Saturday, July 9, 2011

Martial v's Arts The Brisbane Martial Arts

As a popular Brisbane Martial Arts Academy we are often asked about the difference between the many Martial Arts that are out there and what the words "Martial Arts" actually mean.

At Factor10 we have already developed a fantastic guide for families and friends interested in finding out what the difference is between the many martial arts and how to choose the right one for you. In this blogg we'll take a look at what these two words "Martial" and "Arts" mean in relation to each other. We"ll particularly take some interest in looking at the day to day practical training implications of this.

So where do we begin. Well, let's take a look at what Wikipedia says Martial Arts is:

"Martial Arts (Literally meaning arts of war but usually referred to as fighting arts) are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat.

So clearly Wikipedia see the Martial Arts as an organised traditional activity involving some form of fighting. The word "Martial" means "relating to or suitable for war" according to the Webster dictionary. Webster also defines the word "Art" as "an occupation requiring knowledge or skill" and "the quality or state of being artful".

Putting "Arts" with the word "Martial" tells us that the Martial Arts are about systems of fighting that involves an expended period of learning during which we acquire knowledge and skills. Quite simply we can describe the "skills" of the Martial Arts as the actual technical movements learned to progress a trainee in the Martial Arts from one level of competency to the next, or as is commonly done today in the modern Martial Arts, from one belt level to the next.

For people who enjoy the hands on side of the Martial Arts, that is the practical hand to hand combat skills of the Martial Arts Brisbane people can go no further than Factor10 Martial Arts to develop these skills. With a specialisiation in the Korean Martial Arts of both Taekwondo and Hapkido members learn the unique traditional and very practical combat strengths of of each of these Martial Arts. The hand to hand combat described here is not what driuves all people to learn the Martial Arts.

So what else is it then that captures the attention of so many people world wide, and in particular the many followers of Martial Arts Brisbane wide in attending Factor10 classes. Well, the answer seems to lie in the "Art" of the Martial Arts.

The "Art" form of the Martial Arts is enjoyed by so many people. In fact, it is often said that more people enjoy the "Art" of the Martial Arts than the "Martial" aspects that are learned. This is largely due to the fact that most personality types are more passive and non confrinting by nature. Most people love the idea of being able to study combat arts and sports without necessarily applying them in real life situations. We know at Factor10 Martial Arts that these people develop extraordinary skills and knowledge through focussing on the art form of the Martial Arts and in fact are often seen to develop better hands on practical martial and combat skills than those whose original purpose and intent is purely for fighting, whether this be for sport or for practical self defence resons.

The reason for this is that the traditional Martial Arts were designed to accomodate both "Martial" and "Art" aspects for the aspiring bl;ack belter to develop in a whiolistic way. Martial Arts Brisbane schools like Factor10 recognise this fully, and the programs of training reflect this.

So how does it happen? Simply put, training is carefuly designed to ensure a complete and wholistic approach to learning the traditional Martial Arts. The classes cover both "Martial" and "Arts" aspects of Taekwondo and Hapkido. A good example of this is when we learn as a beginning white belter to stand in a traditional Horse Riding stance or "Jochum Seogi". We learn this stance as part of our stand

terminology and we practice the stance while performing single, double and triple punches to the front. This stance is rarely if ever used when executing punches in a real life self defence situation, in combat, and likewise the punching would not be executed in the way we do it when in this stance with the punching or other arm returning to the hip and belt position. So why do we do it this way? The answer is that when doing it this way we are practicing the "Art" not the "Martial" aspects of the traditional system. The art or way that is being developed for the student includes the balance, focus, timing, coordination, extension, strength and muscular endurance. There are many other personal and "Art" aspects being developed as well including patience, perseverance, listening, concentration and so on.

And how do these two aspect of Martial and Art come together to form the "oneness" or unified Martial Art. It's probably obvious to most people that in order to be able to execute techniques in a timely, focussed and accurate way in a combat situation the Martial Artist needs to have developed all the traits listed in the example above. That is, they need to be able to have developed the balance, timing and concentration skills, to name just a few, in order to be able to execute the "Martial" aspects of Taekwondo and Hapkido.

In Taekwondo training Brisbane members at Factor10 Martial Arts are taught to understand the unique relationship between the "Martial" and "Arts" elements of the traditional Korean martial arts. It's through this clear understanding that our members train in the true tradition that our Grand Master Sung Soo Lee 9th Dan and Master Damien O'Flaherty 6th Dan have brought to them in order to strive for life long excellence in the Martial Arts.

 

About the Author

Factor10  Taekwondo Brisbane, Australia, is not only a family-friendly but also is a family. The children that start as young as 4 years of age at the school continues till they are adults not just because they receive excellent self defence training, improve their confidence and discipline but also since the environment is safe and caring like a family. Marcum Doughton is a staff writer at Factor10. If you want help improve your child's life, visit http://www.taekwondo-hapkido.com/

 

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