3 ms·
Interesting; something off the beaten track. While i agree that many treat "Traditional Martial Arts" almost like a "Religion" (i.e. The Ancients knew everythi
by rramadass 3y ago
Interesting; something off the beaten track.
While i agree that many treat "Traditional Martial Arts" almost like a "Religion" (i.e. The Ancients knew everything and thou shalt not question) we also need to be careful that we don't throw the "baby out with the bathwater". Almost all of current-day martial arts are "Sports" (including MMA etc.) with rules and refereeing in place to avoid serious injury/death. Thus while we have a lot of modern knowledge w.r.t. Anatomy/Physiology etc. much of the mental training needed for "life-or-death" situations have been lost. A technique by itself is nothing; it is the "killing mentality" needed to go with it that is everything. I think that is what we need to refocus on from "Traditional Martial Arts" while at the same time interpreting them in the light of Modern Science/Psychology.
- solardev 3y agoI think most traditional martial arts are also practiced, taught, and competed in as sports these days. They're not gladiators. Specialized people (military, self defense contractors, etc.) might optimize for lethality. Maybe Krav Maga has a greater focus on that than most. But most of the famous Eastern arts aren't delaying with life and death stuff anymore either. It's not Kill Bill.
- rramadass 3y agoThat was my point. The paper bemoans the BS in "Traditional Martial Arts" but misses the point that they are no longer taught with the same level of intensity/seriousness/viciousness/ruthlessness that it was originally developed with. Lacking this training mindset the "Martial" art becomes merely a "Sport". But many of the ancient texts cover these principles quite well and are worth learning and interpreting in modern physiological/psychological terms.
- solardev 3y agoI see. Thanks for the clarification!