Martial Arts and Yoga

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

I’ve been a martial artist for most of my life and love the path I’m on. By comparison I’m a serious neophyte in Yoga, but am already enjoying my journey in it and learning more about myself with the help of those that share Yoga with me. Namaste to you all…

My QUESTION: How many of you are martial artists as well as yogi??
What has your experience been like with these two together in your life? In the Niyama concerning non-violence, how do you reconcile the two? What, if any, have been the challenges of these combined paths for you??

Thank you

Your Brother
John

#2

I teach Yoga and I do Aikido and Kali. And sometimes do cross training in JKD and Jiu Juitsu.

Interesting, but most of Martial arts philosophy promote NON_VIOLENCE as well.
What Martial art do you do?

#3

Of course, you intention on practicing MA is important. One is practicing to lean how to injure or kill people, and another practicing to lean philosophy, defend and protect himself or others.

#4

I teach a style that’s a blend of American Kenpo Karate and Yoshin Ryu Jujutsu.
I’m also a student of a system called “Sikal” which is a hybrid system of Pentjak Silat and Inosanto Kali. Though I’m not nearly advanced enough yet, I hope to oneday teach Sikal.

I agree with what you said about the martial ways advocating non-violence. That’s exactly how I see it also. But I’ve met some yogi who feel that practicing a ‘way of fighting’ is too much along the lines of a lifestyle of violence. I feel they’re misinformed about what it means to be a martial artist…but in the end we each agreed to disagree. That’s why I was interested in hearing from others who are both martial artists and yogi.

My view is that I actually promote peace by my study and instruction in the martial arts.

Thank you

Your Brother
John

#5

Great topic! I was knee deep in yoga, QI Gong & Tai Chi years ago and had difficulty reconciling the actual practicing of it all. The ‘push hands’ got intense with some people and I felt the need to back off the MA training. I think the greatest benefit of both practices is the self awareness and self control. It seemed as if the yoga cleared ‘big channels’ and the Qi Gong cleared ‘smaller channels’, if that makes any sense. I got so weird with all the energy that I decided to back off and return to serious music study with the same intensity.

I think the simultaneous study of yoga and MA is great; I just found myself in a situation where the MA studies were leading me into an arena of borderline combat and I didn’t feel like staying in that environment at that time. I totally agree that MA ultimately teaches non-violence if we are willing to go past the part of us that can be triggered to ‘win’.

Good luck on your quest!

Peace,
J

#6

I did Arnis for many years, and dabbled a bit in Tai Chi; I’ve started practicing yoga very recently.

I see no conflict whatsoever, for the reasons you alreday named. Martial arts teach great respect for one’s own body and ablities and for other human beings. You bow before your partner and your teacher - as you do in yoga.

#7

[QUOTE=sacredyogamusic;31475]I think the greatest benefit of both practices is the self awareness and self control. It seemed as if the yoga cleared ‘big channels’ and the Qi Gong cleared ‘smaller channels’, if that makes any sense. I got so weird with all the energy that I decided to back off and return to serious music study with the same intensity.

I think the simultaneous study of yoga and MA is great; I just found myself in a situation where the MA studies were leading me into an arena of borderline combat and I didn’t feel like staying in that environment at that time. I totally agree that MA ultimately teaches non-violence if we are willing to go past the part of us that can be triggered to ‘win’.
[/QUOTE]

Thank you for the thought provoking reply.
A part of what I study/train in concerns what’s called Kyushojitsu (Japanese) or Dian-Xue (in Chinese) and has to do with the cultivation of Ki (chi or Qi in Chinese). It’s not identical to Qi-Gong, but they’re considered ‘brothers’ in a manner. I know what you mean about the small channels and the big. It’s actually a good way to put it! (in other words, I’m gonna steal your words :wink: )

You make an excellent point about getting past the human impulse to ‘compete’. I had a friend teach me both chi-sao and push hands. In both of them he emphasized striving without ‘ego’. It was a good lesson for me at that time too.
Thank you

Your Brother
John

#8

Hi! Nice thread!

I’m a taekwondo black belt. Yoga and taekwondo seem to go well together, for me at least.

Ultimately, humans are warring creatures, or they have been as far back through history as we can go. Being able to protect yourself is a wonderful skill, plus it’s a way to know your body better. As for the violence of combat and sparring, it’s in a safe environment, performed with respect for ourselves and our opponents and is terrific fun!

I’ve read about people having conflicts with combat sports and yoga, and have heard teachers advise them that in time, and with sufficient personal evolution, they will want to give up their sport, which has seemed a shame to me.

#9

[QUOTE=Pesilat-Yogi;31472]
I’ve met some yogi who feel that practicing a ‘way of fighting’ is too much along the lines of a lifestyle of violence. I feel they’re misinformed about what it means to be a martial artist…
John[/QUOTE]

Your are absolutely right. Some people like to talk about something they have never tried or have a very slight idea.

[U]No doubts[/U] that from bodily point of view yoga compliment MA just fine.

