There are many things we do in life which have no direct and obvious benefit. Nobody studies iaido to ward off the ronin.Glenn wrote: That makes sense Van. The odds of actually needing to use the skills on a bad guy is very remote these days, while the continued practice over an extended period of time that is required to build up the skills opens up plenty of opportunity for a serious accidental or wear-and-tear injury to occur.
Firearms? There's an argument used by many for gun control. Allegedly more innocent people are killed unintentionally by careless gun owners than are bad guys by said gun owners. Maybe... and maybe not. But is that the point?
Long-term martial arts practitioners do what they do because they enjoy that practice. It's a recreational activity which happens to have a potential practical benefit.
There are many more marginally practical benefits:
- Engaging in an activity which stimulates us - both mentally and physically. Trust me on this one; it's the biggest reason I'm here. Running sux. Reading Plato gets old. Doing martial arts with other insane people is fun.
... - Exercising our right to self-defense and/or to own martial equipment (including but not limited to firearms).
... - Learning about human behavior and human conflict.
... - Learning to face - and even flirt with - our fears.
Most on the outside don't get it. That I acknowledge.
- Bill