Spirit in kung fu and martial arts in general

[bladesaint]

LOL, that's very funny Brandon. But no, 'Do' translates as "the Way". And "they way" is traditionally Buddhist for Souther Shaolin schools and Taoist for Norther Shaolin Schools. but, I can see your point... There is an intrinsic contradiction in the whole notion of "warrior monks". I don't think neither the Buddha or Confucio might approve of... Makes me wonder and want to learn more about Chinese culture and history which produce this arts...
Too bad modern Chinese goverment censors their practice today and only approves of goverment sponsor Wushu as sport only, without martial application, but that I think is a subject for another topic.

 Actaully the the Chinese Govenment has gotten a bit looser on that subject about MA training for quite awhile now. But with the unrest and rioting going on it may tighten up on that again.

[bladesaint]

I once read (was it Bruce Lee who wrote it? Can't remember) that "martial arts without spirit (philosophy) is simply violence". I was thinking about this as I watched MMA on tv with my son. There was plenty of 'martial' stuff, but not much of the 'art' part of the equation. Anyone can punch or kick with no training required... But not anyone can make it look seemless and effortless. The internal arts to a major degree, but also the external arts emphasis correct stance, flexibility, power, and breathing and balance, and so many other things. It is like its own subculture with plenty of small quirks and traditions like the bow and its own values like discipline, respect and courage... I am afraid MMAs popularity may diminish them or take the spirit away from traditional martial arts.

 I understand what youre saying but Traditional martial arts will always be here. Every time something new which is supposed to be the latest greatest comes along there is always the fear that it will endanger Traditional martial arts in some way. Trad MA has seen it come and will see it go.

[Chihua-ku]

LOL, that's very funny Brandon. But no, 'Do' translates as "the Way". And "they way" is traditionally Buddhist for Souther Shaolin schools and Taoist for Norther Shaolin Schools. but, I can see your point... There is an intrinsic contradiction in the whole notion of "warrior monks". I don't think neither the Buddha or Confucio might approve of... Makes me wonder and want to learn more about Chinese culture and history which produce this arts...
Too bad modern Chinese goverment censors their practice today and only approves of goverment sponsor Wushu as sport only, without martial application, but that I think is a subject for another topic.

[Brandon]

Someone once told me that "Do" translates as "wrecking someone's guts for your own philosophical betterment."

[Chihua-ku]

I once read (was it Bruce Lee who wrote it? Can't remember) that "martial arts without spirit (philosophy) is simply violence". I was thinking about this as I watched MMA on tv with my son. There was plenty of 'martial' stuff, but not much of the 'art' part of the equation. Anyone can punch or kick with no training required... But not anyone can make it look seemless and effortless. The internal arts to a major degree, but also the external arts emphasis correct stance, flexibility, power, and breathing and balance, and so many other things. It is like its own subculture with plenty of small quirks and traditions like the bow and its own values like discipline, respect and courage... I am afraid MMAs popularity may diminish them or take the spirit away from traditional martial arts.