Tales & Traditions

The True Point of the Martial Arts

Master Kang was a very philosophical Master of the martial arts. He often liked to talk with his students to make a point about how the martial arts are important for living.

On one occasion, Master Kang said, “When I was younger I was feared as a martial artist because I hurt my opponents.”

The students were surprised by what he said; he was so gentle with them. Even those who came to challenge him would become his students.

He continued saying, “I fought for the sake of building a reputation for myself, but my conscience bothered me because of the way I treated my opponents.”

One student asked, “Why, Sir? Isn’t the point to win?”

Master Kang laughed and said, “That’s what I thought, but with each victory I felt emptier. I learned that I was fighting the wrong enemies and that I was using my training in a negative way.”

The student asked, “What did you do to become the way you are today?”

Again, Master Kang answered and said, “I allowed the Do of the martial arts to change my life. When I learned respect for others, I also learned that the real enemy was myself. So now I train to master myself, not others, by seeking to be balanced in my life.”

The students all nodded and bowed.

Master Kang said, “The true point of the martial arts is to change your life so you can survive against the enemy within: yourself.”

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