And FIGHT!

rugadd wrote: 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.

So I tried this and here's what I found...

I won't pretend I've got any of the Art of War memorized, except the ones read at the beginning and end the Sabaton album of the same name, but hey...

"The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting"

Sun Tzu said that, and I'd say he knows a little more about fighting than you do, pal, because he invented it! And then he perfected it, so that no living man could best him in the ring of honor! Then he used his fight money to buy two of every animal on Earth! And then he herded them onto a boat, and then he beat the crap out of every single one! And from that day forward, any time a bunch of animals are together in one place it's called a zoo! Unless it's a farm!

...anyway. Sorry. ahemmmm. As far as I can figure, the Jedi connection to sword arts, and martial arts in general, even, connects to the movies. That isn't to say that the Jedi Path (and even Star Wars itself) don't appeal to people who already have an interest in martial arts. If the Jedi of the movies had used staves or axes, or even a freaky weapon like the Klingon Bat'leth, there might be more focus on other sorts of gear.

I don't train in a weapon, yet, but hope to eventually when I have the gear and a sparring partner. I'd probably lose my job right now if I started doing it, but that's because I'm living in the work village. Everyone I speak to about armed martial arts seem to really enjoy and connect with it, and that's fantastic, but unarmed martial arts to me, seems to be the way to go for practicality's sake, unless you're in a place where sword-wearing is legal and practical. In which case, you lucky git, go for it. But hell, take up an unarmed style, just in case you lose and/or forget the bloody thing.

Part of Jedi training discusses (from the comfort of your armchair), a situation where you may have to stand up and protect yourself or others, and if words have failed you, and they very well might if the aggressor is particularly riled up for some reason or another, you may be called to arms to protect life. So in this situation, martial training is going to be a very practical thing. Not going to say if protecting others or not is going to be part of your path, as your mileage may vary, but isn't the whole Knight imagery about protecting others?

So, do your research. Find out about your defence laws, of yourself, and of others if you're of a mind to do so, and maybe what's allowed as far as weapons go. Who knows, a concealed knife might be legal for you. Or even a gun, for some of you Americans.

Williamkaede wrote: I won't pretend I've got any of the Art of War memorized, except the ones read at the beginning and end the Sabaton album of the same name, but hey...

"The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting"

I agree with Sun Tzu. Unfortunately, most warrior traditions don't value the battles you don't have to fight by shaping an environment properly. Before crisis and bloodshed. Some do, though...and they understand warfare at a doctorate level. It becomes less about violence and hilltops, and more a contest of strengthening your own interests while diminishing your 'enemy's'. Again, another antiquated term - that 'enemy' may soon be useful, and your 'ally' breaks faith with you. I'm de-railing, and if I don't get back on track I will probably take a tumble off my rickety soap-box.

Swords? Not necessary in my opinion. To think otherwise is to live in an old world. As an extra-curricular to achieve balance, focus, or an expression of life philosophy? I think swordsmanship could work out quite well - as well as any other medium to experience the sublime. I agree with ren that in terms of weaponry, the mind is much more potent...if weaponization is what a situation requires. It's been my experience that swords have very limited usefulness in the conduct of modern armed conflict. Swords carry with them an ancient symbolism - virility, dominance, the ability to affect change and defend those loved. They still carry that symbolism in modern military and law enforcement patches, and in the horrifying executions videotaped by extremist organizations. But let's be clear - it's symbolism, not utility, that makes a sword relevant. I won't argue that they have no applications, because they do...but those are very limited in number. If defense is your aim, I'd go for something a bit more on the high-end of the applications percentages. Whatever you choose, though...make certain you are proficiently trained in its use. It's a constant process, and clumsy weapons handling is be just as dangerous to you and those around you as an attacker.

Leaving weapons talk now, I think what we should be seeking proficiency in is the ability to affect change in the world...to allow the Force to manifest through us and work its will in a positive way. Philosophizing endlessly without consequence or purposeful intent does not honor the spark we've been given. Everyone does so in a different way - just commit to that 'honoring' such that every time you swing it, the world feels it. This is the sword with which we should arm ourselves.

I ever mention how much I love you, Reacher? Very eloquently put.

Thanks, Aly...

Right back at you.