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by: KalynnAmadio
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Word Count: 520

Does the word art bring mortal combat to mind?

Probably not.

Martial arts are not only hard. They have an internal part, the softer part that develops roots in philosophical ideals often unknown to non martial artists. The fact that martial arts have two sides is an important reason why instructing children in the martial arts is a great idea.

Sometimes parents are mistaken and believe that allowing their kids to study martial arts will cause them to become aggressive, picking fights. In actuality, just the opposite is true. Fundamental martial arts training has a core that has a very different outcome than a parent might suspect.

All martial arts have an external component and an internal component. Think of the Chinese yin-yang symbol which literally indicates that everything has an opposite. The earth has sky, fire has water, and good has evil.

The martial arts external side is what we are used to seeing in the movies and on our televisions. External art is the hard, violent and often deadly force characters use to punish or overcome their adversaries. Yet, that is merely Hollywood's view.

A martial art is never, never taught only at its external, physical root. As with the yin-yang, the martial arts are surrounded by philosophical underpinnings of peace and harmony that form the internal, mental root. Specifically, internal martial arts study embraces the philosophy of Consequentialism or "right action."

All actions cause reactions or consequences. The theory of "right action" is the practice of choosing to take the highest road and thereby causing the most moral results. Because this does not always come naturally to humans, martial artists believe they must actively practice choosing the the most moral course which in turn brings the best outcome for more people.

These principles involve recognition of others while developing greater personal patience and insight. Most martial arts began in the countries of Asia where Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism is rooted. The philosophical ideals of these belief systems permeate the martial arts.

Author Doug Cook writes of a Korean proverb that when translated states, "Peace within the individual brings peace within the family; peace in the family brings peace in the community; peace in the community, peace in the country and peace throughout the world." The concept of "right action" to bring about peace in the individual is believed to spread virally through society and consequently, the world.

This one concept is just a small part of the philosophy that sculpts the internal root of the martial artist. Just as there are many kicks and punches, blocks and strikes to learn in the physical root, there are many more pieces to the internal structure.

Children who receive martial arts instruction learn the physical actions of self defense that build strength and increase flexibility. They become more confident and begin to absorb the philosophical ideals of good citizenship. As they learn to know the "right action" combined with this increased confidence, they become fundamentally better decision makers. It becomes apparent that defense is no longer a concern because they know how to avoid the situations that would need defending.

Suddenly, world peace doesn't sound so far fetched.

About the Author

Kalynn Amadio is a 3rd dan black belt in tae kwon do. Before enrolling your child in martial arts, see her website for more on Consequentialism and Kids Taekwondo lessons. Tae kwon do is a family activity. Get a totally unique version of this article from our article submission service

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