Where's the War?

[GeoGiant]

[Preface – my comment is not argumentative, I love this type of a discussion]

…. you are creating a definition of what a martial artists is and then telling us that we aren’t answering your question because our answers don’t address your definition. Have you considered that your definition may not apply to all people in all cultures?

Getting back to my mention of runners or weightlifters. You state that runners run because they are running from “something” – please qualifying that statement.

Does the same logic you applied to runners apply to weightlifters and if so, how?

[Chitsu]

Does the same logic you applied to runners apply to weightlifters and if so, how?

I guess that in the case of bench pressers in particular - they have something they want to get off their chest....

Sorry couldn't resist.

[algernon]

The cop says he trains for his job--but that doesn't explain training in techniques that are designed to kill and maim, especially at the black belt level. It explains perfecting white belt techniques, but nothing else.

"Perfecting white belt techniques" is how one earns a black belt. The progress in a martial artist's training is not a sliding scale of "deadliness," but rather of skill. As we advance in our arts, we do not learn techniques that are more lethal, we learn techniques that are more skillfull. Yes, we do become more capable of delivering serious injury, but that comes from the perfection of the techniques that we learned in our first months on the floor, not from learning some secret death-touch.

If you still insist on labeling us as warriors, then consider this: Every soldier in the US military learns to use a firearm. Very few even carry guns, let alone ever have to use them. In that regard, are we martial artists not more likely to call upon our skills (unarmed self-defense) than actual soldiers?

I also have to agree with GeoGiant; from what, exactly, do you believe that runners flee? It must be some literal persuer, if our "war" must be and actual battle.

[Toptomcat]

The cop says he trains for his job--but that doesn't explain training in techniques that are designed to kill and maim, especially at the black belt level. It explains perfecting white belt techniques, but nothing else.

"Perfecting white belt techniques" is how one earns a black belt. The progress in a martial artist's training is not a sliding scale of "deadliness," but rather of skill. As we advance in our arts, we do not learn techniques that are more lethal, we learn techniques that are more skillful. Yes, we do become more capable of delivering serious injury, but that comes from the perfection of the techniques that we learned in our first months on the floor, not from learning some secret death-touch.

If you still insist on labeling us as warriors, then consider this: Every soldier in the US military learns to use a firearm. Very few even carry guns, let alone ever have to use them. In that regard, are we martial artists not more likely to call upon our skills (unarmed self-defense) than actual soldiers?

I also have to agree with GeoGiant; from what, exactly, do you believe that runners flee? It must be some literal pursuer, if our "war" must be and actual battle.

Very eloquently and cogently put.

[GeoGiant]

Does the same logic you applied to runners apply to weightlifters and if so, how?

I guess that in the case of bench pressers in particular - they have something they want to get off their chest....

Sorry couldn't resist.

Thank you for illustrating my point.

[sperki]

My "war" is the same reason I run and weightlift: I'm locked in eternal battle against love handles!

[tallgeese]

I don't think there's anything wrong at all with cops training in deadly force tactics. We carry guns, why not have similar knowldege and training unarmed. Not to mention, there are many less life threatening tactics, even at bb level, than most would suppose. Far less.

Now, should we train with the goal of that possiblity in mind. Yes, so I think that's easy enough an answer.

I also think that it's not all that deep a question and fail to see how the answer in dodging the question. The op asked, where's your war, there's my example. That's largely why I train now. The rest being habit at this point.

Often, we tend to over-analize these things. Realistically, I think most of the aswers given answer the question at face value.

[DWx]

I have to say I pretty much agree with everyone's answers so far. Martial arts, although combative in nature, don't have to be trained for combat. As with the runner example its not about what you are doing really, there are loads of other sports that also could be considered martial but very few people practice them to be used in war. Take archery for example, or the javelin. No-ones out to take down an enemy or catch their dinner with these. Maybe its the pursuit of perfection or even just as an outlet for natural competitiveness.

[still kicking]

OK, I'll take a stab at the question (pun only partially intended). My reasons for training are the same as many others have said, fun, fitness, friendship, love for Japanese arts and culture, having a better chance to defend myself should the need arise. One thought I also had, only partially formulated, so don't laugh... when I am doing the hard and fast and powerful techniques, it's sometimes like I am fighting with everything that has ever angered and frustrated me, yet I feel peaceful inside. Like my body is doing the fighting and my mind is totally calm. Which kata is that, calm within the storm or something? I also want to think more about what it is about the aesthetics of Japanese arts in general that is so appealing to those who are passionate about them, (knowing others are practicing other MA's), but for me there is something in the Japanese arts that completely draws me. Don't have time to go into now, though, because I have to leave for class!

[bushido_man96]

You train because there may come a day when it is needed. And when the time comes, you WON'T rise to the occassion...you WILL sink to the level of your training.