Thanks for the posts.
I mean martial philosophy,method of thought that is linked to martial arts and martial arts as a way of life,living trough that philosophy (like basic mental principles of CMA)
And it is linked to general “parental” philosophy in a way or another.
Philosophy?
Serpent,
Are you aware that “the force” is translated as Qi in the Star Wars movies?
Should Philosophy be taught…
In Chinese this question would be incomprehensible to any of the kung fu teachers I have met.
There is no connection between this question and any sublime concepts of; Taoism, Buddhism, Confucinism. Nor does it tie into any morality that the teacher would want to explain.
In Taiwan at least, Taoism is a tough man’s religion. The Gods are carried on chairs from one temple to another by members of the triad society(nice people, but you wouldn’t want to owe them money).
This happens quite frequently and is followed by huge processions that make large amounts of noise.
When a god visits another temple, if he has the power, he enters someones body. That person does the MA dance and beats himself with a weapon of some sort. Usually producing blood for the onlookers.
Words like Taoism and Taoist are seldom used by people here. If they believe in a god then they burn money for him in front of their house.
McDonalds, at least some, have taken up this custom and also burn money in front of their store on special occasions.
If you talk about Buddhism, it is not philosophy, but religion.
So where does the philosophy come in?
The different schools have related forms of protocal. Such as…
-How we treat the teacher.
-What we do for him on what holidays.
- How we present the red envelope.
-How we can drink in public with the teacher. At a social gathering no one can take a drink without toasting or being toasted.
-for fighting. Who can we challenge. There may be some considerations since many schools are related to each other.
If I ever have to sit through “life according to the instructor/style,” and I’m supposed to be in an MA class, I’m never coming back.
Thanks once again.
I´m personally not religious in any way.
In that case you can pick a thing or two from religion(s) which may apply to everyday life without any religious activity.
But that´s just me.
Principles drive form, function and execution.
Principles must be explained to and understood by a student to properly perform the function of the martial art.
philosophy on the other hand is often subject to interpretation.
same as religious doctrine.
It often doesn’t apply to the practice at hand and I think although SDriver made a bit of a harsh point, there is truth in what is said.
People have a tendency to put there own spin on philosophy and have their own ideas about right and wrong, ethics and morals.
Personally, I don’t agree with everyone elses ethics or morals and have codifications and interpretations of my own garnered through life experience that will conflict with others views simply because they have different experiences than I do.
So, principles that can be applied within the art? YES!
Personal philosophies of the schools instructor? Don’t know about that, I suppose on some things you may agree and others you will not. In the end, if “not agree” outweighs “agree”, you will have personality conflict and thus your relationship with the art and the teacher of it may end from that perspective.
You always have the option of finding another teacher who will not put you in a position where you must agree with his philosophical offerings. Or you can find a teacher who will teach with philosophical offerings more in line with your own.
In the end, the martial arts can be taught driven by principles and common sense in what is an acceptable way to treat each other if you don’t know that by the law of the land you live in already.
But should you become a taoist to learn a martial art? No, a buddhist? No. A Freudian or Jungian? Thomas Mann perhaps? No.
peace
Thanks.
Nice to get replies from moderator(s) too,rather rare.
My bad I meant I tell about principles. Ya’know the word philosophy means “love of knowledge” I think you have to love knowledge to be a true martial artist. Oh you have to love skill and art to.