MARTIAL arts for self-defense is probably one of the most misunderstood benefit of martial arts.
Many resort to martial arts hoping to fight back against aggressors. As one martial arts advertisement say “Stop Bullying! Learn Martial Arts now!”
Although it is entirely true, the problem is that the notion immediately implies that martial arts will be a tool to get back at bullies, which some martial arts mentors fail to correct.
As one famous quote implies “avoiding a fight to happen is the highest form of martial arts,” not the exact words maybe and cannot remember who said it but makes a lot of sense. If we study the statistics of bullying incidents, the victims are usually those who looks weak and scared or some consider as weird. Whatever the reason, it is not right to hurt anyone, but the reality is some people do for many circumstances and purpose they only know.
But when martial arts is pursued and is meant to counter bullying, it doesn’t mean hurting the aggressor as payback, rather, mentors should let their students realize when one walks the path of martial arts, the character of a strong and confident person is boosted.
Everything changes when you take the path of martial arts. The total character of a person is improved with the right mentor who guides his student to walk the path. The holistic transformation is the ultimate goal of a martial artist that doesn’t require hurting or unnecessary violence.
Martial arts becomes a tool to build gentlemen and ladies who doesn’t need to hurt to survive because they command respect, preventing violence to progress.
A true martial artist understands the adverse effect of violence, revenge and hurting people, thus knowing better than to engage in one.