Hello, Muay Thai Kickboxer here. I have been writing an essay that I have been working on for a while now. I wanted to write an essay to give the beginners more insight into the martial arts. I hope I can help you all. I am not done my project, but here I present to you the first 6 chapters of my essay...which will be here on referred to as my "book".

1. History

I am not going to go into detail with the history of martial arts, but how many of us really know the history of the martial arts?

“Martial” means “military” and “art” means “creative production” (in a broad sense of the word). For thousands of years, people have been fighting. Boxing and Wrestling are generally known as two of the most oldest sports in the world. This is because: 1) Every human can learn to wrestle and box 2) They needed to survive. But when I say that boxing and wrestling are two of the oldest sports in the world, I actually mean that they are two of the oldest forms of combat in the world. Nowadays, you see professional boxers and wrestlers living a luxurious lifestyle, and we often regard them as “powerful and strong people” and things related to that sort. But long ago, these sports were just forms of survival.

Some martial arts were used in wartimes (such as Muay Thai) , some were used for self defense (Karate for example), and others had other purposes. In fact, one of the most skilled martial artists in history, Miyamoto Musashi, often referred to his martial art (Hyoho-Nitchen-Ichi-ryu) as a “military science”. Nowadays people think of the term “Kung Fu” as being some art for beating up people. But what does this really mean?

“Kung Fu” originally meant something along the lines of “time spent in training”. It refers to someone’s skill, but “Kung Fu” was not used to describe any fighting. It is a common misconception by beginners that Kung Fu refers to fighting. Kung Fu, however, is also a term used to describe Chinese Martial Arts.

Some traditional martial arts are so old that no one knows how long they really existed, and most modern styles’ dates can be traced.

It is also important to note that nearly all modern styles of martial arts are based on traditional styles. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is based on Judo (and likely to have aspects of Jujutsu), Karate is based both on forms of Kung Fu and Jujutsu, Krav Maga based on various Japanese styles, to name a few. It is also a mistake for beginners to think that traditional martial arts are inferior to modern styles. This “inferior-superior” subject will be addressed soon.

I advise any beginners of any styles to take an interest in the history of the martial art they study. Ask questions such as “What country does this art come from?”, “What was its original use?”, “What kind of teachings will I learn?” and so on. Understanding the history of the art you study will give you more insight into the martial art, and the martial arts in general.

Key points I would like to emphasize:
• Martial arts were used for various reasons in history, one obviously being survival
• There is much misconception with the term “Kung Fu”
• Nearly every form of modern martial arts is based on traditional martial arts
• It is advised that you take an interest in your art’s history
• Martial arts are often distinguished to be inferior and superior to another. This will be addressed soon.


2. Media Depiction

Martial arts have both good and bad depictions in the media. By media, I mean things such as movies, television, video games, etc. I would like to talk about the bad depictions.

I believe that the “bad depiction” is actually better described to be “exaggerated depiction” or “fictional depiction”. Most people who watch martial arts movie will see high flying kicks, amazing jumps, splits, one hit or no touch knockdowns, and to a lesser extent, magic powers. Most people don’t understand that martial arts cinema is an art of its own. I would like to stress this again: martial arts cinema is an art of its own. Action movies use a wide variety of mechanics, such as safety wires, special effects and CGI. I am not trying to insult the martial artists’ skills or credibility, because it actually does take lots of training, preparation and skill to perform the amazing things we see on the screen.

Some martial artists have background in other arts such as gymnastics, running, etc. Jackie Chan, for example, has trained at the Peking Opera School, learning various skills that would later help him in his career. Tony Jaa has extensive background in various martial arts, and also gymnastics and sports. Jean Claude Van Damme has been trained in ballet and also weight training. Bruce Lee has trained in weight training and other arts. This is just to name a few for examples. I am trying to establish this fact: Many martial artist actors have backgrounds in various other arts that help them greatly. What we see on the screen is not just martial arts.

It is also very common in the depiction of Chinese martial arts to see a practitioner performing an amazing leap that sets him 20 feet into the air or the ability to fly. Many of these skills are taken from Wuxia stories and tales. Whether they are real or not has not been determined. Beginners often misinterpret the idea of Wuxia and develop an idea something along the lines of this: Kung Fu martial artists are superhuman! They can fly, shoot fire from their hands and kill you with one touch! I saw this in movies! Now, do you believe everything you see in a MOVIE?

Of course, there are real life martial artists that you may have seen doing some incredible and amazing things that we would consider superhuman. As humans, in life, we’ve only scratched the surface of earth. You must understand that it takes lots of time, dedication, preparation and discipline to be able to do a “superhuman” thing. Martial arts in real life are very different than martial arts seen in theatre.

The media may over exaggerate the martial arts and make them seem superhuman, but you must be able to distinguish what is a form of theatre (like martial arts cinema) and what is real life. This same idea applies to video games, and any other form of media that portrays martial arts.

