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The Warrior Within, Part 1

By Patrick Pace, Head of England's UKS Affiliate

The number of martial art systems that is practiced across the globe is unfathomable to the human mind. However, when we delve deeper past the exterior of the martial arts we can observe the roots of the systems. It is here that three distinct levels appear:

1.Fighting like an animal. (The Tiger)
2.Fighting like a human being. (The Middle Way)
3.Fighting like an evolved spiritual being. (The Dragon)

Consistent practice over the years in any martial art should carry the individual through the first two levels of martial existence.

It is only with humility, integrity, honor, respect and love that one will be able to approach the third and final level. The attitude of the teacher and the individual will naturally incline the martial artist in one direction or the other. To the serious practitioner the door is always open, allowing the individual the opportunity to delve deeper into their own animalistic impulses and/or into their own higher spiritual possibilities.

All martial arts applied in battle are as good as the individual. However, true martial arts are more than beating an opponent, they can be used to defeat the enemies or life: poor health, low self esteem, stress and lack of a spiritual centre. If you are a serious martial artist it is wise to look at the three stages of martial evolution for what they are able to do in the battlefield of life and hopefully understanding the warrior within.

The Animal Persona (Tiger)

Sadly, through today's media, when one mentions the martial arts images of controlled violence appear within our subconscious - the gnashing of teeth, tensing the muscles and projecting anger towards the target.

This basic animal "glandular" based display serves to motivate many members of the public to pursue the martial arts. In the past invoking this animal response has been one of the easiest ways to stir people into acts of war and physical violence. By using the adrenal glands to pump adrenaline into the individuals’ system, they are able to overcome inhibited movements or paralysis before combat may occur.

To be continued in the next issue