Martial Arts Science Is Revealed Through A Study Of The Five Elements

 That there is a martial seeartscience is a fact which none can dispute, the sad news is that people hold to art, and refuse the science in their thinking. This science, however, lives and breathes in the fighting disciplines and is described in many of the books, strategies and philosophies of the arts. In this piece of writing we will discuss the distinct progression of arts that will reveal this science.

The universe can easily be separated into five distinct elements. Interestingly, though there can be disagreement as to what makes up these basic elements, the science will still be revealed. Thus, select whichever elements you choose, and apply your arts as is done here, and it will still work.

The first element one must understand is air. Air is breathed in and utilized to generate chi energy. Thus, one could do any physical discipline, yoga is very good, the study of zen is quite adequate, and begin the transmutation of the universe into personal energy.

The second element one must understand is fire, and this is the generation of chi within the body generator, known as the tan tien, or 'one point.' Fire can be created quite easily by practicing the more violent arts. This would include such fighting skills as Karate, Kenpo, Taekwondo, some of the more violent forms of Kung Fu and so on.

The third element one must understand is earth. One takes in air and generates the fire, and then connects the fire downward to the ground. This can be done in any fighting method, but a study of Tai Chi Chuan or Pa Kua Chang is usually the best for this.

The fourth element is water. Once one learns how to connect to the earth, one must learn how to be fluid and changeable, and this holds for movements, strategic shifts in fighting skills, and so on. This can be studied, again, through wudan style martial arts, but also through Aikido, and some of the more esoteric Indonesian styles.

The fifth element one must understand is void. Void is the fact of awareness, and comes through an analysis of all arts. To practice one discipline is to study a piece of the whole, is like examining one vegetable and assuming you know them all.

The conclusion here, the message, if you will, is that one must apply oneself to all arts and learn their juxtapositioning. One must examine and see their inter-relationships, and understand them as a whole. This is the only way to truly master the fighting skills, and to understand the complete and whole Martial Arts Science.