The Foundation of Martial Arts: Yoga

At first glance, Martial Arts and Yoga seem likeknowledge of Kalarippayat; an indigenous Indian
opposing forces and philosophies, but these twoMartial art.
health maintenance systems have more inBoddidharma is said to have reached a level of
common than meets the eye. For a moment,meditation that was very advanced. The body
consider the similarities between Tai Chi and Hathacan be trained to a point, but the mind should also
Yoga. Within the warm up, you notice very similarbe trained as well. This is a cornerstone to all
movement, philosophy, and principles.martial arts training. How often have we heard
Why does "climb the mountain" stance look soabout the three conflicts of mind, body, and spirit?
much like Warrior I posture? Is it coincidence, luck,This is why each martial arts school should
or a common link? Why does Kundalini haveencourage a Yoga class. The healing aspect of
movements that resemble punching, kicking, andYoga is very beneficial to all martial artists -
martial arts foot work? Are Kung Fu forms anregardless of their style. Some martial arts
extension of Vinyasa? Each has been referred tocenters have incorporated Yoga as part of the
as meditation in motion.class schedule. The reason was to attract
The place of origin, for most Asian martial arts, ismothers, who were hanging around the waiting
agreed to be the Shaolin Temple. Apparently, thearea, to pick up their kids.
monks at the Shaolin temple had become veryWhile there is a demand for Yoga classes among
proficient at meditation, but had not developed awomen, some martial artists, both male and
health maintenance system to sufficiently trainfemale, will join in to feel the healing benefits,
their bodies.meditate, increase flexibility, and much more. The
In the sixth century A.D., Bhoddidharma, a visitingfact is, much like martial arts, there are many
Buddhist monk, from India, began to teach thestyles of Yoga.
monks at the Shaolin temple, in Hunan Province, aSome are very physical and demand a lot of
form of physical health maintenance, which isendurance. So, there is no end to the possibilities
believed to be Yoga. It is also said thatof where the need for Yoga can fit within a
Boddidharma was a member of the Warriormartial arts studio. After all these years, it looks
caste. Therefore, he should also have had workinglike Yoga and martial arts will be together again.