Tang Soo Do Master Wayne Boozer covers one of the primary benefits of “traditional” martial arts in this post at his blog, Be The Master – A Journey In Tang Soo Do: Etiquette.
This forgotten word is actually one of the keys to learning what are called traditional martial arts. Those systems and styles which hold to their traditions are considered obsolete or irrelevant by many of those who train in sport or “reality-based” programs. Boozer shares something that most all of us can agree upon, however:
I constantly tell friends and students alike that consistent training will change your behavior for the better and it will eventually bleed into all aspects of your life as well. It’s kind of a neat thing, because how I carry myself in public is often been the subject of conversation when I meet someone new once it’s noticed.
Almost all of us can relate to having met someone who stands out, for some reason. In many cases, those who seem exceptional have military or Scouting experience, or some other area of confidence building service to others. For an example, read one of our old posts: The Value of Tradition
I would posit that the martial arts, and traditional arts in particular, are steeped in that service. Some who read this blog think that I am just your average walking, talking killer with restraint, but I learned much of that from my early days training in Isshin-Ryu, Taekwon-Do, and Aikido. I carried that with me everywhere, and you can too.
If you learn nothing from those traditional systems, learn that etiquette, and the world will definitely be a better place for all of us who live in it.
For more information:
Be The Master – A Journey In Tang Soo Do (follow at Twitter)
Okinawan Fighting Art: Isshin Ryu
2 comments:
How you behave towards others says an awful lot about what kind of person you are.
I agree sir. We all represent more than ourselves, though. I think of how my parents would react if I were rude, or my own children or students. Conversely, the pride I feel in my behavior and that of those I influence are a source of happiness.
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