Do you think when training Martial Arts it helps you find yourself spiritually?

When I used to do Tae Kwondo I discovered that I started to discover a deeper part of me that I never experienced before. It is something I was not trying to find. In fact I didn't even want to do martial arts as I was not confident (I didn't even know at the time) My friend who was a black belt instructor persuaded me after alot of effort to take it up. I loved it straight away.I found that I started to find myself spiritually and mentally. I am Catholic. I heard God/higher self/whatever you want to call it. I really found a strong presence within me encouraging me to perservere, tolerate and put up with discipline.I loved the art so much that I ended up achieving things I never thought I could. I ended achieving my black belt and also assistant instructor.I always encourage others to take up the art as it is a nature's way of finding yourself. Most clubs also teach self control, respect for self and others. This is why it is called an art and not a sport!

Do you think when training Martial Arts it helps you find yourself spiritually?
I think that there can be a spiritual aspect to martial arts training. But don't loose sight of the fact that these are FIGHTING ARTS. The discipline and dedication require you to be focused and constantly operate on a higher plane, so the spiritual growth is more of a side effect, not the goal.


The more "civilized" society became the easier it was to muddy the waters of martial training. You speak to a dozen "masters" and you'll realize very quickly who are martial warriors and who are martial lawyers.


Fighting is in our nature so what could be more spiritual than being able to defend or fight for yourself, your loved ones, your property, your God, your country, etc.
Reply:There is nothing spiritual about martial arts. God talks to you all the time, maybe you are more aware of his presence when you feel a need for strength.
Reply:I too am a Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do it is an art that I love very much. Unfortunately they do not have a club where I now live therefore I have not trained for over a year. I believe that there is a great spiritual connection with this type of training as if you really love the art you find yourself drawn to the deeper meanings of the art that you are learning. I found learning the meaning behind the patterns i was learning to be some thing that made my learning experience all that much meaningful. Really do miss the training though as it something I use to live for as a release of daily stresses. I did train 5 days a week though.
Reply:the tao of jeet kune do
Reply:Martial Arts is definetly a way to help you develope spiritually. Doesn't matter what faith or religion you believe in. It forces you to look inside yourself and pull strength out you didn't know you had. MA (at least traditional styles that are not just about fighting) also teach you humility and gentleness, and with the knowledge they give you on how to destroy the human body, the courage/desire not to fight.





This is for Boo- If you miss it, why not train it on your own? You know enough to at least work on what you know, so go for it.





Edit for Daniel- Did you notice that I said Traditional Art that teaches you more than how to fight.
Reply:Nothing spiritual about getting punched in the face, kicked in the head and getting arm barred until you want to cry, then repeat..





You TKD guys...
Reply:LOL - J7 nailed that answer.





I did shootfighting for 6 years and it never harnessed my inner chi to fly me to the great planes of zen.
Reply:communing with god ,not sure , being in touch with your spiritual side definitely.a journey of self discovery,most certainly . art/system studied is irrelevant.the important aspects of studying the martial arts are those things/attributes that are most benficial to humanity and yourself,self control,patience,endurance,determination... for the quality of life.
Reply:I really try to keep religion and Martial arts separate.


"Holy Warriors" just doesn't sound like a good idea.
Reply:You can find yourself spiritualy doing anything, danceing, football even card collecting, it all depends on how you do it. For some reason, I guess because kung fu originated in the temple, people consider martial art to be more spiritual than other things but i thik danceing or anything is just as spiritual, look at how many religious traditions dace for example compared to how many practice martial arts
Reply:Yes ... developing a person in all areas (including spiritual) is the point of the martial arts.





I'm a life-long Catholic, and my Aikido practice very much supports my Catholicism.





Great question! :-)