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[stormdragon]

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I guess now is an appropriate time for me to post about my views on 'martial arts' and fighting and how I am able to conciliate my desire for a gun and my own sensibilities when it comes to martial arts and fighting

Comments

I can agree with your point for the most part.

[gtonizuka]

I think the spiritual nature of a martial art depends on the particular person who practices the style; some people may have a more spiritual connection to their art, while others may just see it as a workout, as cardio, or as a way to "beat someone up" with no respect for the people who created it, the culture behind it, or the spiritual aspects to it. While I don't think I could have the same commitment as a shaolin monk, an aikidoka(I think that's the term for a practictioner of Aikido), or a practitioner of Tai Chi, I think that I do have a spiritual connection of sorts to the arts that I've learned. I think the even slight disagreement with the post comes from a lack of clarity as far as what defines a spiritual connection-the response here was provoked by a memory of a dojo I went to after my Kajukenbo school closed on the suggestion of my former Sidan. While I don't hate the school, I was VERY against the forced prayer to Jesus before practice; I guess my question for clarity's sake is to ask if you view a true spiritual

Re: I can agree with your point for the most part.

[stormdragon]

It's hard to explain unless you're raised within the asian culture of spirituality. When I reference spirituality, I don't mean your typical religiion. I mean a sense of yourself, your 'spirit' and the place that you fit within the universe. It's not some belief in a God or a pantheon. It's the belief that there is some greater destiny, a higher level of experience beyond our own limited senses.

It has nothing to do with Jesus, or Thor, Buddha.

Re: I can agree with your point for the most part.

[stormdragon]

Again, it's hard to explain. Imagine standing at a cliff near the ocean, alone. Think of how the wind feels as it moves around you. Think of how the sound of the ocean echoes off of the cliff rocks. Imagine the sight of the birds as they float ontop of the updraft. The color of the sky. The movements of the clouds. Imagine your place in that world.

It's a totality of being. When a person at the very least understands this, then I believe that they are capable of being a true martial artist.

While I can feel it sometimes, I just can't hold onto that sort of calm and understanding. That's why I know I can never be one...and it's fucking depressing.