What is Martial Art?

Martial Art is the balanced integration of the body, mind, & spirit & its expression of it.  Martial Art is the integration of Yin/Yang.  Martial is Yang, Art is Yin.  The balance is Martial Art.  The imbalance is not Martial Art but rather a corrupted version of it.  A balance is like walking on tight rope, it is easy to become unbalanced in which to fall.  Those who are balanced correctly are representing harmony between the two forces of Yin/Yang.  Yin/Yang goes by the philosophy of Tao.  Martial Arts is the Tao.  True Martial Arts must integrate the Physical, Mental, and Spiritual.  Any lack of, is not Martial Art.  Any and all combat sport is not Martial Art, it lacks the spiritual.  Football, basketball, golf, tennis, etc. are not Martial Arts, it lacks the scientific development of combat, it lacks the spiritual understanding, and it lacks the complete physical development that is relevant to self-defense, sports is not Martial Arts.  

Dancing is not Martial Arts, but it retains the creative/artistic qualities of Martial Arts.  Michael Jackson was not a Martial Artist, but he clearly was an Artist.  Mike Tyson was a Boxer, not a Martial Artist, he would more closely resemble a street fighter than a Martial Artist.  Although Mohammed Ali was a professional Boxer, his inner spirit, his expression of compassion, his inner character in standing up against the Vietnam War, his gracefulness in the ring, made him resemble more of a Martial Artist rather than a street fighter.  A Martial Artist does not fight for money, a Martial Artist will not hurt others for profit, a Martial Artist will find another way to make a living.  A Martial Artist will not train others to become bullies, a Martial Artist will train others to become good, loving, and compassionate people within.  

Martial Arts is not purely just self-defense.  A soldier is not a Martial Artist, a Police Officer is not a Martial Artist.  They are both in lack of the spiritual development, and they are clearly in lack of the artistic and creative aspects of what makes an Artist.  They may possess or have knowledge on the most efficient way to kill, but they are not Martial Artists.  In Martial Art, there is an aspect of creativity and self-expression that cannot be found in self-defense tactics alone.  Self-Defense tactics is more scientific, it is not artistic.  There is clearly a difference between self-defense and Martial Arts.  

Martial Art requires an understanding of the Eastern way of living and being.  Martial Art derives from the East, not from the West.  In order for a Westerner to truly understand Martial Art, he must surrender his Ego and learn the ways of the East in which to create a balance between East and West.  The Westerner is representing Yang, the East is representing Yin, the westerner who refuses to learn the ways of the East, cannot be a Martial Artist.  He can be a soldier, he can be a fighter, he can be capable of defending himself in combat, but he is not a Martial Artist.  The West teaches violence and effective ways of killing, the East teaches peace, love, and compassion, learning both ways creates the balance, creates the harmony.  

The proud wearing of traditional uniforms that represent the culture of the East is important in Martial Arts.  This shows the appreciation of the history, culture, and ways of the East.  Uniforms play a significant role in society.  We know who a Police Officer is when we see his uniform.  The mailman has his uniform, the UPS driver has his uniform.  The sales clerk has his uniform.  The uniforms that you choose to wear will represent your understanding and appreciation of the Martial Arts.  If you choose to wear no uniform, the Martial spirit is still within you but the public will not be able to identify you as a Martial Artist unless they already know what it means to be a Martial Artist.  Combat Sport Fighters, Street Fighters, and thugs have their own uniforms that represent their ways.  Martial Artist's have uniforms that set themselves apart.  

If it is not the uniform, it is also the way you move and the way you physically express yourself as a Martial Artist.  A Martial Artist knows how to move like a dancer, most Fighters do not.  A Martial Artist is graceful with his movements, most Fighters are not.  A Martial Artist is peaceful with his expression, fighters are not, they are destructive.  A Martial Artist will demonstrate his talents and abilities without having to hurt others, a Fighter will hurt another for a price.  A Martial Artist has a good heart within and will not abuse his powers.  A fighter is an immature child who is irresponsible with the powers that he possesses.  

Martial Artist's are found in all walks of life doing good for society.  You will find Martial Artist's that make a living as actors, fire fighters, Police Officers, soldiers, teachers, personal trainers, fitness instructors, nutritionalists, professors, doctors, dentists, service clerks, security guards, etc.  You will find Martial Artists who take on professions that are contributing something positive to society.  You will not find Martial Artists in Combat Sports, you will find fighters, boxers, wrestlers, bullies, and athletes, but not Martial Artists.  It is not easy for talented Martial Artists to reach fame, as there are less and less professions available in the entertainment businesses that require the unique skills and talents of Martial Artists.  

The invention of computer graphics and the use of stunt doubles has nearly eliminated the need for movie producers to hire Martial Artists for action roles.  Martial Artist's are left with occupations that are typically low-paying and do not provide the opportunities to reach worldwide fame.  A Martial Artist in the real world is like the very talented and inspiring teacher that is known locally but not worldwide.  Fighters are known worldwide and get paid much money because they are willing to hurt and destroy others for profit, similar to how a drug dealer can make much more money compared to a Police Officer or how a "porn star" or stripper can make significantly more money than a school teacher.  

Martial Artists are becoming more extinct in the real world, just as many of these beautiful wildlife animals are becoming extinct because the human population has taken over the world and have used up all available resources.  The humans move in, the wildlife disappears.  Fighters are moving in & Martial Artists are disappearing, that is the reality of the situation.  No more is the public idolizing Martial Artists like Bruce Lee & Jet Li.  The public is now idolizing Fighters.  Those who see and observe what is occurring can make a change for the better in which to represent the Martial Arts the way it is meant to be represented.  

Shi zu Freddie Lee

Founder & Owner

Tao of Freddie's Modern Kung Fu