PHILOSOPHY OF THE MARTIAL ARTS

Underlying the Martial Arts of China, such as Shaolin Ch?uan Fa (Shaolin Fist Law), are a combination of Eastern philosophies, particularly Taoism (pronounced ?DOW-ism?) and Buddhism. Taoism is a philosophy of living and learning in harmony with the ?Way of Nature?, the Tao. The principles of Taoism include harmony, simplicity and natural action. Buddhism is a philosophy emphasizing the attainment of enlightenment through reason and meditation. The ideals of both Taoism and Buddhism provide the philosophical foundation upon which the mental and physical aspects of the Martial Arts are built.
In Taoism, the principles of harmony and balance, Yin and Yang, are reflected in the symbol of a circle divided into two teardrops-shaped halves, one black and one white, each containing a small circle of the opposing color. The Yin and Yang represent the principle of opposites found in all aspects of life and the universe-such as soft and hard, light and dark. In the Martial Arts, we seek to balance opposites are never static, but constantly yielding and overcoming. One never completely eliminates the other, as both are equal and both are necessary.
Simplicity is expressed in the Taoist concept of the ?uncarved block.? Here things, including people, in their original simplicity contain their own natural power. Taoism teaches us to utilize natural gifts to our advantage. In the Martial Arts, people are taught according to their personal attributes, such as size and strength. There is no perfect technique for everyone. One person may feel more comfortable with the balanced movements of the Crane, while another excels at the powerful techniques of the Tiger. Inner nature of instinct, directs the Martial Artist toward movements that work best for the individual. This is the principle of the ?uncarved block? that becomes sculpted according to each person?s needs.
One of the most characteristic aspects of Taoism is the principle of the natural action, Wu-Wei. It simply means to act with, not against, the forces of nature. Strictly aggressive, combative behavior leads to failure; Wu-Wei teaches us to work with nature. In the Martial Arts, this is exemplified by the principle that our movements depend on those of the opponent. We yield to force and then overcome with superior technique.
Taoism bas become an integral part of the Chinese Martial Arts. ?Harmony of the mind and body,? ?Simplicity of technique,? ?Yield and overcome?- principles such as these are emphasized in Martial Arts training. By applying them to techniques, we are successful at combat: by applying them to life, we achieve happiness. The Taoist view emphasizes that Marital Arts, like life, is a journey, not and end in itself. Understanding and practicing the ?Way of Nature? will allow one to achieve success in both.
Buddhism, particularly Ch?an Buddhism of China also known of Zen Buddhism in Japan, has also heavily influenced the evolution of the Martial Arts. Buddhism emphasizes the mind and its capacity, through reason and meditation, to attain enlightenment. Zen teaches that everyone can achieve enlightenment, final peace and knowledge, and that everyone possesses the means to this self-realization. Various methods have been developed to achieve this goal, such as the Koan, which is a story or problem, such as, ? what is the sound of one hand clapping?? At fist, Koans many seem irrational or paradoxical, but are ultimately intended to bring about spontaneous enlightenment. Buddhism has exercised profound influence on the Martial Arts, particularly with its emphasis on meditation. Calming the mind and developing breath control are common objective of Martial Arts meditation. Buddhism teaches us that meditation also can be the path to self-realization.
Taoist and Buddhist philosophies are inseparable parts of the Chinese Martial Arts tradition. The fighting arts grew out of these philosophical roots. Understanding their principles and concepts allows the Martial Artist to appreciate better and succeed at, both the art of combat and the art of living. Many books have been written on these subjects. Utilize them!

MEDITATION
Tuning and Training the Mind,
Just as an Athlete Trains his Body?
Meditation does for the mind what Martial Arts training or any other good physical exercise program does for the body: it strengthens, relaxes, and detoxifies. When properly practiced, meditation will give you a greater efficiency and enthusiasm in everyday life, as well as a different perspective of reality-a higher state of consciousness, which will improve your study of the Martial Arts.
Greater efficiency in life through meditation can be accomplished by becoming one-minded. If you live life like a running river, which swiftly flows toward its goal without stopping, then like the river, no impurity can accumulate within you. No matter how many tress and boulders get in the way, the river continues towards the ocean; therefore, despite obstacles in your path, you must keep advancing towards the ocean; therefore, despite obstacles in your path, you must keep advancing towards your goal. This is singleness of purpose.
Singleness of purpose means learning to concentrate on one thing at one time, shutting out all distractions. Meditation can help you empty your mind of every unnecessary or negative thought, enabling you to reduce the stress that makes you inefficient and unhealthy, thus extending your life. A study conducted at Harvard University and reported in the December 1989 issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Biology, I stated that ?meditation does lower blood pressure, improve mental functions, and extends your life span.? It was further reported that meditation creates a high wakefulness, an alert state of mind that combats atrophy of the mind, and also creates a deep restfulness that relieves stress from the nervous system. This stress relief will reduce the ?wear and tear? on you mind, body, and spirit, thus improving your overall vitality and zest for every day life.