Key Points I would like to emphasize:
• There is good depiction of martial arts and bad depiction, the “bad” depiction is the exaggerated one
• People often misinterpret what is seen in martial arts media to be true and real
• It takes an incredible amount of discipline, training, preparation and devotion to do what is seen on the screen
• Many martial artist actors and actresses have extensive backgrounds in other forms of physical disciplines
• Kung Fu has a very unique identity in martial arts media
• We’ve only scratched the surface of earth, what may seem superhuman today might seem inferior compared to the next superhuman thing tomorrow
• Martial arts in real life are very different than martial arts seen in theatre.

4. Beginning Your Training

In this section I talk about beginning your training. First, you need to consider a few things. Ask yourself, “Why do I want to study martial arts?”, “Why should I study martial arts”, “What do I want to accomplish and achieve?”

If you want to study martial arts for reasons like “to be able to beat up people”, you shouldn’t study martial arts. If you want to study martial arts for self defense, that is a good reason, but you must be able to distinguish “self defense” and “assault”. If you don’t, “assault” will be a word you will see on your criminal record. But, this issue will be discussed later.

It is also good to study martial arts so you can develop interest in a country and their history, military, traditions, etc. The most common advertised reason is “so you can develop discipline, self confidence, self defense, and lose weight”. This will be discussed soon.

Next, you must think about the style you want to study. Think about these three categories first:

1. Striking: this is a style that you the majority of your training you learn strikes (punches, kicks, etc.); arts such as Muay Thai, Taekwondo, Karate and Shaolinquan are striking arts

2. Grappling: arts such as Aikido, Judo, Shui Jiao, Sambo, Wrestling and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are grappling arts. They use techniques such as joint locks, pins, traps and chokes.

3. Weaponry: you learn to handle weapons in these arts. Kali, Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryu and Kendo are examples.

There is also MMA, Mixed Martial arts and Hybrid Martial Arts. These arts are often hybrids of other styles that teach in a modern manner (ex. street self defence, sport fighting, etc.). Arts such as Jeet Kune Do and Chun Kuk Do are hybrid martial arts and MMA is actually a form of sport fighting, but I use it as a term to also describe any sport fighting that uses a hybrid of martial arts and that don’t fall into the category of Hybrid Martial Arts.

Next, you must consider the schools that are around you. You should choose a school that you like. First, go to a school and try out a class. Usually most schools will give you some free trial days. Once you find a school you like, well, then I guess you’re going to be training there for a while huh? Have fun!

Key points:
• Find the right school for you, and find the right martial art for you
• If you want to study martial arts for wrong reasons, please do not study them
• Ask yourself what you want to achieve in your training

5. Training, Conditioning and Health

What is taught in a modern (by modern, I mean what you would find in a city) martial arts school may not be all of what you were hoping for. If so, it is advised that you go beyond your school.

I suggest that you by a book about your martial art. I know that many people think that you should not study from books, but that’s not where I am going with this. Try to look and see if you can find what you were looking for in the art. If not, maybe this art is not for you. The book can also be used as a reference guide for your training. So after a class at your school, if you forget something, you can refer to it in the book.

Also, an important note about schools and martial arts. Not all martial arts schools teach the same. There are variations to the teachings, but what they teach is best absorbed if you can use it for what way it works for you. Once again, use what works for you. In the words of Bruce Lee, “absorb what is useful, discard what is not”. And just because two schools that teach the same art teach variations in their teachings, it does not mean one of them is wrong. There is no right and wrong. Different schools have different teachings.

On nutrition, you should eat more unprocessed foods instead of the more processed and refined foods. Natural foods have more nutrition and are necessary for optimum performance.

On conditioning, I advise you to think about what you want to accomplish first. If you want flexibility, I suggest borrowing some teachings from gymnastics, ballet and such. If you want to work on your physique and/or work with weights, develop a good weight lifting program. Bruce Lee often trained with weights for his performance, not to build muscles. Whatever you want, you need to look into that and find a way to get to it.

You must also remember that you need to warm up and stretch properly. Follow the warm up and stretching program at your school. Add more stretches and stretch more often, about 3-4 times more, at home. But be careful, because you need to understand how to warm up and how to stretch properly. Try getting a good book to help you, or look on the internet. Or, even ask people at your school!

Key Points to remember:
• In martial arts, whatever you want to add to your program, you need to look into it and find a way to get to it
• It is advised that you eat more natural foods
• Different schools have different teachings
• You may want to get a book on your martial art for reference
• It is not advised that you try to learn martial arts from books
• Stretching and warming up is an important part of your training
• “absorb what is useful, discard what is not”-Bruce Lee
• Go beyond your school

6. Notes on Schools and Cross Training

“He who chases two rabbits catches neither”

It is advised that you keep training in the same martial art until you have good knowledge of it. But, this is all up to you. I recommend that you don’t aim for “the black belt” level, just train until you are satisfied. True training takes a lifetime, and you cannot actually accomplish everything nor can you learn everything from just a few years of training. It takes time, lots of time. A lifetime. Don’t look at life as a rush, nor should you look at martial arts in the same way. Don’t try to achieve the black belt level, forget it! A black belt is just a belt. It is just to hold up the pants. Ultimately, you must decide this for yourself. There really is no end to training.

