And FIGHT!

Alethea Thompson wrote: Steamboat-I'd argue that any form of Martial Art develops discipline and mindfulness. The by-products are pertinent to the Jedi Path, but I feel you can find them else where. But I am now curious- do you feel it is superior in teaching those concepts to someone?

I agree that any martial art teaches those concepts, but I feel that they do it differently. For example (in my opinion), most external hand-to-hand arts allow us to explore the limitations of our physical form; most internal hand-to-hand arts help us to disassociate the physical form from our physical limitations. Each art does it in a different way, and allows us to explore a different part of ourselves, and the associated virtue.

In much the same way, I believe that weapon forms each teach us different things. The things that I've personally learned from swordsmanship include poise, grace, and the understanding that at any moment I can slip and horrifyingly injure myself or someone else. It has taught me, in a way that hand-to-hand never could/has, mindfulness of my body--the impersonality of a sword tip (blunted or not) is a far different feeling in your blind spot than a warm human hand with a pulse.

The only sword that matters in a fight is the sword you have with you. Good luck carrying a sword wherever you go... Maybe 200 years ago it could be done but not now. However, if you had a lightweight, portable, retractable device that looks like a bottle opener...

Greetings Each

Any form of true martial art I feel must start with 'You' In the art of Peace. Like all studies you can't just have it it has to be perfected over a very long period.

Budo for instance, is not learned as a means of felling an opponent by force or by lethal instruments. True budo calls for bringing the inner energy of the universe to order, protecting the peace of the world, and moulding, as well as preserving, everything in nature in its right form. Ultimately you will be able to respond to any threat instantaneously and in such a way to be able to avoid being attacked.

You can cut people deeper with your mind. And unlike swords, you can't get arrested for having a mind (yet).

ren wrote: You can cut people deeper with your mind. And unlike swords, you can't get arrested for having a mind (yet).

It can certainly have more profound effects...

But would be difficult to get across with a jaw wired shut, and hands in casts...

ren wrote: You can cut people deeper with your mind. And unlike swords, you can't get arrested for having a mind (yet).

I can't speak for where you live, but you'd be surprised how lax the restrictions on open-carrying swords are for much of the U.S. I guess it's because it doesn't come up often?

I'm more for using an opponent's own force to neutralize their efforts to harm me, so I'd go with Aikido or Hapkido. Judo, on the other hand, would be beneficial if ground work is absolutely necessary. For straight-up hand to hand combat, I'd choose a form of Kung Fu. Any of these require discipline with the mind and body to achieve the greatest potential in their respective art.

tzb wrote: Making something an extension of your body, an extension of your soul... it's a valuable insight. It breaks down the demarcation between "you" and "it" - you become one with another small part of the universe.

On a slightly different point - I know no martial arts or fighting styles, but I do play the piano and I find the same as you've said above except with my instrument.

Screw around in the back yard for half an hour and video tape it. Then watch and compare to you tube martial arts videos. What ever your natural movements seem to emulate, pursue that. Any martial art is good because the discipline helps you be aware of your body and how to use it.

I know some would consider it bastardizing the original arts, but I have been lucky enough to witness a lot of mixed martial arts contests and I've always been impressed most by the fighters who are able to adapt to an opponent using any number of styles. Some like to stand and punch while others like to wrestle, but it is the fighters who are versed in striking (boxing of kung fu), jiu jitsu (submission), and judo (ground) that always seem to do best. If you can't knock 'em out, submission holds will win every time.