What have Martial Arts got to do with the Psyche?

 

(Image from own collection of Birgit Zagler’s works)

This post has been published on my new blog A Journey of Self-realisation. Apologies for cross posting.

I met someone who is a young practitioner of Taekwondo and as I was saying to her that I published a book on Self-realisation through martial arts she immediately asked me 'what does martial arts have to do with psychology?' I answered to her that I reviewed a range of evidence coming from short and longitudinal studies, which show that for the past 30-40 years various researchers have been studying the psychological/therapeutic benefits on the practitioners of martial arts. They found various effects from reducing aggressiveness in adults and school pupils, increased emotional stability, increase of self-confidence and self-esteem. Whilst these aspects are very interesting and useful to know or good motivations for anyone inspired to practice traditional martial arts to gain such benefits I am more interested in the relationship between the Self-development through martial arts. Self-development or Self-realisation, from an Analytical Psychology perspective, being a process which nurtures the development or journey of personal Self-realisation. This journey is a quest for the meaningful and wholeness. Carl G. Jung described this journey as 'a never ending journey towards wholeness of the Self'. Psychologically, there are a serious of transformations that we need to engage with; like overcoming the opposites within one's psyche (e.g. sensuality versus spirituality) or finding a balance between the opposites within one's mind to bring calm and peace. More broadly though, imagine that whilst we're striving for various goals during our lives the more we aim towards the meaningful ones, such as inner calm or equanimity, being concerned with others' well-being and peace the more meaningful the journey it becomes.

Martial arts, I think, provides the support and challenge for the practitioner who dares to tread into the the depth of her/his character. With continuous Self-introspection and corrections from the Sensei (and my Sensei pointed this to me recently) the practitioner engages in an ongoing questioning, which eventually brings some answers. In the Shotokan Karate Magazine, issue 109, Mike Clarke Sensei has written an article called Difficult Research. He says, that often he advises his students '...the reasons you have for training will dictate the kind of training you will put yourself through'. More often than not it proves a difficult path not taken by many. I see it as an exploration which starts without knowing what you're going to find, maybe a twinkling star or more likely a coarse piece of coal that will take years of hard work and perspiration. Karate and Aikido in my experience, have given me several opportunities to work at my own Self-development, but in the beginning this was not obvious to me. Even now, nothing comes in flashes of inspiration. Currently, I continuously watch out for protuberances in my ego to take 'them out'.

Mike Clarke Sensei wrote once that Karate reveals not builds one's character , and I agree with him. I think that Karate is for a Karate-ka what s/he makes of it. As our character develops our Karate reveals what it is it we are looking to find in it and the meaning we give to it at the time. For example, in my early years of Karate I was looking to find strength, to make me strong and powerful. I was looking to gain from Karate what I was missing. Later, I understood that beyond the strength I was looking for security and safety, which indicates my insecurity and searching for the opposite in Karate or Aikido, which I did at the time. Now, I see it as a continuous challenge and the area where I am most challenged in my Karate training (and at this moment in my development) seems to be often connected to my ego.  No doubt this will evolve as my training continues - and it will be interesting where it will take me. Being aware of this aspect is really important for any martial artist's Self-development. If we're able to keep the dialogue between the ego (and all we consciously aiming to achieve) and the Self (the very essence of our being) I think chances are we will develop and discover what we already are. In the Eastern thought, awakening or enlightenment are two concepts which Carl G. Jung researched and discovered in both his own exploration of the unconscious and that of his patients. He named it wholeness or Self-realisation (if you got so far click here to read an excerpt from the chapter I wrote on this concept).

I think that for those martial artists inclined to look beyond the obvious there is so much more that martial arts offers to its practitioners then it is often perceived. The martial arts' spiritual and psychological dimensions engage the martial artists' psyche in a continuous metamorphoses as long as s/he has the willingness, passion, dedication, patience, discipline and concentration to engage in this kind of journey of Self-discovery. There may be as many ways to express the infinity of challenges martial arts offers as there are martial artists who care to find those challenges in their own training. I came across this quote which serves as a blurp for the Martial Arts Dictionary written and published in French by Louis Frédéric in 1988 (I have the Romanian edition, 1993). In the preface of this dictionary Michel Random opens the first paragraph with the following lines, which I translated from Romanian.

