Martial Arts Union-(Part 1)

Author: Wan Laisheng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: Chinese martial arts, indeed, are extremely profound. On a small scale, they protect oneself and strengthen muscles and bones; on a large scale, they defend against external aggression and serve the nation. They can turn the weak into the strong and the timid into the brave—it is no empty talk. In the past, when firearms were not yet developed, martial arts were highly valued. However, after the Boxer Rebellion in the year Gengzi, they gradually declined, which is truly a misfortune for Chinese martial arts! This is because scholars lacked high knowledge and were mostly itinerant performers who deceived the public with false claims, leading to the current situation. Later, the nation collectively regarded martial arts as a dangerous path, viewing the practice of martial arts as a lowly pursuit. This was indeed an overreaction—like discarding the entire medicine because of a single bitter pill. The Chinese people are excessively fond of trends, an undeniable fact, which has led to the neglect and rejection of our traditional martial arts heritage, while instead learning superficial techniques from foreigners—is this not a cause for remorse? Today, scholars often complain of "weak bodies that cannot bear responsibility" or "frequent illnesses that cannot handle heavy tasks," while poets and writers take pride in being able to rely on medicine and tea for their talents—this is the air of a declining nation! In such a situation, where both the government and the people advocate for illness and excel at complaining about it, can we avoid the ridicule of the sick and the fear of national decline? Although martial arts have now become a subject in schools, it is merely a formality with very few students—merely a way to decorate the exterior and seek fame.