Martial Arts: Part One

 

I’ve been training in martial arts for over thirty years. I hold a second degree black belt in Hapkido and am currently a candidate for a second degree belt in Kuk Sool Won. I also trained in Tae Kwon Do and Mixed Martial arts, (MMA). So it’s natural to include what I’ve learned in my stories. That applies to much more than fight scenes.

Mention martial arts to people who haven’t trained and you get a variety of reactions, and a lot of misinterpretation. I had a relative who dismissed my involvement as “something little kids do.” Needless to say, I never cared for that relative. Others think of martial arts as something mysterious, steeped in Eastern mysticism and consisting of gravity defying kicks and punches, that allow you to overcome fifty to one odds.  

Unfortunately, the way the arts are portrayed in TV and movies is usually bad. The moves are unrealistic, and frankly, ridiculous. Everything is for dramatic effect. Kicks are more appropriate for the ballet. They wouldn’t hurt anyone. Exceptions are when real martial artists are involved. Check YouTube for Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris and you’ll see what I mean.

 In my stories, my experience helps in many ways. Fight scenes are obvious. I choreograph them to imagine which moves are the most realistic. The next step is describing them in a way that clearly conveys the action without getting bogged down in detail. Some scenes in The Wizards of Llandwellyn books combine magic with fighting skill. Why not dispatch one opponent in a skirmish with a spin kick and another with a blast of fire? It all depends on the situation.

Beyond fighting, the self-discipline, determination and respect learned during training shape several of my characters. In the first book, The Demon Wizard, the wizard Gilman meets Daiman, who helps rescue Gilman from an ambush by magically enhanced opponents. Gilman is shaken by the attack. But he is impressed with Daiman’s calmness. Daiman reveals he was trained by a mysterious wizard who taught him the physical and mental aspects of martial arts. He offers to teach Gilman. The lessons help dispel self-doubts that plague Gilman and enable him to become more assertive.

None of my martial arts characters are invincible, if they were, the stories would be predictable and boring. They are always striving to get better and realize there is more to learn. It’s like that in real life. Kuk Sool Won’s motto is “We need more practice.” Another relevant quote is from the original The Karate Kid. Daniel asks Mr. Miyagi if he got into fights when he was young. Mr. Miyagi says he got into plenty. Daniel replies, “But you knew karate.” The response, “Always someone who knows a little more.”