158. Genchitaofu Baguazhang's Wude - 艮氣道福八卦掌の武德 (☴/☶)

☳ Originally the divide between internal and external martial arts was socio-political. "Internal" meant it came from homegrown Taoism, while "external" meant it's origins were Buddhist, which originally came from the Indian subcontinent. Later as the Qing Dynasty was coming to an end, many of the internal masters were actively involved directly or indirectly with the Qing government. ☴ This involvement sprang from being a high ranking martial arts instructor teaching princes to running armed private security firms. Hence the current obsession by Asian governments to keep a watchful eye on martial activities. ☵ And while it is tempting to claim that martial artists have always been honourable in their dealings, the historical facts show that once in a while ambitions go way beyond mere turf wars between rival schools and become full-blown wars like the Taiping Civil War of the 1850's. ☲ One can also try to claim that their masters were nothing but healers. But he who knows how to heal also knows how to harm. So while MMA fighters know how to fight in the ring and win, they are not practitioners of death. Winning means they get paid, and ultimately as their fighting careers come to an end, they get access to job opportunities not available to non-martial artists. They need to fight and win to put rice on the table. ☶ In Asia, being a martial artist is more than just fighting and money. It's about having a position and role in the community that at times feels more like a burden than a privilege. You are expected to hold up certain values and ideals by your very being. And unlike in the West, namely America, it is not optional. In Europe, where titles still matter, upholding that office of rank is still expected. ☱ A lot of what has been learnt in the West regarding martial ethics or Wude 武德, has been modified through American culture. And so there is a widely held belief that Wude 武德 can be conveniently ignored. ☰ I have learnt through experience of practicing my Genchitaofu Baguazhang 艮氣道福八卦掌 form, that Wude 武德 is the proving ground between what happens in the dojo and what actually happens out there in the real world with the people and environs we in habit. And it is in the experiencing of Wude 武德 that we find out what our martial arts is actually for. ☷ Sadly most martial artists nowadays when confronted with the challenges of Wude 武德 tend to quit and give up martial arts. Sure, one may argue about money and family et cetera. But these are all part of the Wude 武德 experience. They exist to prove to yourself and those around you whether you are for real or just playing around...You can win fight after fight in the ring but if you cannot master Wude, martial arts will forever be just a fairweather hobby.