Martial Arts

Does the word art bring mortal combat to mind?

Probably not.

The martial arts have a side that few people ever see, it is a soft side planted in philosophical theory and not usually noted by those not in the arts. This softer side is just one great reason for kids to learn martial arts.

Many parents worry that teaching their kids martial arts will make them more aggressive and more likely to fight. The opposite is actually true. And there is a fundamental reason why.

All martial arts have an external component and an internal component. Think of the Chinese yin-yang symbol which literally indicates that everything has an opposite. The earth has sky, fire has water, and good has evil.

The martial arts external side is what we are used to seeing in the movies and on our televisions. External art is the hard, violent and often deadly force characters use to punish or overcome their adversaries. Yet, that is merely Hollywood’s view.

Martial arts are flamboyant and exciting at their external course. But just as the yin-yang shows, martial arts also has an internal course of philosophical study that pins the artist in search of harmony and peace. One philosophy in particular that can be hard to grasp is consequentialism or more easily understood as the “right action.”

Consequentialism is a moral belief that producing the right kinds of consequences is one of the highest moral values a person can have. All actions result in consequences. Martial artists are taught that it is their duty to produce the right kinds of overall consequences, meaning bringing about the most good to the most people.

These principles involve recognition of others while developing greater personal patience and insight. Most martial arts began in the countries of Asia where Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism is rooted. The philosophical ideals of these belief systems permeate the martial arts.

There is a Korean proverb quoted by author Doug Cook that roughly translates, “Peace within the individual brings peace within the family; peace in the family brings peace in the community; peace in the community, peace in the country and peace throughout the world.” Delivering the highest moral consequences through “right action” can cause a domino effect throughout society and the world.

This one concept is just a small part of the philosophy that sculpts the internal root of the martial artist. Just as there are many kicks and punches, blocks and strikes to learn in the physical root, there are many more pieces to the internal structure.

Any child who is fortunate enough to study martial arts learns exacting physical motions that increase strength and flexibility while learning self defense techniques and improving confidence. But at the same time, they learn to be a better person, a better citizen of the world. They learn that because they can physically defend themselves that they no longer need to. They have learned the “right action.”

Suddenly, world peace doesn’t sound so far fetched.

Article Source: http://www.uberarticles.com/articles

Kalynn Amadio is a 3rd dan black belt in tae kwon do. Before enrolling your child in martial arts, see her website for more on Right Action and Kids Taekwondo lessons. Tae kwon do is for the whole family. Get your own completely unique content version of this article.