Martial Arts The Way to Peace A


s any martial artist will tell you, there are numerous benefits to martial arts training. The physical benefits are no secret—martial arts involves fighting techniques and


by Beth Davis “An outstanding aspect of BJJ is that, unlike many other


physical exercise, learning to defend oneself in potentially dan- gerous situations, and increasing flexibility and coordination to name a few. What is not so well known is the mental, emotional, and sometimes spiritual element of martial arts. From the very beginning, martial arts students learn valuable mental and life skills including focus, discipline, patience, acceptance, self-re- spect and respect for others, confidence, and even inner peace. Various forms of martial arts (and there are hundreds) fit


different needs; so finding the discipline that is right for you is sometimes half the battle. Here, we discuss some of the different forms and the people that love them.


Erik Harris A certified Qi Gong practitioner and energy healer, Harris offers programs at Wu Healing Center designed to bring awareness to Chi (life force energy) and the ability it has to transform all aspects of life. Focus is on the body, mind, and spirit connection to show the inherent qualities within all of us that promote self-healing. His classes introduce a series of gentle standing exercises


that focus on allowing energy to flow freely through the merid- ians of the body. The exercises are relaxing and energizing at the same time, allowing students to feel a greater sense of well-being and a deeper connection with life. Harris says he finds that, “Qi Gong and Tai Chi allows us to empty our minds by focusing on the energy that flows through us. With the focus on Chi awareness comes to the present moment. In the present moment all things are possible.”


Jeff Giroux Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a popular ground-grappling martial arts system first developed before WWII in Brazil from a modified form of Judo. Jeff Giroux, who runs Giroux Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Glastonbury, says BJJ endorses the concept that a smaller, weaker person using leverage and good technique can defend himself or herself on the ground against a larger, stronger opponent. It can be trained for self-defense, sport tournaments, and mixed martial arts competition. Sparring and live resisting partner drilling play a major role in training.


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martial arts, you can practice at 100 percent speed and power, meaning you don’t have to ‘pull punches’ so to speak,” says Gi- roux. “That might sound like a scary proposition but as effective as BJJ is, it is still a very gentle art and you can practice all day long and not suffer injuries.”


Margaret Thomas Traditional Shotokan Karate is the style of choice at Karate Spirit in Coventry. According to chief instructor, Margaret Thomas, the practice has many benefits, including physical fitness, improved concentration, respect, and self-defense. Although these benefits are personal, they also provide peacemaking skills for the modern world. Classes are available to adults and kids and usually have three aspects: basic techniques such as blocks, strikes and kicks; sparring to help develop timing, distance, and intuitive reactions; and forms to improve mental resolve and personal discipline. Karate Spirit is a member school of the Japan Karate Associa-


tion (JKA), the largest and oldest unified karate organization in the world. Thomas is a 6th degree black belt, having more than 30 years of experience. Her goal as a teacher is to help all students become healthy, spirited, resilient, and kind. “Karate practice can lead us to a universe of self-discovery, with a reward of self-mas- tery and the revelation of the connectedness of all things.”


Thomas Hine Another fan of Shotokan Karate, Thomas Hine spends his days as managing member of Capital Wealth Management, LLC, where he applies the foundational principles of martial arts each and ev- ery day. He has competed at the international level and is highly credentialed as a shotokan karate instructor. He credits his 30 years of practicing martial arts for giving him self-confidence in everyday life, leading him to excel professionally in both corpo- rate and entrepreneurial environments. Hine says not only has shotokan improved his physical


fitness and flexibility, but he has a better understanding of body dynamics and a greater ability to defend himself. “It has taught me humility and integrity, and held me to a higher standard,” he explains. “I have also gained a greater awareness of my surround- ings, and the ability to control my emotions in high pressure situations.”


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