Many martial arts ive seen has very little to do with philosophy or meaning behind the arts, does any one teach or attend a club where the other side of martial art mind/spiritual aspects are taught. - Manchester Area?

This is realy sad to see this conversation not even taking place - Does any one do it any more ????

TO FUTURE READERS IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE HISTORY OF MARTIAL ARTS AS IT'LL AID YOU IN YOUR DEVELOPMENT, HELP YOU TO UNDERSTAND YOURSELF AND MUCH MORE. I'D LIKE TO JUST ADD THAT MARTIAL ARTS STARTED FROM INDIA, IT IS LINKED TO MEDITATION. YOU ALL CAN READ ABOUT IT WHEN MY BOOK COMES OUT, WHICH I'LL TELL YOU AT THE TIME OF IT BEING RELEASED.

You are right Martin, this is sad. I have been teaching the martial arts for a number of years now and I have always taught the spiritual side along with the physical, I believe it is what a true martial arts instructor should do. I always stress to my student's that the techniques they are learning should be used not only as a form of self-defence but more importantly as vehicles to a higher understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Does the lack of comments in this section say something about the way the martial arts are taught these days? Mikio- Chongshin Do

anyone got any info on the spiritual side on martial arts let us know. Harj - Chongsin Do

Like I said I'd be back to see if anyone had any info on the history of martial arts and any quotes etc Seems like I'll have to carry on waiting.

It is true to say that many so called martial arts clubs no longer have any involvement with the history or philosophy behind the Oriental "root systems". Many are concerned with just fighting. Any fool can fight, but cans/he survive life?

This is why when I went from other studies to the Arts, I ended up having to develop T'ien Ti Tao Kuoshu (Traditional Chinese Arts, The WAY of Heaven & Earth). After over twenty odd years of development this system, based heavily around the Taoist Arts, but not soley, was accepted by the ICKF in R.o.China as "Genuine Traditional Chinese Arts"; an honour and a privelage for me.

We use the Taoist concepts (the philosophy of nature's Way, "Tao") in out training. Indeed, many of the techniques have Yin and Yang values, both internally and externally. Prolonged and proper training changes a person from the inside out, not the other way around. It is quite easily possible to be more understanding of yourself and others. The experiences change us and our way of thinking, feeling and seeing. So it is possible to train in more "spiritual" ways nowadays. However, one thing is needed, "Patience!"; it can take many years to feel the changes or recognise them.

To understand the philosophy of martial arts is to understand what your mind and body is able to do.

my mums friend does tai chi and his class are going to china to find out more about the history and social side his class is in bolton

to create a strong body you must practice all of your time. for example, when you in high buliding, don't use lift to go up but you can walk and make your feet become stronger. don't forget to eat healthy food for your body.

I think it very sad that one should use spirituality as a medium to disguise a truly self centered, egotistical persona and call oneself 'Sensai'. Teaching is certainly a gift but doesnt necessarily mean that the instructor is one whom should be counted on, trusted and be made to appear as a role model. As the good book tells us - look closely at those to whom you call 'teacher' then decide for yourself. I think those of you within the Midland community ought consider this ...