At first glance, Martial Arts and Yoga seem like opposing forces
and philosophies, but these two health maintenance systems have
more in common than meets the eye. For a moment, consider the
similarities between Tai Chi and Hatha Yoga. Within the warm up,
you notice very similar movement, philosophy, and principles.
Why does "climb the mountain" stance look so much like Warrior I
posture? Is it coincidence, luck, or a common link? Why does
Kundalini have movements that resemble punching, kicking, and
martial arts foot work? Are Kung Fu forms an extension of
Vinyasa? Each has been referred to as meditation in motion.
The place of origin, for most Asian martial arts, is agreed to
be the Shaolin Temple. Apparently, the monks at the Shaolin
temple had become very proficient at meditation, but had not
developed a health maintenance system to sufficiently train
their bodies.
In the sixth century A.D., Bhoddidharma, a visiting Buddhist
monk, from India, began to teach the monks at the Shaolin
temple, in Hunan Province, a form of physical health
maintenance, which is believed to be Yoga. It is also said that
Boddidharma was a member of the Warrior caste. Therefore, he
should also have had working knowledge of Kalarippayat; an
indigenous Indian Martial art.
Boddidharma is said to have reached a level of meditation that
was very advanced. The body can be trained to a point, but the
mind should also be trained as well. This is a cornerstone to
all martial arts training. How often have we heard about the
three conflicts of mind, body, and spirit?
This is why each martial arts school should encourage a Yoga
class. The healing aspect of Yoga is very beneficial to all
martial artists - regardless of their style. Some martial arts
centers have incorporated Yoga as part of the class schedule.
The reason was to attract mothers, who were hanging around the
waiting area, to pick up their kids.
While there is a demand for Yoga classes among women, some
martial artists, both male and female, will join in to feel the
healing benefits, meditate, increase flexibility, and much more.
The fact is, much like martial arts, there are many styles of
Yoga.
Some are very physical and demand a lot of endurance. So, there
is no end to the possibilities of where the need for Yoga can
fit within a martial arts studio. After all these years, it
looks like Yoga and martial arts will be together again.
© Copyright 2005 - Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
About the author:
Paul Jerard is the director of Yoga teacher training at Aura in
RI. He's a master instructor of martial arts and Yoga. He
teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness. He wrote: Is Running a
Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students wanting to be a
Yoga teacher.
http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org