THE LOGO OF UNITED STUDIOS OF SELF DEFENSE

ŇA LIVING LEGENDÓ

United Studios of Self Defense is very proud of our distinctive and dynamic logo. Over the years, many people have asked what the logo represents. To accurately describe our logoŐs intricate meaning, the logo must be broken down into many components.

The core of the United Studios of Self Defense logo is the Bonsai Tree. The history of the Bonsai Tree dates as far back as 900 A.D., when Chinese and Japanese aristocrats cultivated the in their homes. Bonsai Trees did not become widespread in Japan until the late 1800Ős.

The philosophical basis of the Bonsai Tree lies in the traditional Oriental love and respect for nature. Indeed, the Bonsai Tree personifies manŐs fascination with nature and mankindŐs ability to adapt to nature. The main qualities the Bonsai Tree symbolizes are Wisdom, Adaptability, Strength, Character, Truth, and Longevity, attributes we at United Studios of Self Defense feel are the key characteristics to help our students lead successful more happy, healthy and successful lives.

It is said that the Bonsai Tree has Wisdom because of its patience perseverance, and use as a receptacle of more than 1,000 years of knowledge developed by past and present Bonsai masters. This is similar to the Shaolin Kempo forms and techniques you will learn at United Studios of Self Defense.

The Bonsai Tree has Adaptability because it can live under unusual and quite difficult conditions. The small container that holds the roots of the Bonsai Tree is a microcosm of the world where all the elements blend, just as we must blend with nature and co-exit with all Humankind to survive.

The Strength of the Bonsai Tree is centered in its roots, for with out roots, which the tree could not live. This parallels the basic techniques and stances that are the roots of all Martial Arts.

The Bonsai Tree is filled with Character. The BonsaiŐs exemplifies this powerful, enduring posture, and its novel and unique appearance.

The Truth of the Bonsai Tree is in its natural beauty and never ending quest to right itself and grow towards heaven.

The Bonsai TreeŐs Longevity speaks for itself, as some grow and prosper and grow for hundreds of years. This is a tribute to the Bonsai and its oneness with nature, a goal all of us should achieve through hard work and discipline.

The green foliage of the Bonsai Tree symbolizes Life, while the brown trunk and bark signifies Death. This is a representation of the universal symbol of all Martial Arts-Ying and Yang.

Its is no coincidence that the style we teach at United Studios of Self Defense is Shaolin Kempo, a Martial Arts system that we ca traced back to ChinaŐs Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of all Martial Arts. Shaolin literally means. ŇLittle Pine Tree ForestÓ, so named for the area surrounding the Temple on the Shao Shih Peak of Song Mountain in Henan Province.

Kosho-Ryu Kempo, the Japanese translation for Shaolin Kempo Arts, means ŇOld Pine Tree StyleÓ. The Bonsai Tree indeed has a lot of meaning for us at United Studios of Self Defense!

In the logo we see the glowing sun, whose rays are necessary for all life. Is the sun rising or setting? This is unimportant. It is important to understand that life runs in cycles-new beginnings (sunrises), endings (sunsets), and constant change. One must learn to accept these cycles and harmonize your life with the. The study and practice of the Martial Arts will help you achieve this harmony of mind , body, and spirit.

The characters to the right of the logo translate to the style and system of Martial Arts we teach-Shaolin Kempo ŇThe Law of the FistÓ. Over the past 2,00 years, Shaolin Kempo has been refined by a long time of Martial Arts Masters into the oldest, most comprehensive fighting art in existence.

Just as Sun and the Bonsai Tree represent the Old World, the logoŐs black and white line graphics depict the modern world. We at United Studios of Self Defense take a very traditional approach to the Martial Arts. However, it is our responsibility and duty to you, the student, to constantly upgrade our self-defense techniques for maximum effectiveness in a world filled with unique, and sometimes life threatening situations. It is a matter of applying the proper technique to the situation; what a Chinese rice farmer armed with a staff would have done to defend himself three hundred years ago has little application on todayŐs mean streets. At United Studios of Self Defense, we teach the most effective techniques available to deal with any situation that may arise.

Geometrically, the entire logo is composed of lines and circles. This is very indicative of the Shaolin Kempo fighting arts- to use the like to overcome the circle, and the circle to overcome the line. As you progress in your Martial Arts training, your instructor will show you the importance and proper execution of this powerful fighting concept.

Perhaps the most significant overall aspect of our logo is its enduring beauty and non-violent nature, principles that reflect the true meaning of the Martial Arts. On one hand, to use your Martial Arts training to avoid physical confrontation and walk away from trouble if you can; on the other hand, to be mentally and physically confident in your Martial Arts ability should violence threaten you, your loved ones, or the innocent and helpless.

Our logo at United Studios of Self Defense is very special to us. We hope it becomes special and meaningful to you. Wear the United Studios of Self Defense logo proudly on you uniform and your heart. As you have learned, the United Studios of Self Defense logo has a long and treasured history filled with meaning.

With your support our tree will continue to grow and sprout new branches as continue to open studios and promote the Martial Arts on a national and international level.

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