“The Martial Arts are a Universe in itself, passionate,
And which the man could not discover in all its complexity
Not even if s/he would be given more lives in a row.
It is obvious and at the same time secretive and hidden to the naked eye.
Full, at each of its steps and levels,
Of surprising meanings that take us afar in our thoughts
Beyond the art of war and even that of battle,
As if engaging us on an adventure in which
The man would aim to discover the source of the energy’s essence.”

Michel Random. Preface in Martial Arts Dictionary by Louis Frédéric. Editura Enciclopedica. Bucuresti, 1993.

Original text:
'Artele martiale sint un univers in sine,
pasionat,
pe care omul
nu l-ar putea descoperi
in toata complexitatea lui
nici daca i-ar fi dat
sa traiasca mai multe vieti in sir.
O lume evidenta
si totodata tainica,
ascunsa vederii.
Plina, la fiecare din treptele si nevelurile ei,
se intelesuri surprinzatoare, ce ne duc cu gindul departe, dincolo de mestesugul razboiului
si chiar de cel al bataliei,
anagajindu-ne parca
intr-o avenutra
in care omul ar urmari
sa descopere
esenta originara a energiei."

The Essence of Goju Ryu ... re-visited

In June I wrote a post on The Essence of Goju Ryu, the book that was just published as a joint project between Barrett Sensei and his contributor Garry Lever. Having read the book I now present you with a  short critical review of this book, which I see it as an invaluable addition to my martial arts book collection. This article appeared on Newsgrape.

The first observation I make about this book is how fluid the writing is. I don't know why I am surprised; possibly because I expected that the concepts in this book would be difficult to understand. Instead, the reading flows and the understanding of its text follows. This, I noted is obvious from the usage of signposts that links smoothly the paragraphs and offers an overall flowing reading.I found that the explanations and examples given in support of the authors' arguments made in this book help the understanding of it. One example, is the term of chinkuchi. The authors explained this term  very well in the book and it is briefly described in the glossary too. The glossary is a section which was very useful as I am not familiar with terms that are either new or above my understanding of Goju Ryu Karate.

Another thorough explanation given is that of the link between shime whilst performing Sanchin kata and the Central Nervous System (CNS). In my understanding, the authors explain that it is very easy to 'put the breaks on' when forcing the body to cope with extraneous movements during Sanchin practice. That is, they explain because the CNS intervenes through the inhibiting factors to prevent causing damage to the body by the practitioner during Sanchin.

Moreover, reading this section in the book I understood not only that by tensing whilst doing Sanchin I do the kata incorrectly, but also that by 'putting the breaks on' because the CNS prevents me from doing damage to my body, I contribute to the stagnation of my progress in executing correctly the kata.
In a different section however, the authors answer why knowing the culture where a martial tradition was born is necessary. They argue that knowing about the Okinawan culture (in the case of Goju Ryu) and how superstitious Okinawan people are explains for instance,

'that the importance of the ancestorship should not be overlooked because they explain how come as part of their martial traditions of these island people notions such as Yoi kamae include much more than just a ready stance. They incorporate not just 'the entire wealth of experience of not only our own lifetimes, but also those of our ancestors, our teachers, and the past masters of our lineage.' (p. 83)

Furthermore, when explaining the value of Kokyu no michi (p. 92), the authors have generously complemented the writing with very good quality photos and drawings helping the reader in getting main points argued in this part. I found it immensely helpful whilst reading it and since included it into my training. Besides, the wealth of photos throughout the book is immensely helpful and particularly important in this and other parts of the book in understanding the breathing paths, the strength paths and the various thoughts on the use of Sanchin.

For me, the book also accounts as an invaluable source and a good starting point for those interested in traditional Chinese medicine. The authors explain the link between the ancient theory behind the Chinese medicine and the reason karate practitioners benefit from practising in bare feet. On page 86, they explain that by massaging certain pressure points in the feet through various turns and twists karate practitioners benefit much health wise.

