by Kalynn Amadio

When you think of mortal combat, does the word art come to mind?

Of course not.

Martial arts are not only hard. They have an internal part, the softer part that develops roots in philosophical ideals often unknown to non martial artists. The fact that martial arts have two sides is an important reason why instructing children in the martial arts is a great idea.

Many parents worry that teaching their kids martial arts will make them more aggressive and more likely to fight. The opposite is actually true. And there is a fundamental reason why.

Many martial artists refer to their training in two parts. Observe the ancient Chinese symbol of yin/yang which visually tells a tale of everything having an opposite, like hot and cold, earth and heavens, fire and water.

What is referred to as external martial arts is what most people are familiar with. This is the action you enjoy on the movie screen and on television. It’s the sometimes violent or even deadly, hard hitting power that one can learn to use to overcome an opponent. But remember, that what you see on the screen is only what Hollywood deems glamorous.

A martial art is never, never taught only at its external, physical root. As with the yin-yang, the martial arts are surrounded by philosophical underpinnings of peace and harmony that form the internal, mental root. Specifically, internal martial arts study embraces the philosophy of Consequentialism or “right action.”

All actions cause reactions or consequences. The theory of “right action” is the practice of choosing to take the highest road and thereby causing the most moral results. Because this does not always come naturally to humans, martial artists believe they must actively practice choosing the the most moral course which in turn brings the best outcome for more people.

Nearly all martial arts share origins in Asian nations where Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism began. It’s not surprising that martial arts instruction adapts itself to the core philosophies of these teachings. These ideals require great patience, insight and acceptance of others.

Author Doug Cook writes of a Korean proverb that when translated states, “Peace within the individual brings peace within the family; peace in the family brings peace in the community; peace in the community, peace in the country and peace throughout the world.” The concept of “right action” to bring about peace in the individual is believed to spread virally through society and consequently, the world.

And yet, Consequentialism is just one of the internal philosophical roots of the martial arts. There are different types of kicks and stances, punches and blocks that form external martial arts. Likewise, there are many parts and variations to the internal martial arts.

Children who receive martial arts instruction learn the physical actions of self defense that build strength and increase flexibility. They become more confident and begin to absorb the philosophical ideals of good citizenship. As they learn to know the “right action” combined with this increased confidence, they become fundamentally better decision makers. It becomes apparent that defense is no longer a concern because they know how to avoid the situations that would need defending.

Suddenly, harmony around the globe doesn’t seem so far out of reach.

About the Author:
Kalynn Amadio is a 3rd dan black belt in tae kwon do. Before starting your kids in martial arts, visit her website for more on Consequentialism and Kids Taekwondo lessons. Tae kwon do is a family activity. You can get a unique content version of this article from the Uber Article Directory.