The term "martial art" is used in Western society to describe a wide variety of Asian combative systems and sports. The word martial, in martial arts, is derived from the name of the ancient Roman god of war, Mars. The Asian martial arts are grounded in a rich heritage of blood and honor, and they have a great deal to offer serious students. Unfortunately, in most modern schools that heritage has been lost. Sadly, most Western martial artists know little about what is and is not martial arts.

The majority of Westerners envision Buddhist Monks hurling themselves through the air and executing any number of techniques before hitting the ground. Some think that anyone who practices martial arts can break a stack of concrete slabs in one simple blow. While there are many martial artists that can accomplish these feats it takes years of practice and training before any of these can be done.

Simply enrolling in a martial arts school or program isn't going to turn a person into the next Bruce Lee overnight. It takes years of practice and study in a particular discipline before one is even able to truly begin to understand the style which the s

There is much more to be gained from following the martial arts than technical proficiency and the external rewards of athletic success. A true understanding of the martial way opens the door to a rich heritage of ethical principles, training approaches, and esoteric philosophies that can enrich ones martial arts experience and sharpen the ability to defend oneself.

"I do Karate on Tuesdays and Thursdays; other nights I bowl or play cards..."

The true study of martial arts is by no means a part-time pursuit. It is a way of life. It is an entire discipline aimed at the pursuit of excellence, not just in the training hall, but at life. It's disciples strive to apply the way in every aspect and it's practitioners tend to be achievers in any field of endeavor. This is what separates the martial arts from other pursuits and makes it so unique. Where one may play a sport or have a hobby, one lives the martial way.

In America, many students turn to the marital arts to learn how to defend themselves from the bully at school or work, or to feel more confident while out at night. Others belong to karate or judo clubs and follow the tournament circuit collecting as many trophies as possible. They have little interest in learning complex philosophical concepts or ethical ideas from past warrior societies.

That, up

Some common words found in the essay are:
Kata It's, Academy West, Bruce Lee, Fighting Arts, Buddhist Monks, Martial Arts, Mars Asian, martial arts, Sadly Western, Douglas MacArthur, Tuesdays Thursdays, martial artists, rich heritage, combative systems, martial art, takes practice,
Approximate Word count = 889
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)