Martial arts have been around for millennia upon millennia, however their facets, motives, and purposes have drastically changed since the 19th century. The old warrior-ship of tribal arts and feuds slowly found themselves forced (it's an ongoing process) to either go extinct or adapt and reform their philosophies and approaches in order to survive the exigencies of the modern age of industrialization, modernity, new social laws, norms, juisprudence and ethics, as well as the new discoveries in scientific arena that started to shrink the planet into a global village.
Now we live in the 21st century---- in even a very different world. Those who are in the corporate world, the entrepreneurs, the big business executives, and CEO's do not have to worry about another tribe, attacking them with swords, daggers, and bow and arrows, but instead they have to fight health dangers such as: heart attack, strokes, bad cholesterol, stress, high blood pressure, and etc. On the other hand, those living in poverty have either given up caring about their health, or they are intensely stressed trying to live up to the social expectations of their ideal Role models. Either way, their mental and physical healths are in great jeopardy.
So, what is the role of the field of martial arts in modern days one has to ask. Where is the connection? Is there even [A] connection at all? Is it day in and day out--- just to go compete and build a collection of trophies? Is it about just kicking ass and feel like the tough guy? Is it about sitting around and creating useless philosophical abstractions, just to accumulate psychological satisfactions.
I personally believe martial arts is to provide personal growth programs and a concret direction for all students and trainers where they are enabled to fully grasp deeper purposes of a mature training. They [must] feel transformed inside and out, and eventually become leaders and mentors for other people. Even if proper leadership is reflected from a trainer to a student, but the student does not ultimately himself or herself become a mentor to others, the trainer has failed in his or her obligation as a leader. The fact is we do not need to produce another crazy knife fighter, but we do need to produce a responsible, wise, and tactful student who appreciates the constructive role of weapons, and yes of course he or she can fight well with a knife too, if they are forced to protect and preserve a life.
At the headquarter (Phoenix JKD Institute) and few other affiliate training centers around the country and internationally, I am proud to say that an emerging new programs of growth in martial arts are taking shape in which it can fulfill our pledge towards this goal. More and more number of high-minded intellectuals as well as normal every day honest, hard-working civilians are waking up to our aim, goals and mission in the Phoenix JKD Institute and are asking the right questions while training with us. We hope to see you in one of our training centers. Remember times have changed, and it is wise for you to change with it.
Call me directly if you have any questions my friend, or leave me a text.
SHAHRAM MOOSAVI
480-489-7202
Photo: Jigoro Kano