In more general terms, I would divide the book in two main parts, GO and JU. The GO part would benefit more an intermediate or less experienced karateka whilst the JU would be easier to grasp by the advanced or more experienced karateka. In fact, the point at which I began to understand however that this book has far more depth than I can grasp begins with the JU section of the book.

In my effort to offer a more balanced critical review I wish to add two minor points. First, regarding the word subconscious to describe a fear anticipated by the student undergoing the shime - whilst reading it I thought that regarding the processes underlying the build-up of the anticipation needs further explanation. Hence, I found it confusing. Second, the book would benefit from having an index for when the reader wishes to make reference to a particular part or even term in the book.

No doubt, this book is a must for the likes of karateka who are precisely interested in the main topics included in this book, such as junbi undo, Sanchin kata and/or the miscellaneous thoughts on the use of Sanchin. This book is now part of my essential reading and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who wishes to endeavour into researching beyond the obviousness of Goju Ryu karate to reach its essence.

Warrior of the Light and Morihei Ueshiba

... Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, a well known martial art, used to say, “The search for peace is a way of praying, which ends up generating light and warmth. Forget a little about yourself, know that wisdom and compassion lay in that warmth. As you walk through this planet, seek to notice the true form of the heavens and of the Earth; it is possible if you don’t let yourself be paralyzed by fear and decide that all your gestures and attitudes will correspond to what you think.” Read more ... Warrior of the Light Online.

Martial Arts, Physical Ability ... and so much more!

I agree that physical ability is improved through martial arts training. I think that in this respect alone, martial arts is no different than other sports. For example, as 'Coach Carter' says to his bunch of rude and unfit basketball players 'before you can play, you need to be fit'. Only after 1000's of press-ups and running up and down the gym hall do they learn about co-ordination, team work, speed, etc. If we go beyond that however, the ecuation changes and becomes a bit more complex than flexibility + co-ordination + speed + stamina = martial arts (MAs). During the evidence review which I have carried out (with Ron Roberts) we have found evidence that goes back 30-40 years ago which suggests that MAs training contribute to the development of an entire arsenal of qualities, among them physical and mental health, control of mind and body and self-confidence. You can read more on this in my article which I posted last December (2010) and can be found here: Martial Arts and Mental Health.

Saying that, since I have written that article (2008) I have read, reasearched and learnt a lot more about what MAs can offer (and in my case Okinawan Karate). I have one thought in mind - that was very well expressed by Mike Clarke Sensei in one of his blog posts. It is somehting on the lines 'Karate does not build your character, it reveals it. It reveal who you are.' I am slowly growing into understanding how important Karate is when it comes to revealing one's character. MAs go so much further than just offering physical abilities.

David Lowry's 'Budo and Bach' essay

My Goju Ryu teacher has introduced me to the writings of David Lowry. He writes beautifully in his compilations of Essays on the Japanese Martial Arts and Ways, which I would recommend to anyone who is keen to learn about Budo traditions. In one of his essays in which Lowry explains his position on the challenges Westerners face when trying to understand the Japanese (Okinawan) way culture (and Budo), and conversely the Easterner musicians trying to get the pulse of Bach's music. In short, this is a mamouth task, Lowry says, for both, Westerners and Orientals. Incidently, I made a similar point in my book where I explained the difficulty to study as a researcher Oriental martial arts which are taught in a Western culture. I based my observation on some previous research on this topic, excerpt which I insert below:

Columbus argues that there are two problems that must be faced when conducting any study about an Oriental martial art in a Western situation - understanding the arts as Oriental arts and understanding these arts in a Western context. Based on Fuller‟s review, Columbus noted that research into the benefits of MAs has been carried out using positivist methods of investigation, which he says are less relevant when it comes to understanding Oriental styles of thinking/acting. Heavily influenced as they are by Zen Buddhism and Taoism these concepts are not easily grasped from a positivist perspective.179 In agreement with this, both Adler and Glassford argue that statistics cannot offer insights into the deep meanings of Oriental teachings and that the truth and value of these systems can only be truly realized through experience.

