Martial Arts Symbols

When one thinks of religion, philosophy or literature, one thinks of things like symbolism, and martial arts don't stay to far behind with a vast amount of martial arts symbols.

Unlike Western philosophy, Eastern philosophy is centered around religion and symbolism. Martial arts are symbolic representations of certain philosophies and faiths.

Tai-Chi is a good example of the symbolism of martial arts. In a way, Tai-Chi is itself a symbol of creation of the Ying, Yang and the Chi. A lot of the different moves represent mountains, water, thunder and the creation of all things. The Ying Yang symbol is also a very popular representation of martial arts, as is the triangle and the tiger.

Unlike most other sports, martial arts are based on spiritual skill as much as physical skill. A very common symbol in martial arts is the right hand fist under the left hand. This symbol is representative of spiritual skill dominating over physical skill. Among all the different martial arts symbols this one really captures what martial arts is all about; mind over matter. The inventors of the different types of martial arts had it in their vision that they would not concentrate so much on physical strength, but on respect and spiritual strength.

Another important symbol is that of the praying hands position. The right hand and the left hand are placed with palms touching as if giving a prayer and it signifies peace. The right hand symbolizes physical strength again and the left represents spiritual strength. This time though, both hands are put together, neither one dominating the other, in order to symbolize peace.

Ancient Eastern philosophers spent a lot of time worrying about more practical things than the Western philosophers. While the Westerners left the protection of their nations and their families to the military, the Eastern philosophers took warfare into their own hands and created martial arts. What better, practical use for philosophy than national security? Perhaps we should take a lesson from Eastern history and philosophy.

Passed down for thousands of years, symbols have developed certain meanings in a variety of different cultures. Symbolism is important in all aspects of human life. We crave and need it. In our religion, philosophy, literature and history, we find lots of symbolism. Martial arts symbols show us that martial arts are a little bit of everything that is important for human civilization.

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