Before I address the martial way, it is important to touch upon the average reader's trepidation concerning the martial arts as a legitimate pursuit. To a typical citizen of the free world, martial pursuits have been variously demonized or celebrated for myriad reasons, some of which are completely irrelevant to the martial way. A citizen might join a Thai boxing gym to prove their fighting abilities in a controlled ring setting, they may take up Yoga as a means of stress relief and fitness, they may study TKD in order to develop flexibility and confidence, or they might simply live a high conflict lifestyle and consider themselves to be warriors in a metaphorical sense, as exemplified in business or other transactional relationships. What is lost in all these meanings of martial development is why the art is studied in the first instance and why the martial way has value to the individual who studies it.
The martial way has nothing to do with ostentatious displays, pretentious reputation bolstering, or developing conformity to tired rituals. In short, it is only relevant with respect to the individual. The perceptions of the community do not matter. In the words of the often cited and under-appreciated martial artist Bruce Lee, "I seek neither your approval, nor to influence you towards my way of thinking."
The definition of the martial way used by this blog is the way by which a person cultivates their capacity to resolve conflict, and ultimately to choose the manner and circumstances of their own death. Conflict is defined as when the interests of one are prevented by another. This definition demands extensive unpacking, as it contains more depth than its word count belies. A conflict can consist of a psychological hang up just as readily as an international war. In both instances, the interests of one are prevented by another. When a white belt in TKD throws a roundhouse kick in an attempt to KO an opponent, or a BJJ purple belt attempts a kimura from full mount, both have an interest which effectively prevents the interest of their target (to win). When a country wages war over a broken trade agreement, ensuing aggression is a response to the blocked interests of the aggressing nation. When a meth addict finds herself unable to maintain employment, her career interests are blocked by other interests. The martial way applied to these situations is expressed through techniques which block the damaging intent of the opponent and express your own intent. The fullest expression of conflict resolution is when both opposing interests resolve without injury or loss. Therefore, the fullest expression of the martial way is not in war or the delivery of death, but in maintaining the lack of necessity for war or death. The martial way is the way of peace, both with others and with yourself.
Through the concept of choosing one's death, the martial way implies the mortality of human beings. Death is a natural, inevitable, neutral process. Every action taken will change the manner and circumstances of one's death, whether in war, love, or peaceful solitude. One's birth and death are neutral occurrences which become 'good' or 'bad' depending on the consequences of the birth or death. In equal measure, aggression and killing are neutral acts. They are right when they block damaging, selfish interests, and they are wrong when they block helpful, altruistic interests. In both cases, it is the behavior, not the person, which determines whether the delivery of death is an expression of the martial way. A fully cultivated martial artist does not attack an opponent, but their malicious intent. Physical violence is used only as necessary to accomplish that goal. In equal measure, one's death is neither good nor bad until it accomplishes good or bad ends for others. Therefore, one should not fear their own death, nor feel guilt for the injury or death of another who expresses malicious intent.
I leave the reader to contemplate their own definition of the martial way and its purpose. Leave your thoughts below, if so inclined.
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