Modern Martial Arts Training Includes More Than ‘Kick and Punch’

By Robert McLain

This article was printed in Black Belt Magazine in "The State of Taekwondo" column in May 2001.

Spending most of my life around martial arts has led me to hear many discussions on the subject.  One of the most common arguments is, “This style of martial art is better than that style of martial art.” “That art lacks this technique and is inferior to another art.”

When you argue and ponder this subject consider the purpose of your martial arts training.  

We no longer train to fortify our bodies for combat on the battlefield.  Dying in battle for an emperor or Lord is somewhat of an obsolete concept.  We do train our bodies in physical technique and self-defense.  But, is this the best we can expect from our training? 

In Korea, there is a concept known as Sang Hwal Mu Do.  This means, “Lifestyle Martial Art.”  This concept refers to directing martial arts training to improve all aspects of life, including the physical-self. 

While many students have never or will never encounter a real, physical attacker; we all face the mental enemies of stress, fear, worry and self-doubt on a daily basis.  Are these “invisible attackers” any less real than physical attacks?  Many people have lost their lives to these threats, including friends of mine.  Which physical martial art style best defends against these everyday invisible attackers? 

Regardless of style you can make your training into a Sang Hwal Mu Do with the following: 

Before Class 

1. Arrive to class early.  This is a good life habit. Good time management skills are a necessity to be productive and successful in life.
2. Take 5-10 minutes to help with the general upkeep and cleanliness of your dojang.  This is the time to develop your sincerity and humility.  It also gives some time to clean your mind for training.
3. Meditation (Myon Byok).  Sit cross-legged, facing the wall.  Breathe deeply: slowly in through the nose, out through the mouth.  Take this time to calm your mind and push aside all of your worries, and problems from your day.  It will be very difficult to fill your mind with new information if you are thinking of other events.  This will help you focus your mind on the task at hand – learning.

After Class 

1. Standing meditation (Jyong Nyom Sang).  Feet together, place your right fist into your left palm below you navel.  Close your eyes and breathe deeply in through the nose, out of the mouth.  This gives your mind time to absorb and digest the new class information before continuing your day.
2. Place some serious thought into how you could apply your training to other areas of your life.  This is a little more difficult and may take years to understand.  Each of us has our own unique lives.  But with patience, you will figure it out and a new world will open up to you.

 While there countless martial art styles of physical training, none can prepare you for the everyday “invisible” attackers of our modern society.  Every physical style will have its strengths and weaknesses.  Chose a physical style based on what appeals to you.  However, enhance your life with Sang Hwal Mu Do to achieve longevity, success, and happiness.