Moreover, Oriental MAs originated in an Eastern context that is conceptually very different from the West and that is where the other problem lies when using positivist methods to capture the complexity and subtlety of the Oriental MAs. Thus, when taken from their original culture, Oriental MAs may change their method, content, and therapeutic value. In other words, the value system changes to reflect the culture where the MA is practiced. Furthermore, in both of his psychological commentaries Jung has highlighted the difficulties encountered by Western scientific minds to understand the differences between the Eastern and the Western thinking. He says that is:
“(…) partly because of the miserable vanité de savants which fears and rejects with horror any sign of living sympathy, and partly because a sympathetic understanding might permit contact with an alien spirit to become a serious experience.”

If you got to read this far, I invite you to read the introductions to each of the chapters of my book, Psyche and Martial Arts. You can find an intro to each of the chapters when you click the buttons below the photo

A journey of Self-realisation

I have created a site called A journey of Self-realisation where I bring together some of my writings, photos and videos as well as news and thoughts on various topics. The new site  is here: A Journey of Self-realisation.
I will continue to post on Psyche and Martial Arts, and very soon I will be writing small introductions for each chapter in my book, Psyche and Martial Arts, which is long overdue.

The Essence of Goju Ryu Vol 1 ... a text book for Goju Ryu karate-ka!

I am a student, not just of Goju Ryu Karate, also an MRes (Research Masters) student and for the past eight months since I started this two-year course I had my head burried in text books and journal articles. You pick them up and read what you need to know and return to it, again and again. Of course I see value in such text books. It never gets old or expired, on the opposite it gains more value as it reveals to you what you missed from the first reading. Barrett and Lever Senseis efforts have materialised into one such book - a text book for Goju Ryu Karateka. Not having read the book yet I won't be able to make in-depth comments on the value I am going to get from it, but by looking at the contents table I already have a glimpse of the gem-quality of this essential reading.

Why I think it's an essential? Because it tells you things others keep secret or choose not to say for the sake of keeping it to themselves. In this book you will also find step by step instructions with explanations on why certain things in Goju Ryu are done the way they have been done for generations, and more importantly how it needs to be done. The how it's very difficult to find it illustrated or explained to a level that can be understood and followed. This book has that guiding quality, which is needed when you're looking for answers, and your teacher is not there to guide you. 

I am not saying this will replace a Goju Ryu Karate teacher, what I say is that this volume is a kind of guide you need when you are training on your own in between sessions with your teacher. I look forward to make the most of Barret and Lever Senseis joint long-years efforts that have materialised in this text book for Goju Ryu Karate-ka. Below is the blurp of the book and its full table of contents. See for yourself!

The Essence of Goju Ryu Vol 1

 

This book represents many years of combined research into the fascinating art of Goju Ryu Karate-Do, and is a joint work by Richard Barrett and Garry Lever concerning the relationship between Junbi Undo, Hojo Undo and Sanchin. Covering the history, correct practise,advanced Qigong and esoteric studies within these traditions, this work is aimed directly at the intermediate or advanced practitioner seeking to add greater depth to their understanding of these areas, and how to effectively apply them to the advanced classical kata of Goju Ryu. For more information read www.gojukenkyukai.blogspot.com

Introduction

Junbi undo:

The toes, The ankles, The knees, The hips Torso, Fingers and wrists, Elbows, Shoulders, Neck, Conclusion. 

Sanchin no Kenkyu (the study of Sanchin kata):

The origins of Sanchin, The introduction of Sanchin in Okinawa, Higashionna Kanryo sensei studies in China, Higashionna Kanryo returns to Okinawa, The Sanchin of Miyagi Chojun.

Two ways of Sanchin?

The emphasis of Higashionna Kanryo, The emphasis of Miyagi Chojun.

The Go and Ju of Sanchin

The Go, Shime, Guidelines to the correct application of Shime, Shime and the Central Nervous System, The Ju, Go and Ju in relation to the body, Yoi, Sanchin kata chikara michi, Kokyu no michi (the path of the breath), Ashi no chikara michi (strength paths of the legs), Ude no chikara michi (strength paths of the arms), Linking the paths, Chikara michi in relation to Sanchin, San Tanden.

