A Brief Meditation on Martial Arts Training

I found myself the luxury of having a rare, finite block of spare time after a recent morning training session, which allowed the mental space for reflective expression. What follows are my personal thoughts on the value of training in the martial arts, likely percolating in my subconscious mind for years, rising to the surface.

StartFragmentThe Centre is the Origin Of stable, fluent Movement Flowing without hesitation A relaxed Awareness In a series of Present moments Enhanced by Rhythmic Breathing Allowing a thoughtless Calm That endures despite the Storm Of physical contact Perpetrated by the Opponent Who is but a Mirror Of your own inner Opponents When breathing is rhythmic The mind remains An unperturbed pond No ripples And the Centre holds The Body absorbs with grace what is not countered The Eye can see With precise clarity The Opponents intent and movements The limbs, your weapons and shield Respond to moment's need When the Opponent mirrors Your own mind, intent and movement The centres resonate And the fight becomes a Dance And the dance becomes a Fight An Integration of Opposites Of Violent Intent And Altruistic Compassion This is the Ideal of Training and the Martial Way. EndFragment