I think that any form of martial art or self defense should have spirituality,
ethics, and warrior code fully integrated into it. It’s of prime importance
that the fighting be well directed and rightious.
Chinese = culture
Essentially in refering to Chinese Martial Arts, I take the word Chinese to mean ‘something of a Chinese culture’, CMA does in fact have a lot of Chinese culture reflected in it. Further one doesn’t need be Chinese (or a China man as X Joe put it to appreciate the culture of it) Martial of course refers to the science of fighting / self defense & also historical martial arts actions & movement. Art is more of an abstract term that can in fact be taken to mean skill of doing CMA, as well as the physical beauty of many of the styles.
Personally I think CMA is not something that can be pigeon holed as strictly one thing, fighting only or such, as it something much broader in scope. For those that chose to engage in CMA for the fighting self defence skills that it can impart that is great. However in presenting CMA to the public I think teachers, practitioners do it greater justice by presenting as an art form for fighting, health & sport and that is a true reflection of Chinese culture (or something like that).
Just my take! 
FP good stuffs & not my way at all but you sure write good so it’s a joy to read & for those still searching for how they want to do this thing it gives a lot of stuffs to think about no doubts. ST there is such things maybe in all hands but more so in the person & I know it as how my parents raised me not the hand which is for killing only as I was taught & as I learned & as I teach. My people don’t come to class for lesson on God & they don’t go to Church for lesson on hand & each thing in its place as part of the whole person & this just for me as opinion okay.
Originally posted by sapphire tygre
I think that any form of martial art or self defense should have spirituality,
ethics, and warrior code fully integrated into it. It’s of prime importance
that the fighting be well directed and rightious.
you can get that from anywhere… I’d rather spend training time training. I can get spirituality from a church, and that would integrate it’s own “warrior code” as you would learn ethics there that you can apply to your training.
7* I agree and disagree with you. Spirituality does not have to be a part of MA. In fact, most of those that do include it often create a barrier based on ego in front of them. Keep in mind I said “most”. Also, the word “spirituality” is so loaded, it really can’t be defined here without a ton of input/bs.
Ethics are simple, and should be included. Often, respect is an ethic taught, even in the MMA community. I know many BJJ and Muy Thai guys, and they are respectfull people. Also, if you are in your class, and you start arm barring people left and right where their arm breaks, chances are you will be kicked out. Although, I think in a fight there are no ethics.
Warrior code is also tricky, but like ethics, does not have to be studied in depth to understand it, at least on a surface level.
Originally posted by SevenStar
[B]
you can get that from anywhere… I’d rather spend training time training. I can get spirituality from a church, and that would integrate it’s own “warrior code” as you would learn ethics there that you can apply to your training. [/B]
I think we need to make a distinction between religion and spirituality here. We can learn about religion in a church or a temple but not neccessarily spirituality, which has to be awaken individually. This can happen in MA training because a complete body/mind integration will lead to spirituality without being specifically taught.
Getting in touch with spiritual aspect in yourself is part and parcel to getting in touch with your mind and your body.
This concept is universal and not necessarily cultural.
Each culture has an expression of these lessons. Chinese martial arts is however a good vehicle for this awakening in a person. As are virtually all martial arts, even those with almost no emphasis on the spiritual.
What I mean is, you will discover things about your self through practice of martial arts which in turn will reflect on how you interact with others.
humility is a great lesson for anyone and is the first step towards spiritual awakening. If you can’t humble yourself, the doors won’t all open.
cheers
DT
I was specifically referring to CMA related to Buddhism. I think you would find it difficult indeed to find any CMA in China other than contemporary wushu, that is not related at some point in it’s history to a spiritual discipline such as Buddhism, Taoism, Moslem etc. These disciplines temper the individual to not misuse the art. In the West, many CMA artists are Christian as it is the predominant religion. What most Sifu teach (or at last should by example and lessons) along with the art is not religion but rather ethics, integrity, loyalty, honor, persistance, bravery and to not give up after some little adversity - in other words these develop the mind, spirit and character…all of which contribute to a better citizen/person and not misusing the art. If a person just wants to gage the value of a martial art by its fighting aspects…then they only have half the art.
GHD