Martial arts philosophy

Better sweat in practice than bleed in battle (Wǔ Shù wisdom)

The combats and strategies were a constant topic through the human history. In China only there are seven important military texts. First is from worldwide well-known Sun Zǐ, (The Art of War), the next are from general Wèi Liáozi (The Art of War), Wú Qǐ (The Art of War), Sīmǎ Fǎ (The Marshal's Art of War or The Methods of the Sīmǎ Fǎ), the legendary figure Jiāng Zǐyá (Six Secret Teachings), general Zhang Liang (The Three Strategies of Huáng Shígōng), and finally: Questions and Replies between emperor Táng Tàizōng and general Lǐ Wèi Gōng. The texts were practically canonized under the name “The Seven Military Classics” already in 11^th century, and were later on included in most military encyclopedias. In military spheres it was as important as Confucius’s work is for the bureaucrats.

Better spend three years looking for a good master than ten years training with a bad one (Wǔ Shù wisdom)

In China a philosophy does not come only from the country’s rich culture but also from martial arts. The keystone in Chinese philosophy is a strong humanism that became a focus of numerous Chinese philosophers throughout the ages. This humanism does not imply exclusion or indifference to a supreme powers and the nature. Instead, the general conclusion goes towards the unity of human and ‘heaven.’ This spirit of synthesis has characterized the entire history of Chinese philosophy.

A range of similarly motivated philosophical doctrines is covered by Daoism. Two great philosophical systems of China stand alongside: Daoism and Confucianism. Somehow less influential and less important to the development of Chinese culture are ‘the School of Mo’ and ‘the School of law’. The latter was a utilitarian political philosophy that did not address higher questions like the nature and the purpose of life. Both of them evolved at about the same time as Confucianism and Daoism during the ‘Spring and Autumn Period’ (770–476 before our era), and ‘Warring States Period.’

A martial artist without philosophy is nothing more than a street fighter (Wǔ Shù wisdom)

In the first place martial art is not about violence. Essentially, they are avenues to achieve spiritual serenity, mental tranquility, and the deepest stage of self-confidence. Our bodies were not intended to keep still, sit and be in the meetings all day long. Already in ancient Roman times were aware of it: “Mens sana in corpora sano” (a healthy mind in a healthy body). The same goes for martial arts: health promotion, cultivation of mind, and self-protection.

Chinese martial arts philosophy is based on the philosophies of Daoism, Chán and on a system of cosmology and philosophy from a divination book: I Ching (Book of Changes). In Japan the Chán is named Zen and the corresponding Sanskrit word is dhyāna meaning ‘quiet contemplation’.

As in above described philosophies also in martial arts the core underlying principles are defined by idea of giving with adversity, to bend slightly and spring back stronger than before and finally to adapt oneself harmoniously to the opponent’s movements without striving or resisting.

To a willing mind nothing is impossible (Books of Han Dynasty)

What can an outstanding leader learn from martial art philosophy? A lot, just to show some Wǔ Shù wisdoms applicable in daily decisions of a leader:

• Every master was once a novice.
• To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill; to subdue the enemy without fighting is the highest skill.
• The most important part of a fight begins before you draw your sword.

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