Spirituality through Martial Arts?

Ive been in a number of classes over the years and Ive noticed that several schools seem to have an almost "religious" tone. Many post and have students recite rules to live by similar to the ten commandments. Teachers often refer to "the way of the warrior" (bushido in japanese arts) in a very spiritual manner. Often times instructors are reveared like preachers or other church leaders. Even on this site people constantly argue whether violent situations are handled in morally correct manners and chastise others for actions deemed dishonorable. Do you other martial artists notice the religious parralels? Do most martial artists train to learn to fight or are they looking for something deeper?

Spirituality through Martial Arts?
Only a fool would take martial arts for spirituality purpose. If instructor try to install spirituality into martial arts, it's usually use to keep students there due to guilt trip.





If you want to find spirituality, go to a church.
Reply:I dont know for them, but me personally..when im about to fight, even just sparring, in my heart I ask Jesus to protect me and help me win, and things always ends up in my favor.





Also evrytme im done training in home, I thank him for letting me practice, so i get better evrytime.





That's just me, and I improve faster than my fellow training partners. :D
Reply:Most martial arts were originated from eastern Asia where some of their morals have been past throughout the generations. It really depends on what club you attend. The club that I am involved with expects students to develop both physically and mentally. Having high moral standards is part of the club oath. So self development is important to give you mental strength and the power is often said to come from within. Whether this is regarded as spiritual is debatable, but I would probably think that it is in some way. There has never been any talk of a higher being though.
Reply:some schools act as a brotherhood because they support each other, its just like a team or a clubhouse, though not very radical and only do things good
Reply:I believe that a lot of people get into Martial arts looking for this kind of spirituality. There are plenty of schools that are like this but I think that really they are mostly white run schools that misinterpret the eastern philosophies.





There are also plenty of schools that take a more martial only tone.





And if you train something that was developed by monks or the like (shaolin or similar) then you're obviously going to get a lot of religion thrown in.





As for the teacher being revered it's kind of impossible not to a little as you look up to your teacher as there skills are (hopefully) far superior to yours and you want to learn to be as good as them, their ability always seems a little almost supernatural as they are so easily able to deal with you.





And the rules thing is kind of impossible to do without as it's important to remind the students not to go around bashing people, it's pretty much a legal and moral obligation to include that sort of thing.

flowers gifts