Miscellaneous thoughts on the use of Sanchin

Hakkei and the Yang state, Ancient beliefs which influenced the development of kata, The Miyagi family crest. 

Conclusion

Shin Gi Tai.... the new text book for the serious martial artists

 

Shin Gi Tai: Karate Training For Body, Mind, And Spirit

Shin Gi Tai's core message is taking personal responsibility for your own karate progress and your life. Discover how to make real progess as a student of a karate dojo. Shin (Spirit) explains the 'self' in karate; Gi (Technique) examines fighting strategies, applications, and kata of karate; Tai (Body) teaches how to strenghten the body for the rigours of karate training. Learn why people spend a lifetime fighting themselves, so they don't have to fight anyone else.

----------------

In my view, Mike Clarke's Shin Gi Tai should be considered a text book not just for the serious Karate-ka, the serious Gojuryu Karate-ka, but for all martial artists. I said this after I only reading the content table, and I am convinced that it will prove to be not just an interesting read, but a text/note book for the reader who is concerned with the learning and the doing part as opposed to the theorising part of martial arts.

A good friend of mine, a Shaolin Kung-Fu practitioner, said this to me: 'You can bring the oyster to the water, but you can't make it drink!'. This book, to me, has a gem-quality-like oyster, not the kind praised for food but the one sought for its pearls. So, the pearl oyster will be out there soon and it's up to you if your pearl oyster will shine by you making the most of its contents. I can't wait till October the 16th to make my martial arts oyster shine!

Judge for yourself!

Shinseidokan dojo: Shin Gi Tai....update!- see table of contents and author's latest update on the book.

To people (and all other beings) of Japan

I am deeply shaked by the disaster caused by the natural distruction that has hit the land and lives of beings in that part of the world.

As some reporter was saying live on BBC News 'nothing (no previous preparation) prepares you for the moment when such disaster hits'. I can not imagine what it feels like when such natural disaster hits the living beings, and so my heart, my thoughts are with those who survived it and those who died in this disaster.

Be strong and keep the faith!

Others recommended:

Psyche and Martial Arts has been recommended by Mike Clarke, author of Hojo Undo and Shin Gi Tai.... click on the link to read more on his blog: Shinseidokan dojo: More Food for your Brain

Psyche and Martial Arts has also been warmly introduced by Garry Lever, author of Walking Along A Dark Path. ... 'I am very excited and proud that Cezar has achieved having this book published and am looking forward to receiving my copy from Amazon.' Click on the link to read more...Goju Kenkyukai: New Book!

The blurp of Psyche and Martial Arts has been translated in Spanish and posted on IOGKF, Madrid.

My colleague John Piedrahita, the author of Warrior Monk: Transformation has kindly commented on Psyche and Martial Arts for which I am grateful to him. He commented: '... New publication on self realization through the martial arts. It is a fantastic contribution to the field... a perfect mix between Jung and Budo.'

New book:

PSYCHE AND MARTIAL ARTS: Self-realisation through martial arts

In the last 35 years, Western scientists have acknowledged the psychological/therapeutic benefits gained through practice of Oriental martial arts. Rather recent writings of analytical psychologists have analysed the methods of ancient martial arts that combine combat with spiritual training to develop a healthy mind, body and spirit. Up to now, very limited research has been carried out into the role martial arts training plays in one's self-development. This study places martial arts in the same line with traditional somato and verbal psychotherapies concerned with psychological wellbeing. The investigative research carried out in this book follows Carl G. Jung's Analytical Psychology framework and explores the aspects and means found in the practice of martial arts and their connectedness with the process of Self-realisation. The study illustrates the journeys of seven martial artists and analyzes the meanings they make of their journeys on the Way of the Warrior to wholeness, inner peace and harmony. This book will be an interesting reading for practitioners of both fields, Psychology and martial arts or anyone interested in their own journey of personal realisation.

 

I am delighted to announce that my book has been published.
Get it from Amazon
or

Get it from the Publisher with WorldWide free delivery.

This book has been recomended by:

Shinseidokan dojo: More Food for your Brain 

Goju Kenkyukai

IOGKF Madrid, Spain (blurp kindly translated in Spanish).