I have been learning/practising martial arts (chinese wushu) for
over a year and a half now. I'm able to say that I'm moderately
passionate about this art.
Although martial arts is also know as the arts of 'self-defense',
I've realised that many of the moves taught during lessons are not
only purely meant for defending oneself. For example, besides
learning how to block or avert our opponent's attacks, we are also
taught to counter-attack and hit our opponent's vita areas (i.e.
groin, throat, chest, etc).
Also, during practices, we are taught that visualisation is very
important. We have to visualise/imagine someone attacking us and
how we are going to counter their moves.
Will this in the long run leave an aggressive nature in us? Will it
leave an imprint in us such that when we somehow got ourselves into
a 'confrontation' (e.g. robbery), we are unable to prevent
ourselves from going beyond just defending ('shou xia bu lu
qing')?
But anyway, I guess the army is teaching about the same
thing.
And also, the place where my wushu training is held is full of
ants! It is unavoidable that during practices, we'll hurt the ants.
However, since martial arts is a sport that talks about discipline,
we can't really do much about these ants...