Sometimes it is difficult for traditionalists to swallow the modern idea of cross training. Of course, there is the “two-rabbits-catch-neither” principle to keep in mind, but if you have the chance to train in more than one style, it is up to you. I have trained in 3 styles simultaneously, but only because the school taught 3 different styles in a single week. Keep in mind that if it is too much for you to handle, do not cross train. Also, you may want to try taking up a hybrid style, which is like learning many styles all in one.

It is important for you to make the right choice. You need to figure out what you want, not stress yourself and make sure you train right!

Key points to remember:
• “He who chases two rabbits catches neither”
• There is no end to training
• Don’t look at life or martial arts as being a rush
• Black belts don’t mean much outside of the dojo, they are just to hold up the pants, they are just an acknowledgement
• You need to make the right choices and train right!


Criticism is welcomed. Please tell me what you think. I hope this helps the beginners. More to come after!

[quote name='Muay Thai Kickboxer' date='Apr 6 2007, 12:32 AM' post='29568']



“Kung Fu” originally meant something along the lines of “time spent in training”. It refers to someone’s skill, but “Kung Fu” was not used to describe any fighting. It is a common misconception by beginners that Kung Fu refers to fighting. Kung Fu, however, is also a term used to describe Chinese Martial Arts.

Don’t try to achieve the black belt level, forget it! A black belt is just a belt. It is just to hold up the pants. Ultimately, you must decide this for yourself. There really is no end to training.

Key points to remember:
• “He who chases two rabbits catches neither”
• There is no end to training
• Don’t look at life or martial arts as being a rush
• Black belts don’t mean much outside of the dojo, they are just to hold up the pants, they are just an acknowledgement
• You need to make the right choices and train right!

Hey i like your essay.

Very good, and there is some proverbs that i know them so well.
keep typing friend

Here i have one more proverbs if you like it.
While young use your agility, when old use your expxerience.

Thanks buddy. The one about the black belts holding up pants is something I got from you.


Wow, i thought there would be more replies.

anyways, thanks eddy.

Hey, very insightful ;) That “He who chases two rabbits catches neither”, is a quote I learned long ago, that is why I have only studied one style for almost 9 years now. If i ever decided to change my martial art, il devote everything to it, il probably not do 2 at the same time.

KEep it up Muay Thai kickboxer, many will find this article VERY usefull

OOh another reason "WHY" you would study a martial art, is for a hobby, and it can be fun, especially competetions etc ;)

Wow, that was alot of work, thank you!

Very interesting! I didn't read all of it yet, but I'm gonna sit back and read the whole part.
Good work!

Thanks everyone. Gonna start the next chapters soon, but there's still someone I want feedback from...

If there's any subjects that you think I should give advice on, please let me know because I can't think of them all .

Peace.

Your article looks very promising. Unfortunately, I have to keep it for later as I have to pack my stuff cause I'm moving to a new place tomorrow morning! I'll make sure to check it out.

Bruce Lee said the same thing about black belts holding up pants...that's why they dont' have belts in Jeet Kun Do (Hope I spelled that right).

Angel



I think your book is going to be amazing when you finish it. Do let us know.....I found it very insightful and it provided a lot of great background. A lot of times people watch Kung Fu movies and think they know everything, but you show the importance of true study. I like that. Keep going...I want to read more.

Angel

Thanks for all the comments everyone.


Darn...I'm out of ideas hahaha . Gotta find something to write about now. But I'll keep trying, I know there's much that I haven't covered yet.

Go foward dude, i'm very proud of you. i can say, wang you oon also has.


To angel

In martial arts no one know everything, that is why its a way with a beginning and no end.
peoples that learn kung fu or others martial arts from the movies doesn't learn the secrets pf practicing with some one that have the discipline of teaching who wants to learn MA.
(its just my opnion don't take me wrong.)

i notyice that many schools around the world less here in africa are quite different in some poitys in martial arts.
In a karate school or judo, or other martial arts that its not included in the wang you, can form many teachers in 5 6 years, because they grade they athletes in 3 6 months by year, and in my school, the test is only from who is ready and after passing one year or two and you can fail in the test.
I know that in some countries, whena kid achieve the 16 years its able to recieve the black belt.
But here you can find a guy with 25 on the orange belt. (i'm not telling that my school is better than many others schools around the word( its impossible).

But the student development and the fisical training is very important to handle in a fight.
i might be inteligent but my fisical training will be necessary to help me every time i need.

" IN wing chun we strike to supress the teachers knowlodge, even the founders" Bruce lee.