Budō seishin e no gunji-teki kōken [武道精神への軍事的貢献]
Anyone researching modern American martial disciplines will find a strong military presence in its history, especially from the very early 1900’s, not long after the War in the Pacific. It’s the military experience and experiences that set the strong foundation of martial discipline, professionalism, and respect. The following are some of the principles and concepts that naturally became a cornerstone of martial practices and training.
I reference “Marines” herein simply because I are one (Semper Fi Brothers/Sisters), but I say that all branches of our brave and honorable service members made awesome contributions to American Martial Disciplines!
Military Bearing:
A concept that refers to the conduct, discipline, and presence of military personnel significantly contributed to both self-defense and martial arts disciplines. A concept that encompasses self-discipline, professionalism, respect for authority, and maintaining composure under pressure.
The principles of military bearing—discipline, composure, respect for hierarchy, situational awareness, honor, and physical fitness—apply directly to self-defense and martial arts. Both disciplines value calmness under pressure, ethical conduct, and physical preparedness, with the ultimate goal of using these attributes to protect oneself and others.
Military Etiquette:
Military etiquette encompasses a wide range of behaviors, rules, and protocols that ensure order, respect, and professionalism within the military. It includes customs, courtesies, and formalities that are crucial to maintaining discipline, hierarchy, and cohesion among service members. These traditions have been developed over centuries and vary slightly between different branches of the military. Here's an in-depth look at military etiquette
The practice of bowing (rei) in martial arts and strict dojo etiquette is comparable to military protocols. Both foster respect and hierarchy, which contributes to a disciplined approach to training and self-defense.
Military Discipline:
Maintaining strict discipline is fundamental to success in high-stress environments. Discipline ensures that individuals act rationally and execute tasks according to training, even under extreme conditions. This same concept is found in many a dojo that trains for both combatives, Marine Corps MCMAP program for instance, and civil self-defense.
Military Composure:
Maintaining composure in the face of adversity is vital in the military. Marines are trained to keep their emotions in check, even in dangerous or life-threatening situations, in order to think clearly and act decisively. Sounds darn familiar don’t it, these traits are critical in staying within the, “Self-defense Square (MacYoung)!” i.e., composure can be the difference between escalating or de-escalating a situation or achieving success in case of physical violence.
Military Respect:
Respect for authority translates into acknowledging societal rules and self-defense laws when using force. Respect for instructors (sensei or sifu) and for one's training partners is a cornerstone of martial arts. This mirrors the respect for superiors in the military and helps create a structured, disciplined learning environment.
Military Decisions:
The ability to make quick, effective decisions under extreme pressure is a critical skill in the military. Marines are trained to assess threats and choose the most effective course of action, even in chaotic environments.
The decision-making process in martial arts is akin to the military’s OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act), which helps Marines assess the situation and react swiftly.
Military Awareness:
Marines are trained to be highly aware of their surroundings and to constantly evaluate potential threats. Tactical thinking and situational awareness allow them to respond effectively to changing conditions.
One of the key aspects of military training is developing situational awareness and tactical thinking. Marines are trained to observe their environment, assess threats, and respond strategically to ensure survival and success.
Military Honor:
Honor and ethical behavior are fundamental principles in the military. This includes a code of conduct that requires integrity, responsibility, and accountability.
Honorable conduct in self-defense means using only the amount of force necessary to stop a threat, and being mindful of ethical and legal considerations.
Honor, or *Wu De* (martial virtue), is a core part of martial arts philosophy. Practitioners are encouraged to develop humility, respect for others, and ethical behavior both in training and in combat situations.
Military Fitness:
Physical fitness enhances one’s ability to defend oneself effectively, as stamina, strength, and agility are crucial in both defending against and evading attackers.
Military training instills a high level of discipline that influences decision-making, emotional control, and mental resilience.
Marines undergo extensive physical training to prepare them for the physical demands of combat. This includes strength training, endurance drills, hand-to-hand combat, and agility exercises, all of which contribute to combat readiness.
The physical conditioning cultivated in the military, such as through PT (physical training) and combat drills, mirrors the body-hardening exercises in martial arts. Both disciplines aim to build a resilient, combat-ready body capable of withstanding high levels of physical stress .
Military Experiences:
Military experience amplifies instinct, as Marines are trained to understand distance, positioning, and movement for effective engagement.
Provide Marines with essential skills such as discipline, tactical awareness, physical conditioning, mental resilience, and decision-making under pressure.
Martial artists with military experience bring a practical, no-nonsense approach to self-defense. Their training often emphasizes simplicity, directness, and efficiency in neutralizing threats, which complements many martial arts philosophies.
Martial artists with military experience tend to have superior physical conditioning, which is crucial for self-defense. Their stamina, strength, and endurance allow them to outlast opponents and maintain their defensive capabilities in prolonged confrontations.
Martial artists with military backgrounds are often better equipped to handle high-pressure situations calmly, as they have been trained to suppress fear, stay composed, and execute techniques with precision under stress.
Military personnel are trained in both armed and unarmed combat techniques, with an emphasis on practical, efficient methods of neutralizing opponents. These techniques are designed to be used in real combat situations, making them effective in self-defense scenarios which instills understanding of violence dynamics, self-defense strategies, and the mental fortitude (achieaving a calm, non-reactive state) needed to face real-world threats.
Military Code:
Marines operate under a strict code of conduct, with values such as honor, duty, integrity, and loyalty forming the foundation of military ethics. These principles guide soldiers not only in combat but in their daily lives.
Many martial arts emphasize ethical conduct and honor, similar to military codes. Martial artists with military backgrounds often have a strong sense of duty, respect, and personal responsibility, which enhances their commitment to martial arts as a way of life rather than just a combat system. This moral framework influences their approach to self-defense, ensuring that they use their skills ethically and with restraint.
The martial arts concept of Budo (the martial way), particularly in Japanese systems like Karate and Kendo, emphasizes honor, duty, and ethical behavior in training and combat, mirroring the military’s emphasis on ethical conduct in warfare.
OOHRAH!
Military experience significantly enhances the practice of martial arts for self-defense by providing a unique combination of mental resilience, tactical awareness, physical conditioning, practical combat experience, decision-making skills, and leadership. Veterans bring a depth of knowledge in handling high-stress situations, ensuring that their approach to martial arts is realistic, disciplined, and ethically grounded. These qualities make martial artists with military backgrounds particularly adept at self-defense and valuable contributors to the martial arts community.
No comments:
Post a Comment