[U]The spiritual question is more compromising.[/U]
Here your intent is important. I were to many MA schools and I did not like some of them, because instructors were just bully slaughters…
Someone here have brought good point about the energy Ki, chi, qi,… Next time ask the yogi if they have a any similar energy in yoga philosophy:)

#10

[QUOTE=CityMonk;31526]Your are absolutely right. Some people like to talk about something they have never tried or have a very slight idea.

[U]No doubts[/U] that from bodily point of view yoga compliment MA just fine.

[U]The spiritual question is more compromising.[/U]
Here your intent is important. I were to many MA schools and I did not like some of them, because instructors were just bully slaughters…
Someone here have brought good point about the energy Ki, chi, qi,… Next time ask the yogi if they have a any similar energy in yoga philosophy:)[/QUOTE]

Thank you Anastacia

Ones intent speaks volumes about ones inner life! I think you and I may have run into some of the same type of budoka. Some very fine with a heart of Gold! Others, not so fine…with an ego like a lead anchor. It motivates me to be the best instructor I can be, to influence those whom I share my path with…so that I’m sharing far more than just "Now…place your foot Here…"
Never know, I may intercept some of those with poor intent, influence them and help them shed their ‘anchor’.

You bring up another excellent point too: Prana and Qi / Chi / Ki are VERY interrelated concepts. I read or hear Guru/Yogi speaking of prana, it’s cultivation or control…how to breathe or visualize it…and it takes me back to memories of my sensei or even to some discussions I had with his wife of how she “held her thoughts” while painting a still life.
Thank you again for the thoughtful responses!

Namaste

Your Brother
John

#11

I do yoga and wushu, not so much anymore but. Wushu (taolu) has almost no “violence” at all. It is mostly about performing beatiful. So, you could always change to wushu :wink: :smiley:

#12

[QUOTE=Danny;31539]I do yoga and wushu, not so much anymore but. Wushu (taolu) has almost no “violence” at all. It is mostly about performing beatiful. So, you could always change to wushu :wink: :D[/QUOTE]
No need to change, but thanks.
Wushu is indeed beautiful. I’ve always appreciated the power and grace they move with.

#13

I’m sure NO ONE OF US would think about non-violence when in the BIg-city slums, human-like creature with the knife in hands would jump on your back just to take your $1o…

#14

The founder of Yin Yoga, Master Paulie Zink was also (multiple times) a martial arts world champion (Kung Fu). He is GREAT. If you can ever attend one of his workshops, you’ll be glad you did.

#15

[QUOTE=David;31593]The founder of Yin Yoga, Master Paulie Zink was also (multiple times) a martial arts world champion (Kung Fu). He is GREAT. If you can ever attend one of his workshops, you’ll be glad you did.[/QUOTE]

I’ve not met Master Zink, but I’ve seen some of his gung-fu performances, especially his “Monkey” performances and he’s VERY amazing! I take it that “Yin Yoga” is an amalgamation of Yoga and Qi-Gong or at least TCM theory???

Thanks

BTW: Where does Master Zink teach at?

#16

I’ve found this to be rather informative regarding Yin Yoga.

I don’t know where Master Zink teaches, sorry. He did multiple workshops over the years at a yoga studio I used to attend in Phoenix, AZ.

A couple videos worth watching:


#17

[QUOTE=CityMonk;31592]I’m sure NO ONE OF US would think about non-violence when in the BIg-city slums, human-like creature with the knife in hands would jump on your back just to take your $1o…[/QUOTE]
Very true.
Plus: The way I view it, my skills and personal cultivation is for those I Love ((( which is a circle I’m striving to expand ))) so that THEY can feel at peace knowing that I’ll do my all to keep them safe from harm. In that way the violence that I CAN doll out is (hopefully) karmically (is that a word?) balanced by the love I’m giving to those in need of protection.

Also: in the execution of my skills I strive to be economical and ONLY do as much as is needed to end the confrontation and thus limit the potential for harm for everyone: Even the attacker. (once they are nullified)

#18

I used to practice Tai-chi and Qi-Gong along with yoga. I love Thai chi because it distribute energy in to all chakras of the body and brings equilibrium were yoga is mostly concerned only about seven chakras. Yoga can create sudden imbalances in the body; Taichi can correct that. And the most interesting thing is that I can dance, Meditate , exercise at the same time.
But my favorite meditation is Qi-Gong standing meditation.Lots of energy can be stored by that. The pleasure of keeping the eyes open and calmly looking far in that posture is an outstanding experience.

Here the relation of various martial arts and spirituality is well explained
http://www.lifepositive.com/body/martial-arts/martial-arts.asp

#19

My previous yoga teacher used to start classes with qigong as warm up, and the second half of the class was yoga. That was quite nice I think. Good combination.

#20

[QUOTE=Shivoham;31681] Yoga can create sudden imbalances in the body; Taichi can correct that. [/QUOTE]

Not certain I agree. Maybe I just misunderstand you. How or in what way does yoga create imbalances? I’ve experienced the opposite.
thanks

Qi-Gong standing meditation, I couldn’t agree more! I’ve never had a totally static position liberate my mind MORE.