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In the '50s there was a saying that went something like
this: "A strong body is the key to a strong mind." Martial arts
proves this idiom beyond all doubt. More than self-defense, more than a
means to destroy one's opponent, martial arts is a means to finding one's
inner-self enlightenment through conditioning, discipline and meditation.
It's the way to a better mind and body.
In this chapter we look at the physical and mental health benefits of martial arts. While most martial arts fit, at least in part, the following comments, I use Ninjutsu as the primary example.
Beyond the five physical influences discussed in the last chapter lies the second major realm of personal power---the mind and mental processes. This sixth center of consciousness is in the middle of the cranial cavity, the area of the brow between and slightly above the eyes, the place where your thoughts seem to originate.
In the teachings of Ninjutsu, the mind is seen as a bridge between pure consciousness and the body in which that consciousness temporarily resides. The mind is an interpreting device, organizing or translating all that we experience into data understood by our physical selves.
The Ninja uses his or her mind to observe and subsequently to affect the surroundings. Beginning with simple exercises that teach the effectiveness of this method, the Ninja is encouraged to develop the power of the mind to clarify intentions and work his or her will without action.
Students of Ninjutsu are taught to become acutely aware of the ease with which the senses become dulled with the passage of time. Stripping away the obstacles and honing the senses is a crucial beginning to the task of learning to perceive and interact with outside forces in a pure and direct manner. This level of awareness is like that of the animals, whose consciousness is different from man's. The animal is strongly fixed in the present moment, almost unaware of a past or future---at least in the way a human being is. The animal awareness is not hindered by memories or projections of potential outcomes. It concentrates fully on each existing instant as it occurs.
While the animal does not have the advantage of lessons from the past or direction for the future, it is able to pick up a whole range of subtle impressions from the environment that are mostly drowned out or ignored by human emotions.
The critical first step toward self-discipline and personal power is to become aware of your body and how it is affected by its surroundings. Key in the study of Ninjutsu is the development of total naturalness. Hence, martial arts training begins with basic physical movements. From there it moves on to specialized combat skills. In relearning the naturalness of our fundamental physical nature, you are forced to recognize the effects of cluttering yourself up with unnecessary, unnatural actions from the past or projections of the future. Once you realize the physical impact of unnatural conditioning or physical movement, you can then look inward at our thought processes and emotions to see how you have distorted your inner-self.
The developmental awareness exercises of Ninjutsu training are conducive to the overall attitude of complete growth and realization. As a comprehensive lifestyle, the Ninjutsu regards the body and its sensual capabilities as tools for the accomplishment of life's purposes. They are to be revered, cultivated and finely honed. Ninjutsu training encourages natural balances. It discards brutal systems of belief that demand suffering, repression, self-chastising, or the denial of joy in life in the name of salvation.
These beliefs, of course, are almost completely foreign to Westerners. Many of us are trained to feel unworthy if we make mistakes. Some Christian teachings would have us repent or flog ourselves mentally for wanting to be happy or for finding too much joy in life. This is simply not good for the soul. Martial arts would have us feel strong and secure in who we are; we are well aware of our place in the scheme of nature and we rejoice in it.
Like any other rigorous activity, martial arts training conditions the body. In fact, many of today's aerobic classes and martial arts exercises have much in common. They improve muscle tone and cardiovascular conditioning. While both forms of exercise build the body and coordination, martial arts is much more focused on mental concentration rather than physical exertion. The controlled, fluid movements in martial arts are a kind of biofeedback that brings you in tune with your body and surroundings. The focus is on harmony, rather than stripping away fat cells and burning calories. Of course, it will also accomplish the latter.
When most of us think of jogging or attending our semi-weekly gym sessions, we feel drudgery and dread. It's work and not much fun. Even though we do feel good after a session, the endorphin-induced euphoria doesn't last very long. Martial arts, on the other hand, conditions the mind and spirit. We strive for emotional atonement and maturity through our physical exercise. The benefits are much more noticeable, lasting and tangible.
This is not to say that there are no psychological benefits to traditional Western forms of exercise and sport. Any time you take care of your body, the mind follows. However, Western physical fitness relies heavily on ego gratification, rather than finding harmony with one's inner-self and the universe. In this way, the physical actions are somehow divorced from the mental and spiritual aspects of the movement. Instead of the fluid, graceful movements involved in martial arts, our physical training involves an entirely different kind of force, as best exemplified by two of our more popular sports, football and hockey. Martial arts, on the other hand, are more akin to the fluidity of ballet---a calm peaceful harmony of motion. A quietness in the soul. Tranquility. Not necessarily a lack of emotion, but more a quieting of turmoil. Peace and security in who we are.
Some view this idea of non-action as sloth or a lack of ambition. But it takes a lot of work to be still and much discipline to achieve inner peace. As in all forms of physical training, discipline begets discipline and energy creates energy. The more you do the better you get and the better you feel. It is important to remember that in martial arts "better" is measured against your own standards, not the standards of some test or societal expectations.
Another practice of Zen Buddhism, Taoism and martial arts that has become popular in the West is meditation. Meditation extends the search for inner-peace and harmony. For the Ninja, understanding the mind and its workings is crucial to development of competence in martial arts. The brain is a valuable self-defense tool that is often overlooked in many other training systems. Physical conditioning and technique repetition can take the practitioner only so far, and the advanced Ninja must go on to develop the qualities of awareness and detachment.
Detachment is an ability to draw back emotionally from an activity and observe the total picture. Instead of concentrating on what you are going to do, you simply observe from a defensive pose and react appropriately. Instead of concentrating on beating your adversary, you allow him to make self-defeating mistakes.
An important aspect of effective martial arts training is total involvement in the activity at all times. The moment your attention wavers from the task at hand, you are no longer in the now. Successful activity and meaningful living depends on complete involvement in what you are doing. When the mind wanders, conjuring up worries and regrets, the effectiveness of the body's activities (or non-activities) decreases. Your discipline and personal power are lost.
Beyond fundamental physical training is control of the mind's activity, which is more difficult than one might think. The Zen meditation is much misunderstood in the West. Many believe meditation to be a means of withdrawing from reality, or entering a dream world. The meditative state is actually a state of increased awareness, not sluggish drowsiness. Meditation can be used as a means to total effectiveness in physical endeavors, as well as a means to inner-peace.
It is yet another tool for increasing your awareness of yourself, your surroundings and your interaction with your surroundings.
As you become more proficient at meditation and personal power, you can actually gain control over certain aspects of your metabolism. Once you reach total ki with your physical being, you can learn, for example, to control your heart rate or body temperature, which can be immensely beneficial in maintaining overall health.
These are, of course, advanced techniques and require training under the guidance of a master.
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