History & Philosophy

Martial Arts & Religion

Although many sources of martial arts history and philosophy confuse martial arts values and principles with religion – THERE IS NO RELATIONSHIP WHATSOEVER between martial arts discipline and religious practice.

History

All nations and countries have some form of traditional fighting because all nations have been at war at some time in their history.  The men who were successful in battle naturally passed their skills on to other men.  These “lessons” were not always in the form of organized military training, but often were taught in secret in small family or tribal groups.  Most martial arts systems were developed by people who were being subjugated, conquered or marginalized by their ruling class.

As with any art form, there is great disagreement as to the true origin of martial arts.  Many sources do agree that some version of what we refer to as “martial arts” was being practiced in China about 1000 years ago.  These movements were not organized in complex patterns or systems of instruction.  In fact, many of the “original” martial arts movements were not intended for combat but were practiced for exercise alone.

Eventually these movements were adapted into a combative context by outlaws and rebels who discovered them.  Over time these adaptations spread throughout China and then into all the surrounding areas in Southeast Asia: Japan, Indonesia, India, Korea, Okinawa, the Philippines, etc.  As the martial arts spread through Asia, the techniques took on unique character and emphasis based on each nation’s distinct cultural/tribal and social environment.

Martial arts did not reach the United States until the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, so it is a very recent development in the context of our national history.  Since martial arts arrived in the U.S., it has transformed dramatically from the early days of traditional “old school” training.  The martial arts world today is incredibly diverse in the type and number of styles or systems practiced nation and world-wide.

Philosophy

GHKA has a very simple and direct martial arts ideology.  We contend that there is nothing mystical or secret about obtaining martial arts skill – it just takes hard work.  Here is a breakdown of our basic training philosophy:

The key to mastery is practice, practice, practice. There is no other way to acquire skill.  There is no secret manual, DVD or movement that will unlock limitless power and ability.  The only way to succeed is train and practice regularly.

The practice of martial arts is meant to develop respect, self-defense, and fitness.

  • Respect: There are three kinds of respect – respect for the self, respect for seniors, and respect for juniors.  All of these are based on the first (self-respect).  Only those who have self-respect can also have confidence, discipline and humility.  Anyone senior to us in life or in martial arts has wisdom and experience to share, and that is worthy of respect.  Anyone who is our junior in life or in martial arts needs our help and deserves the same chance that we had to excel.
  • Self-Defense: The most valuable thing that any human has is his/her life.  Martial arts are meant to help us protect and improve our lives and the lives of those around us.  The ability to defend one’s self is also dependant upon self-respect.  If a man does not respect himself, then he must not be worth defending.  On the contrary, if a man respects himself, then he will have an overwhelming need to protect himself and his loved ones.
  • Fitness: Without fitness martial arts techniques lack speed, power and effectiveness.  Fitness is not only the key to good technique, but also to long life.  Fitness includes a good diet, cardiovascular health, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, balance and adequate rest.  Great fitness protects us from disease and injury and relieves stress.

Success is a journey not a destination: No matter what level of skill a person may reach, there is no end to the pursuit of knowledge and skill in the martial arts.  True martial arts study is a lifestyle, not an exercise program or a competition.  Ranking systems (belt systems) may help us understand our progress, but they do not define it.  No matter what rank any person holds, it is his/her desire to learn that will define the limitation of their martial arts ability.  Those students who have a thirst for learning will continue to improve, those who just want a new belt may or may not.