#junzi

In regards to the martial arts, I think we can learn much from the classic Chinese pedagogical method of the Six Arts, wherein martial arts (specifically archery) was to be pursued with other skills, specifically Rites, Music, Charioteering, Calligraphy, and Mathematics. These pursuits together constituted the education of a “Junzi” or “Superior Person.”

Today I see so many martial artists trying to achieve, and when not achieving at least proposing that martial arts alone is a pursuit that yields perfection of character, an assertion I wholeheartedly disagree with. There are many lessons one can glean from the diligent study and practice of martial arts, invaluable lessons, but it is not a complete method of self-actualization.

In this regard, personally I subscribe to the pursuit of excellence in five arts:

1.) Religion (Wisdom Arts)

2.) Pugilism (Martial Arts)

3.) Medicine (Healing Arts)

4.) Cooking (Culinary Arts)

5.) Calligraphy, Music etc (Fine Arts)

That said, most any of these fields can be stretched to include all of the others, but I find it more efficacious to celebrate the overlap, and let the expertise found in the specific pursuits stand on its own as a field of study.