Broken Nose Goes Against Everything Martial Arts Stands For

By Robert McLain

This article was a Letter to the Editor for the UTA newspaper the "The Shorthorn" published on September 24, 1996.

Last week I observed something that made me very concerned.  I was visiting one of the on-campus martial art organizations to observe their class curriculum and method of teaching.  A group of students and the instructor were talking about a recent injury to one of their fellow classmates.  Apparently, a student in the group had broken another student's nose.  They remarked how the nose would have to be reset and preceded to laugh about the misfortune of their peer.

I am saddened to hear such thuggish and low-class comments coming from a "martial art" club at a higher learning institution.  These sort of comments and actions put a bad name on the martial arts and usually scare people from training.  This shouldn't happen at a university-level setting dedicated to expanding the minds of students.  These students obviously have not learned or do not understand the true meaning of martial arts.

A true martial artist does not merely learn mu-sul (martial technique) but mu-do (martial way).  The Korean term mu-do refers to the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits achieved from years or a lifetime of diligent training in the martial arts.  Benefits besides good health include confidence, humility, sincerity and respect.

But where is the respect in breaking someone's nose?  This student will probably quit training.  If not, then that student may fear but certainly not respect the student who broke his nose.

I question the credibility of anyone who condones such actions.  Please, before placing a title of "art" in your organization's name, learn the true meaning of martial art.