You’ve seen the picture a thousand times. A karate master standing in a waterfall. A kung fu master kicking on a mountain top. A tai chi master balancing under a tree.
Cue the flute and cymbals.
It looks so cool. It looks so spiritual. It looks like the masters are absorbing the powers of the earth and connecting to the energies of universe.
Nonsense. Pure nonsense. Here’s why–
Everybody harmonizes with the universe when they spend time alone in nature. Everybody finds peace sitting on the beach or hiking through a forest. You don’t need a black belt to be a park ranger or a conservationist.
Fact: There’s nothing magical or mystical about nature. We’re all a part of nature already…without even trying. There’s no need to dress it up as something special. Nature is everywhere you are.
When I see pictures of martial artists posing in nature, I always wonder–
Why not take a picture of a karate master eating a bowl of chicken soup? Doesn’t chicken soup nourish the body and make it stronger?
Why not take a picture of a kung fu master taking a nap? Isn’t sleep a powerful way to restore health and clear the mind?
Why not take a picture of a tai chi master walking up a flight of stairs in a parking garage? Aren’t stairs good exercise and helpful in developing balance?
So, tell me again why I should be impressed when I see a shirtless dude in baggy pants side kicking off a rock?
As a Boy Scout, I spent years hiking, sleeping on the ground, chopping down trees, building fires, and staring at the stars. Those natural experiences helped me figure out how I fit into the grand scheme of things…
But none of them helped me one bit when I got jumped by three guys in high school.
Yes, spending time in nature is rewarding, but it’s not worth celebrating. Neither is drinking a glass of water or taking a deep breath. These are normal, essential parts of living a balanced, healthy life. You don’t get extra points for them!
But here’s something that is special…
Martial arts. Martial arts is not a normal way to spend your day, yet it’s every bit as essential. Martial arts deals with people. Mean people. Violent people. Violent people who will take your life.
Not everyone is willing to hike up that mountain. It’s a long, challenging, and sometimes dangerous journey.
Martial arts is no walk in the park.
Here’s my point–the true demonstration of martial arts skill is not performing a kata barefoot in a stream…it’s managing relationships. Staying calm, inspiring peace, guarding against bullies, listening to everyone, building trust, and making friends…even with your enemies.
So, if you want to explore your place in the universe, go for it. Take a hike, swim in the ocean, or nap under a tree. That’s all good medicine.
But if you want to build your strength, develop your patience, and find your courage, skip the park.
Instead, try starting a conversation with a stranger, speaking up for yourself, and fighting for a cause you believe in.
That’s where martial artists go to grow.
AWESOME!!
No offense intended to you feng shui types… 😉
Nice Picture Pose
Thanks! Spiritual….and ridiculous! 🙂
Thanks for the inspiration. taking a deep breath and jumping in…
Here’s to a happy landing! 🙂
Spot on. Now I’ll stop posing in the waterfall.
Ha! By all means–put on a shirt.
Ossu! [bow]
I agree with you, but let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater. I walk my dog in difficult terrain and in isolated places. It’s possible I might be attacked in such lonely, out-of-the-way places. So I practice for it if no one else is around. I feel how things like slope affect kicks and moving in stances. Nothing spiritual about that. The only place where I haven’t mustered up the courage to practice is on a slippery, muddy trail carved into the side of a bluff.
From practicing outdoors, I’ve learned many things that might help me in a real fight. I’ve learned to deal with sun in my eyes – and consequently how to use the sun against someone. I know what it feels like to punch, kick, and move in bulky winter clothes. I don’t panic if a foot slips a bit. None of this is spiritual woo-woo stuff. But it is handy to pound these things into muscle memory.
Oh, and I do keep my shirt on 😉 For one thing, this far north, it’s too cold most of the year…
[bow]
OSU, Jo!
I think we’re talking about two different things here. I’m all for training anywhere, anytime, and in any condition. I’m just pointing out that there is nothing special or magical about standing on a rock doing a kata instead of your driveway. You can develop and reach new levels anywhere.
So, keep training wherever you are. It’s all good! 🙂
Ossu! [bow]
No worries, Sensei – I knew it’d be tricky to word things just right. We do agree 🙂
[bow]
Curses! I’ll try harder to start a fight next time! 🙂
Ossu! [bow]
LOL! Happy New Year 🙂
[bow]