Taoism and Martial Arts

Lao Tzu

The greatest virtue is to follow the Tao and the Tao alone
The Tao is elusive and intangible.

Tao-te-ching

Based on a 5,000-word book, the Tao-te-ching, Taoism is the classical philosophy of China. The philosophical system derives chiefly from a book traditionally ascribed to Lao-Tzu, which was probably written in the mid-Third Century, BC. Nobody really knows where it comes from. Its historic significance to martial arts is immeasurable. However, the influence is predominately philosophical, as discussed in the next chapter.

From a physical standpoint, Taoism's most important contribution to Chinese martial arts has been the creation of T'ai Chi Ch'uan, a complete balance and muscular control system initially designed to maintain health, calm the mind and increase longevity. Later, self-defense methods were developed for advanced stages of training. They were so effective that T'ai Chi Ch'uan was recognized as one of the superior traditional Chinese boxing techniques.

The concepts in the T'ai Chi Ch'uan are steeped in the philosophies of pacifism and tranquility and other basic Chinese beliefs, which we will examine more closely in the next chapter.

Nothing in the world,
Is as yielding and receptive as water;
Yet in attacking the firm and inflexible,
Nothing triumphs so well.
Because of what it is not,
This becomes easy.
The receptive triumphs over the inflexible;
The yielding triumphs over the rigid.

Tao-te-ching

A man living is yielding and receptive.
Dying, he is rigid and inflexible.
All things, the grass and trees:
Living, they are yielding and fragile;
Dying, they are dry and withered.
Those who are firm and inflexible
Are in harmony with dying.
Those who are yielding and receptive
Are in harmony with living.

Tao-te-ching

The Tao-te-ching might be translated as "The Book of Reason and Virtue." It teaches that "Tao" ("the way") is the beginning of all things in the world and must be followed by people who want to live an Enlightened life.

Martial arts, like the Tao, is really a process of evolving from very rudimentary physical skills to a total development of mind and body. The Tao often mentions "evolved" individuals, those Enlightened by the Tao's teachings, who are able to take effective action without appearing to take any action.