Sacred Tenets of Traditional Martial Arts

In our Association, we follow the traditional values and tenets associated with Martial Arts.

Tenet 1. SECRECY -

Secrecy is one of the most misunderstood tenets of martial arts. Secrecy is the determining factor in application. That which can not bee seen, known, or suspected can not be defended against. Many people starting martial arts argue as to effectiveness of one or another type of martial art. This is completely out of question once the person understands the fundamental concept of secrecy. A person will stumble over a tiny rock only if the person does not see it. Person will fall over the same tiny rock 100% of the time, given the fact he does not see it 100% of the time. Weak can only overcome strong by redirecting. Secrecy is also determining factor in controlling ones ego and ones environment. In the old days, only the close friends and family knew persons involvement in martial arts. At one point in the past, we had our students take an oath to never disclose the fact that they studied martial arts. Today martial arts are more open. However, they can never be fully open to uninitiated, because progress at each stage requires a frame of reference established at the previous stage.

Tenet 2. HUMILITY OF THE HEART -

Martial artist trains to achieve humility. Mastery is achieved only when the ego is conquered. Confidence in skill should never exceed humbleness achieved by knowing ones limitations. Limitations are learned through experience in application, time and training. In learning martial arts everyone, regardless of who they are, goes through stages of self understanding and development.

Tenet 3. COURTESY IN ALL MATTERS -

Martial Arts begins with respect and ends with respect. Nature is based on respect and harmonious interaction of all things. Man is part of the nature, and he must strive to live in harmony with his environment.

Tenet 4. CHARITY IN GIVING -

For centuries, Martial Artists and others who live by the "right way", have been providers for and protectors of, those who are less fortunate. The right way is different for everyone, however if you recognize it as a "path" for yourself, things become more clear to you. Just like many other paths that serve to enrich you, Martial arts is about duty, and social responsibility.

Tenet 5. HIGH MORAL CHARACTER -

Striving to improve ones moral character is the mark of good martial artist.

Tenet 6. MARTYRDOM -

(In this case Self Discipline, sacrifice directed toward right cause) - Just like most worthwhile endeavors in life, Martial Arts are all about discipline. To achieve anything, you must give up certain things and, alter your habits that will keep you from your goal. In other words sacrifice is in the essence of accomplishment. The no matter what you do, the level of sacrifice one goes through is relative to persons understanding, cultural upbringing and surroundings. Relativity in this sense also means that one can not compare the things he or she gives up or goes through to others. Everyone's trials and tribulations are their own, everyone's lessons and understandings from Martial Arts will be different.

Tenet 7. UNCONQUERABLE SPIRIT -

Determination comes from with in. Unconquerable spirit in all things - when redirected correctly, will lead to achievement.

Tenet 8. CERTAIN VICTORY -

Peace is gained by only those who have been victorious. Doubt will rob action from it's effectiveness. Martial arts is about taking calculated risks, with an unbendable will. Confucius, a great philosopher and a great advocate of peace, once said: If I fight, I win.

Why have the Martial Arts originated from some of the world's oldest cultures? What has kept the fabric of these cultures together? Martial Arts are Based on ideologies that has kept these same cultures alive for thousands of years. Through out their development in history, Martial Arts have changed names, moved through the borders of countries. Yet they they have survived. In fact martial arts have outlived their original creators thousands of times over. They have survived because of their tenets, which can pass from culture to culture.

As can be seen in modern society, violence begets violence. Martial arts practiced without their original tenets just become methods of violence and sophisticated methods of harming people. No matter how "New" or "Westernized" we make martial arts, or how we interpret them from the view point of our own cultures, the original tenets of Martial Arts must remain universally the same. In this organization these tenets are intended to keep us together as a family, regardless of our different back grounds and skills.