Posted by:
athreehourbore
(
)
Date: January 10, 2012 11:49AM
Just curious if anyone has found practicing martial arts to be beneficial, especially after leaving the church. I've done some Aikido, Tae Kwon Do, and MMA training in the past but am looking for one that matches my philosophy best (spiritual and fighting), is realistic, and offers physical, mental, and spiritual development.
I know they all do, but I'd rather have a teacher/class where meditation is emphasized and sparring is a regular part of training--not reserved for 1-2 years down the road.
The Muy Thai and Jiu-Jitsu of MMA, as well as the workouts and boxing, were HUGE for me in the highly-stressed months following my separation. I dropped 20 pounds and felt like a champ again after suffering defeat at the hands of a 130-pound neurotic wife. But MMA training alone lacks the "soul" of martial arts and the spiritual development, IMO, at least it doesn't emphasize it in class or tie it in to Eastern Philosophy, which has helped me maintain my sanity in the last few years.
Kung Fu and its various styles seem like the best prospect for now, and Jeet Kune Do. Go with the flow, be flexible and adapt, act without acting/thinking, focused mind, staying completely calm even when fists are flying at your face, meditating, cardio workout, skills development, sparring practice, flexibility, strength training...I would rather master one thing that covers 7 areas than master 7 things concurrently.
So I'm interested if anyone here practices, what, why, and what benefits you have seen.