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Martial Arts are No Longer Just for the Chinese (Part I)
Part I: The Growing Popularity of Martial Arts
Part II: Different Teaching Styles
If you had asked the question "What are the martial arts?" about thirty
years ago, the answer would have been, "They are Chinese fighting arts." But
this same question asked today would receive a different answer. Martial arts are
no longer confined within the Chinese community, but rather have spread
throughout the world.
The terms "Kung Fu" and "Tai Chi" are no longer
unfamiliar to most people. They are rather well-known around the world.
The once strange-looking movements of Tai Chi can now be seen from coast to
coast. Tai chi is growing by leaps and bounds. Martial arts publications
are sold in almost every local stationary store, and
TV shows with martial arts themes can be seen on just about
every network.
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Interest in the martial arts continues to gain momentum, spreading from country to
country, city to city and town to town. Now there are few who can say
they have never heard of the Chinese martial arts.
The craze is on and people are joining schools by the hundreds
throughout the world. All are eager to learn this fascinating art form for
personal self defense, self-healing or just plain fun. More and more,
people are discovering the many wonderful benefits of studying a
traditional art form. People are becoming aware of the tremendous
value to health and the peace of mind that the martial arts can bring.
Not everyone will join a school for fighting. The reasons for joining vary greatly from person to
person, but each will benefit in some way. Some seek to develop self discipline, to make their minds
strong yet clear. Others come for weight reduction and general well-
being. And others want to learn the philosophy of the Chinese arts as a way of finding
order in their lives. The study of the Chinese
arts is more than learning mere physical movements. It is, rather, a total plan of action designed to
help people find the best in themselves.
There are teachers around the world
There are now many great teachers in the USA and
throughout the world. Many of them do nothing
but teach, lecture and travel, spreading the arts to
the most distant lands. These teachers are dedicated men and women who
have poured their hearts and souls into learning, so that they may teach
and spread the art to those who have a desire to learn.
Martial arts are no longer limited to the proverbial old Chinese Master. There are American masters,
Spanish, Greek, Italian, Irish, all nationalities,
teaching what was once a purely Chinese art form. And in many
cases they are just as well versed as their Chinese counterparts.
It is true that the Chinese are very well adapted to learning this art,
but that too is changing. When I say adapted I mean that they have a
better understanding of the total value that training offers. They
understand the underlying concepts associated with Chi Kung practice.
They have a somewhat different view of life and how it is supposed to be
lived.
However, this is also quickly changing, and there are now many
non-Asians teaching the most complex theories of Chinese philosophy,
alchemy and kung fu. No longer are the secrets being
kept behind closed doors. Today it is almost
as easy as picking up the yellow pages and looking up a martial
arts master in your area. While there is a long way to go, it is
catching on like wild fire. Within the next five years there won't be
a country in the world where martial arts are unknown.
Part II: Different Teaching Styles
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