Why martial arts?

Why do I practice Ji Do Kwan and Aikido? My life’s not been in jeopardy in the last 55 years, so why train in these martial arts. I don’t believe it’s ego because I have nothing to prove to anyone. Plus there is no one to impress. This question should be on the minds of most who enter a dojo. Some claim to search for peace, love and harmony, but these cannot be found outside of yourself. And yet there must be a possibility of gain or it makes no sense to sacrifice hundreds or thousands of hours. I’ve suffered many broken bones in these arts as well as experiencing much pain and anguish. One broken jaw, two fingers, one arm, two ribs (one on each side of the body, twenty years apart), several broken toes and one dislocated finger. In addition, many of my contemporaries have gone through hip and knee replacement surgeries. Thank God, I have not had to endure those. I also have my teachers to thank for correct instruction on how not to lock my knees and hips on kicking extensions. But back to the question, why?

Taking an old idea first, I gain by giving. By that I mean whatever I learned was given away to others almost as soon as I learned. My teacher was wise enough to know that by struggling to explain to others what to do would enhance my own understanding.

However, in the beginning I wanted self-protection. And I drew to me the best teacher available at that time. One with principles and abilities. In other words, not just one with street-fighting abilities. The broken bones I endured were about how badly I wanted it. And I trained even while wearing casts on my hand and my arm. That’s wanting it pretty badly, huh? But back to those reasons. I gradually came to sense something missing from my training. Just what, I didn’t know at the time. I started researching. As I continued to research I discovered that about eighty percent of the art was hidden from view. I have since changed that number to ninety percent. Another discovery? Your instructor cannot give this to you, you have to acquire it yourself. Just as no one can give you self-determination. They can draw it out of you, but first you have to have it inside.

While enduring this journey, I’ve made several discoveries concerning myself. The first and foremost being I’m stronger mentally than I originally thought. Second, I’m much healthier, though some of that may be genetics, and I was able to keep the fat off. My confidence soared. Last but not least, I’ve gained many, many friends and traveled more places than I would have if not for the arts. One more thing, my decision to study these arts have brought so many people together that four marriages have resulted from this dojo. (more on these choices in my next blog)

I am not saying that last example was why I practice but martial arts training can take one in many different directions. I’m famous and rich, just not yet financially so. I’ve been in magazines and on TV several times, all without conscious effort. Note that I did not say without intention. I cannot give without becoming known.

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6 Responses to “ Why martial arts? ”

Comments:

Nick O. says:
September 4th, 2008 at 3:30 pm

I’m not used to seeing martial artists my age and now that I’m in college, it’s a little disappointing. Most of the martial artists around my age here (By around, I mean within 10 years) are very adament in proving how good they are and how their martial art is the best. I’m taking informal Ninjitsu classes and I met a lot of people like that, and I tried some of the Aikido techniques I had learned against the grabs we were practicing against.

They said they prefer to do all techniques slowly and fluidly for safety reasons, so I abided. It was the one technique where uke is holding onto the shirt with a curled fist (near the chest area) so I pushed in uke’s elbow and wrapped my other arm around my partner’s shoulder to throw, and he stiffened so I could not. It was his turn to throw and he used the Ninjitsu technique we were learning to counter this grab. I grabbed him, and he began to do the move but did not maintain control and got too close to me in the process. I simply side-stepped next to him and repeated my Aikido technique, effectively reversing his defense and throwing him to the ground. I feel that this humbled him.

Needless to say, during the class I taught my Ninjitsu partner many things. I explained to him how some of the things he was doing was more dangerous to himself than necessary and that there are more effective ways. I also taught him new techniques and attacks I was surprised he didn’t know. In return, I learned a lot of new techniques from him and practiced them this evening on my own time. When I was in Ninjitsu class I was very quiet because I wasn’t familiar with etiquette so I was trying hard not to offend anyone by accident. I let my actions speak for themselves and at the end of the class, my Ninjitsu partner (Who happened to be one of the teachers of the class) took aside their most experienced teacher and I and made the case to him of how valuable my knowledge is and how there is a lot that can be learned from what I know for practical application in their martial arts training.

Hopefully this doesn’t stray too far from the topic of “Why practice martial arts” but I don’t practice to show off or prove anything, my reason is to help people improve themselves and learn to live happier and safer (Due to my own experiences with the dangers of life). I feel that this is a much stronger reason for training in martial arts and has made me a better martial artist.

By the way, I’m also going to be teaching informal beginners classes on the weekends at Ursinus. I already have a few friends who are interested and I figured this is a good way to keep my mind fresh with what I know and being able to choose my own times for practice. In the future I hope to teach martial arts so I’m practicing to be a good teacher.

Hope all is well in Wilmington. Always nice to read about your thoughts, Sensei.

Jerome Davis Jr. says:
October 23rd, 2008 at 6:42 pm

Sensei Berry. It has been long time since we has spoken. I appreciate you as a “human being”. I recently moved to New Castle, De and was greatly moved by this article. It’s always good to get a “good word” from one with great character. Although the words are contained on within the physical limits of this page. The your words have impact. They cause a positive response in all the read and hear. “One once of truth benefits like a ripple on a pond.” A “quiet storm” if you will. Brother, like my mother always says, “keep up the good work.”

Aikido Walker says:
April 19th, 2009 at 3:10 pm

Wether we learn Aikido for our daily life, as a self defence, or just as a traditional martial art, it is for each individual to decide, I have added it to mine…