Drysdale’s School Of Tae Kwon Do

 

 

 

 

What are the Martial Arts

 

     This is a very easy question for someone who understands the “Do” or “Way” of the Martial Arts to answer. For the average person to try to understand the “Way” he/she must be willing to open their minds to a completely new concept in life. There are only a few who can truly experience this journey for far too many have the “Want” but not the “Drive nor Perseverance” to live it. The “Way” is simply a Way of Life that accentuates the morals and beliefs that all people should live by. There is no goal of religious enlightenment for those who enter this way - for the Martial Arts do not intend to replace God. In fact, God becomes the focal point of the Martial Artist. Without the strong moral convictions of God and all that is good we could not continue on our path in the Martial Arts. Our Faith in many ways becomes our strength and driving force for we know that what we are accomplishing is not only good for us but for society.

     The “True” students of the Martial Arts understand two simple realities. First, we are all born and given life by our Creator. Second, we live this life to the fullest with high moral convictions while knowing we all will die. What we do and achieve between these two points is the “Do or Way” of the Martial Arts. We must keep all things in life’s perspective. Focusing on life as if there is no end is the way of the “Fool”. The fool goes day-to-day working and saving money. They plan for their futures by ignoring “The Day’s” adventures. They have no time for husband or wife, children or grandchildren, family, friends, or helping their neighbor. They become “Obsessed” with materialism and miss “Life”. They fail to enjoy the day God has given them and fail to realize that there may be no tomorrow.

     Those who know the “Way” of the martial arts understand that “Death” awaits them. They know that their “Fate is fixed” as they prepare themselves for their destiny with “Death”. Accepting this philosophy, they enjoy life and live it to the fullest and are able to achieve great goals in the Martial Arts. Knowing this, keeping life’s challenges in perspective, keeping high moral values, keeping and protecting all life as sacred as a Gift from God, helping others get back on the right tract in their life, and loving family and friends and giving them your time, are the means, “Do”, to the end “Death”. The Martial Arts have become you and now you are one. The “Do” is now instilled into your very “Soul” and burns to be shared with others.

   I have not yet mentioned techniques of the Martial Arts, they are important yes, but they are not the “Way”. Americanized Schools teach “fun and games” and watered down versions of traditional martial arts. They shed very little light on the “Way” not even mentioning the lack of Integrity in their so-called arts. They are pre-occupied with profits and long term contracts with little interest in the students development into the “Way’. They teach techniques to kill without regard on how to live. They teach to kill without knowing how to prepare for death. Their dojos and dojangs are empty of Honor and Integrity for they are not truly Instructors and students of the “Way”. Only the humble Instructors and Students who taught and know the “Way” are remembered for their lives and their deeds. They have an eternal impact on the people they touched. Only through the deeds of the true Martial Arts Instructor and their students can the Martial Arts go forward into the 21^st century.

     The Martial Art of Tae Kwon Do Was formally introduced to the World in the year 1955. People were immediately intrigued by it’s high kicks and jumping techniques. Bruce Lee was also a major contributor to the early success of the Martial Arts in the United States. These two factors combined with one’s desire for good health, self- defense, and physical conditioning led to an influx of Korean Instructors and the Growth of Tae Kwon Do in the United States. Yet, as many entered into the Martial Arts and Tae Kwon Do, they were not prepared for the path that laid ahead of them. The Instructors not only brought the “Arts” to the United States but also the “Way” of the Martial Artist. The “Way”, as mentioned earlier, was not only difficult but also contradictory to the mindset of the American that ventured into the Dojang. Still, over the years, many viewed the “Way” as the only means of bringing purpose to their lives. It forged their views of God, Country, Morality, Family, and Friends. The Martial Arts – Tae Kwon Do – Became more than just kicking and punching. The Martial Arts became their “Way of Life”. This tradition is being carried on by a few who retain the Traditions of the Samurai and Hwa Rang Do of the past.

     The preceding was of course my humble interpretation of the “Way” of the Martial Artist. There will be many who disagree – and they have a right to do so – and I truly feel sorry for them. They have missed the essence of the “Way” – the “Way of the Warrior”.

 

 Enjoy The Journey

 

 Original Source Unknown

Expanded and Edited By: Master David D. Drysdale Sr. VII Dan ITF/USITF/DSOTKD

Mrs. Joan M. Drysdale VI Dan ITF/USITF/DSOTKD