MONGOOSE-WITHIN-A-CIRCLE ACADEMY, LLC™
PROFESSIONAL MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTION
INTERNAL ARTS AND MEDITATION
The understanding of natural, complete breathing is fundamental to any practice of the martial arts. The breath is the unifying element that calms the mind, relaxes the body, and fills the spirit. The ancient Chinese believed that the complete breath is the foundation of the body's natural energy, or 'chi'. This is the main component for balance and correct focus, maintaining not only calmness, but awareness. By modern Western modes of perception, this can be seen as a 'bioelectric energy', encompassing our whole physical being and connecting all of it as a fusion. As well as calming the conscious mind, this directed, mindful way of breathing aids in nourishing and re-vitalizing the body. A calm mind allows us much greater focus, and a deeper connection to the processes of our subconscious. The mind becomes sharper, and the subconscious is allowed to operate without external constraints. With this deep conditioning, we can operate much more fluidly and balanced in any dynamic- whether it is personal healing, self understanding, or even threats to our survival and well-being. 'Seeing with open eyes' as we often say.
Internal conditioning allows us to move in a balanced integration of mind and body. We mindfully direct this balanced fusion to condition ourselves to function very efficiently and with enhanced focus and intention. By conditioning this mind/body dynamic, we develop enhanced mental preparedness (very necessary in every aspect of our lives, especially in these turbulent and uncertain times). This balanced training deepens our understanding of our own internal strengths, and increases our ability to recognize and utilize natural energies. In a martial context, this allows us to 'flow like water, strike like iron'. We are actively nourishing and energizing ourselves on a cellular level, as we are conditioning to operate effectively.
The self- awareness achieved by this training provides us the tools to not only defend ourselves (or others) from aggression, but to take full responsibility for our own lives.
"The empty hand can save your life,
the empty mind can cause you to fail in all that you attempt.
The empty heart will cause you to self-destruct.
Seek the Balance.
You must seek that which lies within, perfecting the inner strength-
developing a right spirit, always knowing who you are, being always faithful to yourself.
Aid to others adds healing to oneself.
Happiness is not a place one visits, or a thing one may purchase, but is found within."
- Grandmaster Yuen Khan
