Abstract - About the philosophy of Japanese martial arts – questions and answers
The profile of Roland Maroteaux, Ph.D. has been presented (8th Dan in aikijutsu, hanshi). The author described his own 40-year experience in martial arts. Answering W. J. Cynarski’s questions he ex;plains the essence of the budo philosophy. He clarifies the difference betweensport and martial arts. “The first one comes from the battlefield whereas the other from the entertainment” he explains. “Sport is indispensable for the youth, who need to test thejmselves in the convention of a real combat, being able to comfort to the rules of victory and defeat.It is like the “rule of stronger”. Martial arts, however, elevate an individual into another dimension of spirituality and mastery. That is the reason why being achampion in sport is only a momentary experience whereas being a master of martial arts is a permanent state. This means that is in the convention of martial arts, one becomes a masterforever.”
R. J. Maroteaux reveals the nature of martial arts studies combining discovering their techniques, history and philosophy. Improvement of the body shape is followedby the enchacement of the mind. Techniques are a means of body shaping and spiritual development. It is often the case that the result of this development is a revival, the opposite to illusion. Contemporary martial arts philosophy is based upon the idea of “non-action in action” leading to wisdom. It requires a great effortthat lasts throughout the whole life, and eventually leads to Tao rule, which seeks balance between the body and the spirit. The author enumerates the most important principles of the martial law path, which include conformity to the knightly code of honour, obedience to teachers and mentors, avoiding acts of violence, courtesy, respect and nobleness. According to the author these values comprise the rule of living and are of deep ethical sense.