The Ultimate Aim of the Martial Arts

Musashi, the greatest Japanese swordsman, stated that the ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them. This is a strong statement coming from the man who defeated 60 men in sword duels to the death as a young man. But like most good men, Musashi mellowed with age and changed the way he looked at the world.

He stopped fighting duels to the death when he was around 30 years old, and begin to focus more on philosophy and other arts. As he matured, he realized there was more to life than the sword. Although he continued to teach martial arts, he also mastered painting, philosophy, writing, and the tea ceremony.

Today, many martial artists are solely focused on martial arts. They have little else in their life. This is not a balanced life. Life has so much more to offer. The warrior lifestyle is about more than being able to defend yourself or others against a malicious attack. It is about balance — spirit, mind, and body.

The true martial arts master hopes he never has to use his martial arts against anyone else. In the beginning, martial arts is about learning to defend yourself. But, as one matures in his chosen art, he learns that the martial arts is more about perfecting his character, honor, and integrity. He has the ability to hurt others, but desires to walk in peace.

Musashi’s teaching, that the ultimate aim of martial arts is not having to use them, is the same philosophy as peace through strength. If you have the ability to destroy someone, others will not want to attack you, and thus, you won’t have to use your martial art skills. That is absolutely the ultimate aim of the martial arts, just as it is the ultimate aim of having a strong military.

If you are are strong and capable, most predators and criminals don’t want to target you. They look for weak prey, not a hard target. The lion never preys on the strongest of the herd, but rather, the weakest. Perfecting your self-defense skills and walking with self-confidence, lowers your chances of being attacked on the streets.

As Mr. Miyagi taught Daniel, you learn to fight so you don’t have to fight. Peace through strength is always better than peace through pacifism. With the first, you have a choice; the latter, you are merely hoping for mercy.

Don’t hope that the ravenous wolf will not target you; be ready to stop him in case he does attack. Don’t hope for peace; demand peace through strength! That is the way of the warrior. Warrior up! Bohdi Sanders ~ author of MUSASHI’S DOKKODO, available from Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1937884295.

Signed copies are available from: https://thewisdomwarrior.com/bookstore/.