For thousands of years, martial arts has been used as a tool in the struggle for survival and played an important role in the creation of the ancient civilizations.

Different cultures through history have created different systems of fighting and combat. In some cases, these systems closely mirrored war, and others were developed by religious groups that created them as a means of protection and in which exercise was the main objective.

These two branches run parallel in the development of martial arts through the ages. Refining combat techniques whist pursuing total masterdom over inner space became not just a hobby or activity for certain cultures but actually became a way of life. It was a pursuit that could be perfected and honed over a lifetime. And yet, coupling war with inner peace seems like the greatest oxymoron the world has ever produced.

Yin and Yang can be defined in Chinese philosophy as a way to describe how ‘seemingly opposite or contrary forces may actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world, and how they may give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another.’

Ultimately, martial arts is all about control. Control over the body cannot exist without control of the mind. The more precise the movement, the more pressure you are under to control your actions, the more control you need to have over your mind in order to do this. War is the ultimate test of human tenacity to overcome physical limitations. The only way it evens becomes feasible is if the warrior has attained a heightened sense of inner peace. As Yin meets Yang, war meets peace to create a truly symbiotic relationship in the individual’s quest to be a true martial artist. It is this balance that we continue to strive for and develop at Xen-Do through our kickboxing techniques and the discipline in the way we teach.

There is an old saying; “the hardest warrior to conquer is the warrior within.”

Ouss!

This article is based on opinion:
– the author is not a qualified doctor or anyone who can dispense medical advice.
– any opinions stated are just that and people should consult a doctor before making any dietary changes or changes of any nature prompted by the articles published by or on behalf of Xen-Do.
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