| For many Centuries the Martial Arts have been a | | | | your surroundings and will start thinking from a totally |
| source of Enlightenment, not to just the Japanese, | | | | different perspective than you see things now. Once |
| but to folks all over the world. The reason self | | | | you've studied Karate for a few years, you'll know |
| defense disciplines such as Kempo, Aikido, Karate, Jiu | | | | exactly how to posture yourself and how to react if |
| Jitsu and Tae Kwon Do are called arts is because you | | | | someone throws a punch at you. |
| could spend a lifetime studying them. Yes you will | | | | God Forbid if some nut case pulls a knife on you, |
| continue to improve at these the longer you spend | | | | you'll know exactly how to disarm him quickly and |
| trying to learn them. | | | | safely. The average person could not do this. This will |
| By studying the martial arts, over time the ultimate | | | | give you an inner sense of confidence that you can |
| goal is to reach the path of enlightenment. This is the | | | | effectively deal with anything as it arises. The skills |
| spiritual dwelling you will reach within yourself. It can | | | | you will learn when becoming a Martial Artist are |
| not be accomplished over night, and sports like | | | | extremely powerful. In fact if you become a Black |
| Football, Baseball and Hockey won't get you there. | | | | Belt in the United States, you'll have to register |
| Enlightenment is reached through discipline and | | | | yourself with Law Enforcement as a Lethal Weapon. |
| confidence and power. So what makes Martial Arts | | | | Once in a while someone will pick up these skills and |
| different from most American Sports and what is it | | | | use them for the wrong reasons, perhaps to become |
| about them that allows you to reach this state of | | | | a bully. However their reign will be short lived, |
| being? | | | | because fighting comes from within the heart and |
| The fact is, Martial Arts deals with combat. Once you | | | | soul and is more internal than external. And if |
| understand what combat is all about, you will | | | | someone is doing this they never really understood |
| automatically become enlightened. Understanding | | | | the true meaning of the training. So they may |
| combat and how to take on an enemy will allow you | | | | become a Tiger but they will never be a Dragon. |
| to see things without blinders on. You will understand | | | | |