There is wisdom in Chinese martial arts. If you’ve always been curious about kung fu and other forms of martial arts, learn the knowledge that traditional Chinese martial arts have to teach.
Chinese martial arts is an underlooked venue for self-betterment and improvement in a world where being a busy bee can suffocate.
As incredible as it looks in films, movies, and TV shows, traditional Chinese martial arts have so much more to teach us than self-defense.
If you’re curious as to why generations of families have dedicated their lives to this art, this article will explain the wisdom behind Chinese martial arts.
If you want to learn more about traditional martial arts, read further.
What is the purpose of martial arts?
In a famous saying by Youfu Li, a Chinese martial arts master and now the head judge for the NTD International Traditional Chinese Martial Arts Competition, he shares the beauty and purpose of these martial arts.
“The ultimate goal of martial arts is to stop evil and promote goodness.”
This quote can be interpreted in so many ways. For one, it could mean defending others and stopping evil from prevailing.
This is the commonly known philosophy of martial arts, using it to stop external evil in the world. However, there is an even deeper meaning to stopping evil.
When you talk about evil, it could also mean the evil within. Traditional Chinese martial arts is about mastery of self, thus mastery over one’s weaknesses and demons.
The beauty of martial arts is that it makes one realize their weaknesses and teaches the path to master them.
How martial arts can change your life
There are many reasons why Chinese martial arts can change one’s life. If a person truly wants to change and is willing to adopt the benefits of what these traditional martial arts can give, the results can be excellent.
Some of the reasons why you should try Chinese martial arts
Physical improvement
The first and most apparent reason why Chinese martial arts can change your life is because of the physical requirements of movement.
When you move your body, you allow your blood to flow more freely and your muscles to exercise. Not only will this be good for talent, but this can also help with your breathing and circulation.
If you are not moving too much, learning traditional Chinese martial arts is a great way to get the wheel moving as you pursue better overall well-being.
Confidence
Aside from how you feel physically, practicing Chinese martial arts can help with your confidence. The more you practice and accomplish, the more confident you will become.
Traditional martial arts are not accessible at all. Some martial artists dedicate their whole lives to art. The good thing about the journey is that it is not about being the best against others, but being the best version of yourself.
Following Chinese martial arts can also be a form of cardio (depending on the discipline), resulting in a better physique.
Peace of mind
The world can be a noisy place, with chatter left and right. Traditional martial arts is a great place to start if you struggle to find peace.
When you are one with yourself, you will develop a form of clarity in your life. You can only do this by listening to yourself, your mind, and your body.
Specific Chinese martial arts disciplines promote this type of reflection.
The wisdom behind Chinese martial arts
The main goal of traditional martial arts is to gain victory without engaging in unnecessary violence. This means achieving your destination without the loss of self.
Even if you are more robust, dense, and disciplined, ask yourself, which victories are essential?
The strongest person in the room is not just the one that causes the most damage; it is the person capable of causing the most damage, but chooses to keep restraint.
Traditional Chinese martial arts believe that if you master yourself, your surroundings will follow.
The tale of Han Xin
The tale of Han Xin, a Han Dynasty general, shows the application of traditional Chinese martial arts.
When he was a general, Han Xin fought against Xiang Yu. Despite an apparent military advantage, Han Xin had devised a more clever strategy.
He decided that instead of sending troops to die, he sent some of his men to sing songs for the soldiers, reminding them of their hometown.
There was a great depression in the camp as the soldiers felt homesick and started to abandon their posts with broken morale. Finally, as Xiang Yu saw the depleted confidence of his men, he decided to commit suicide.
In conclusion
If you are looking for a new discipline to improve your life further, you might want to try traditional Chinese martial arts to learn the wisdom of restraint, peace, and clever thinking.
