & subsequent actualized into one's daily life (peace, harmony, etc ).

It serves the purpose of ever-growing & continuing revelation of one's self, as well as insight into human nature & relationship in which one finds oneself. That's why Bruce Lee said: "It's like finger pointing away to the moon. Don't concentrate on the finger or you'll miss all the heavenly glory."

There are so many different styles and concepts of martial art. Jujitsu, Judo, Aikido, some form of Kung-fu, Muk-na, Kusti mainly emphasize on grapping styles. Taekwon-do, Karate, Thang-ta, some forms of Kung-fu use mainly striking styles. Most are also combination of two.

Some of the Indian styles are: Thang-ta / Sarit-sara, Mukna ( Manipur ); Kalarippayattu ( Kerela ); Kusti etc.

Japanese styles include: Karate, Kendo, Judo, Ju jitsu, Sumo, Iai-do, Ninjutsu, Kobujutsu, Shinkendo, Aikido etc.

Chinese : Kung-fu / Wushu, Tai-chi-chuan, Jeet-kune-do etc.

Korean : Taekwondo, Hapkido, Tang-soo-do, Kuk-sool-won etc.

French : Savate.

Polynesian : Lima-lama.

Filipino : Eskrima, Kali, Arnis, Panantukan etc.

Brazil : Copoiera, Jiu jitsu (Gracie family) etc.

Thailand : Muay-thi, Krabi-krabong etc.

Burma : Bando, Muay kaad chuak etc.

Greece : Pankration.

Isreal : Krav maga.

Russia : Sambo.

Malaysia : Silat.

All of these arts are intermingled with the culture of their people.

Origin of most martial arts is still not known exactly. Most styles of China trace their origin to ancient monestary or to Shaolin priest/nun or some Buddhist monks. Some were based on the synthesis of various masters' teachings.

Others were derived from combative movements of insects, animals, and by close observation of nature. Other styles were the product of martial need and experience of ancient warrior class like- Samurai of Japan (Jujitsu, Iaido) or Ninja (Taijutsu, Ninjutsu) or as a result of frequent violence, wars etc;

while some were developed circling around health, meditation ( Choi-kwang-do, Qigong, tai chi to some extend), and sometimes, dance principles (like Copoiera of Brazil, which was developed by the slaves to hide actual martial art moves whose practice was banned ).

Some of the styles were developed from older ones with considerable modification, like Judo (a sport art) by Dr. Jigoro Kano from much older Jujitsu (a killing art), modifying the devastating movements into less violent & more practicable form.

Others are just mixtures like MMA (Mixed Martial Art) of USA. Jeet-Kune-Do is the martial art concepts created by the martial art legend Bruce Lee, as he believed that traditional martial art forms are too confined, predictable or out of date, & must transformed.

Some Greek martial artists believe that Alexander, the great & his army who were experts of Pankration, took it to India, from where Buddhist monks took its modified form to China, Japan, Thailand, Korea etc giving birth to Kung fu/Wushu, Karate/Jujitsu, Taekwondo/Kuk sool won, Muay thai/Krabi krabong etc, respectively.

While in India, it's believed that a south Indian Buddhist monk, Bodhidharma, took Kalarippayattu (which according to legend, Hindu warrior saint Parshurama created to protect Kerela, which was formed out of sea by his purshu/axe) & Yoga to China & others orient countries giving rise to different martial art forms we know today.

To be continued.....