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An Overview
By FightingSpirit.Biz
Apr 3, 2006
The history of martial arts is both complex and, for the most part, quite obscure. Steeped in legend, secrecy and power, they remain much of a mystery to western society. It is generally accepted that their roots lie in ancient China and, despite wanting to maintain the secrecy of their unarmed combat techniques, the martial arts did eventually spread throughout the east. Over many centuries, original fighting systems were developed and stylised into the many forms now practiced all over the world. Martial art was never practised as a form of entertainment, but a dedicated way of life for those who wanted to reach their full potential, both spiritually and physically. In Japan, it is commonly referred to as budo or the Way of the warrior, embracing all Japanese martial arts. Traditionally, it was concerned with cultivation of the mind and finding oneself. Budo is eternal wisdom, expressing life and progress, and allowing man to become his own master, with the sole purpose of achieving internal transformation.
The Way of Martial Arts is to understand the truth and reality of life by experiences. This is very much seated in the old religion 'Shinto' which, even today, underpins the beliefs and character of the Japanese people. During the feudal age, groups of peasant farmers were expected to fight for their lords to protect their land. Eventually these groups were given formal training to ensure their effectiveness and were called samurai or bushi. In the late 12th century, when the military government was established (the Shogunate), the pursuit of martial arts and related disciplines became a way of life for the samurai. The studies were later codified and known as 'bushido'. Within their code of chivalry (Way of the bow and horse), the samurai warriors were bound by integrity, justice, courage, contempt of death, goodwill, politeness, sincerity, honour, loyalty and self-control. During a reign of supremacy lasting some six centuries, the samurai remained loyal to the Shogunate.
Shortly after power was returned to the emperor in 1868, the samurai were stripped of their privileges. Becoming poor and persecuted, refusing to accept modernisation of their country, the samurai eventually revolted in 1877. However, this signified the end for them, and for the feudal system in Japan. Today they are remembered only in festivals and processions, but the principles of bushido still have a role to play in modern Japan.
From a background of spiritual belief, strict codes, commitment to train for excellence, and of the search for ultimate perfection, martial arts emerge as the preoccupation with oneself to eternity. The spirit of budo can, therefore, be defined as a Way (a discipline, a science, and a technique) whose principles are apparent throughout all other disciplines. There are hundreds of Japanese martial arts and styles which fall either into the category of budo or the ancient bujutsu, and these are distinguished by the suffixes of 'do' and 'jutsu' respectively.
As different styles evolved through the teachings of specific masters, so the number of ryu (system, mode or tradition of martial practice) increased. When Emperor Meiji came to power in the 19th century there were believed to be over 10,000 ryu in existence, but the number has dwindled drastically. However, new styles continue to be created, and this is inevitable for an art form that begins at one point and continues to infinity.
In summary, martial arts used in their traditional form are a means to suppress violence and restore equilibrium. Now many of these techniques are taught primarily for sport, competition and display.
Before exploring any specific disciplines, it is fundamental to all martial arts to understand (and master) 'ki'. Representing control over life, health, harmony and consequently energy, ki is the union between mind and body. Ki is life itself: when vital energy disappears, life ceases. The rules for mastering ki are determined by the various disciplines but the constant within budo is that mastery of the energy passes through the 'hara'. It is from this central or Vital Point that the laws of mind and body converge ensuring both mental and physical co-ordination. In order to direct and use the energy, many forms of art or exercise exist in budo. Breathing exercises are extremely important and students are trained in the art of releasing energy with the 'kiai' (a powerful cry emanating from the stomach).
Other important relationships exist between man and nature, and the rhythmic aspects of the elements. The Way of tactics is very complex, but the key is rhythm and rhythm is timeless. Every movement is a rhythm, expressing proportion, balance and order. For this reason many of the masters study all the arts of combat, and become familiar with all the different weapons, searching always for the principle which governs each discipline. "To understand this principle is to have mastered the art".
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