The True Essence of Martial Arts: The Way Self-Mastery

Martial arts are often portrayed as incredible fighting skills in high-octane action movies or super-fast, gymnastic moves in competitive sports, but true martial arts possess a depth far beyond that of physical combat or some sports competition. To the uninitiated, it might seem like a mere collection of techniques for self-defense or competition, or a way to achieve physical fitness.

However, at its core, true martial arts are a profound journey of self-mastery, encompassing not just the body, but also the mind and spirit. Self-discipline is the most fundamental aspect of true martial arts. It goes far beyond the ability to adhere to a training regimen.

True self-discipline in martial arts means the relentless pursuit of self-improvement. It requires a commitment to practice regularly, push beyond one’s limits, and embrace the process of growth, despite the inevitable setbacks and plateaus. It encompasses the spirit of kaizen — constant, never-ending improvement in your spirit, mind and body. This applies to every aspect of life.

It is the patience cultivated while learning a difficult move, the humility required to accept corrections, and the perseverance to keep going in the face of challenges; these traits are useful in life as well as in the dojo. True martial artists learn that genuine self-mastery is not about conquering others but about conquering yourself. Martial arts foster a unique harmony between the spirit, mind, and body.

Every movement in martial arts, whether it is a punch, kick, or block, is the result of intense focus and self-control. To execute a technique correctly, a martial artist must be fully present and focused, mindful but not in one’s mind. You must practice your techniques until you are able to enter a state of mushin — mind, no mind. This is a connection between the spirit, mind and body where your spirit is controlling your movements, without the mind’s interference.

It is a heightened awareness that can only be entered into through years and years of practice. This heightened awareness can lead to a type of meditative state, often referred to as being “in the zone,” where you respond, without having to think about each move first. In this state, the mind is free from distractions, and the body moves with effortless precision.

This state of flow is not just a byproduct of many years of martial arts training, but is one of its ultimate goals. It represents a blending of action, awareness, and mindfulness, where the martial artist acts with complete presence and efficiency, without any interference from the mind.

The simple way to understand this higher state of mastery is to think about driving a car. When you first begin driving, you are kind of nervous, thinking about all the things you must do, much like a beginning martial art student. You have to consciously think about when to break, how hard to break, to put on your turn signal when turning, to check in your rear-view mirror, etc.

But after years of experience, you simply get in your car and drive; you do all those things without having to mentally remind yourself to do them, without even thinking about them. If a car pulls out in front of you or cuts you off, you respond automatically, without having to think about what to do first. You simply respond, smoothly and effortlessly, because you have trained yourself to respond to such situations through years of experience and practice. That is the state of mushin — mind no mind.

While self-defense is absolutely a major part of martial arts, their true essence is not about violence or aggression, but rather, awareness, self-discipline, and self-mastery. The true martial artist understands that the most effective way to win a fight is to avoid it altogether.

Sun Tzu taught this stating, “The wise warrior avoids the battle.” While we do train to be able to fight and defend ourselves, that is not the highest essence of true martial arts. Authentic martial arts teach self-discipline, self-control and the importance of de-escalating potential conflicts.

The true master understands how to avoid the fight before there is a fight; he wins without his enemy knowing he has been defeated. While he is able to defend himself with powerfully destructive techniques, if he has no other choice, this is always his last resort. As Master Gichin Funakoshi taught, “The correct understanding of karate and its proper use is karate-do. One who truly trains in this way [the way of karate] and actually understands karate-do, is never easily drawn into a fight.”

The true martial arts master develops self-confidence through his self-discipline. He trains until his spirit, mind, and body are one, and this results in a demeanor that naturally diffuses tension or de-escalates a potential violent confrontation. The master knows the true essence of the martial arts lies not in the ability to physically dominate others, but in the mastery and integration of his spirit, mind, and body, and the ability to maintain a calm self-assurance in the face of provocation. “

To win one hundred victories in one hundred battles is not the highest skill. To subdue the enemy without fighting is the highest skill.” Sun Tzu

The essence of martial arts lies in the understanding that it is a lifelong journey of self-discovery, self-discipline, and growth. Unlike other many other pursuits, the practice of true martial arts has no finish line; it is simply one with life. Master Funakoshi taught, “When you look at life think in terms of karate, remember that karate is not only karate — it is life.

Miyamoto Musashi taught this same principle several hundred years earlier stating, “The true science of martial arts means practicing them in such a way that they will be useful at any time, and to teach them in such a way that they will be useful in all things.”

There is always a deeper level of understanding, a more refined technique, or a greater sense of inner peace to be attained. This never-ending pursuit of improvement is the essence of all true martial arts. The beginner thinks martial arts is only about fighting and self-defense; but those who truly understand the deeper aspects of the martial arts understand its true essence.

True martial arts are far more than a collection of techniques for competition, exercise, or self-defense. They are a way of life, a philosophy that integrates spiritual, mental, and physical growth. The hidden essence of martial arts is, ultimately, the essence of self-mastery. As Plato taught over 2,500 years ago, “The first and greatest victory is to conquer yourself.” Bohdi Sanders ~ author of BUSHIDO: The Way of the Warrior, available from Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1937884201 or from The Wisdom Warrior website at: https://thewisdomwarrior.com