CHONGSHIN DO
Philosophy

Chongshin Do is an evolved Martial Art. Gone are the days of fighting Samurai on horse back.
Chongshin Do is a dynamic, fast moving, exciting and effective Martial Art System. Chongshin Do is not a style that will beciome stale as it will continue to grow and evolve with emphasis on realistic techniques for self-defence and attack. Chongshin Do still retains the style and grace of the traditional Martial Arts.

The Martial Arts are a unique way of self-development. Used in ancient times as a vehicle for physical, mental and spiritual development.

Chongshin Do is such a vehicle and we have the energy, enthusiasm and experience to drive it.

"I hope Martial Artists are more interested in the root of Martial Arts and not the different decorative branches, flowers or leaves…. When you understand the root, you understand all its blossoming" Bruce Lee.

The "root" as Bruce Lee puts it, is referring to the meaning and philosophy of the Martial Arts. The meaning of Chongshin Do and the philosophy behind it are important. As we enter this New Millennium, a massive mile stone in the history of the world, I hope we are thinking of our Spirit Path and "The Way of our Spirit" and a new way forward for the coming years. Chongshin Do is "The Spirit Way". Philosophy means, "love of wisdom". To find wisdom you need to ask questions, and the most famous philosophers, from Socrates to Sartre, have asked very simple questions, such as "why are we here?" "Where do we come from?" "What happens to us when we die?". Our early ancestors had to struggle just to survive. They didn't have time to wonder if they really existed! In today's World, most of us don't have to protect ourselves from dangerous animals or worry about where the next meal is coming from. So we have the luxury of time and space to start asking questions about life. That is why philosophy is seen as a mark of a civilised society.

"If man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content with doubt, he shall end in certainties" Francis Bacon

As an individual, you will have your own thoughts on life, philosophy and reasons for being. Your experiences in your life have taught you many things. As a Martial Artist experiencing the journey within the Martial Arts you will also have experiences to look back on and learn from. It is through experience that we learn and the Martial Arts is an enjoyable, exciting way of experiencing, learning and developing ourselves physically, mentally and spiritually. Life is a journey, knowing yourself is a journey, the martial arts is a journey - choose the road less travelled and your journey will be one filled with adventure, excitement and enlightenment. Remember it's not the destination that maters as much as the journey itself. Many people choose not to take the first steps of a journey for fear of commitment or fear of failure. This is true of the Martial Arts and many things e.g., relationships, work or career moves, yet the rewards for taking these steps is always greater and more positive than never taking the steps in the first place. "A bridge never crossed is a life never lived" you have already taken your fist steps in your journey of self - development, take the next.

Meanings behind the Chongshin Do Symbols.
The symbol of Chongshin Do - "Tricetera" - The eternal Knot is an ancient symbol with world wide meaning and origin, including Celtic, Hindu and Chinese roots. It represents this never-ending learning experience of life, the continual development and growth of an individual. It also represents the trinity of Mind, Body and Spirit and its interlocking knot symbolising the relation ship between each. This ancient symbol has been used for centuries to represent friendship, continuity and longevity. For Chongshin Do it also represents the three Art forms we practice within Chongshin Do and their fusion. The Tao or Yin Yang symbol is another ancient symbol with eastern roots representing balance between opposing forces and all things in the universe. Male-female, dark-light, day-night, positive-negative, etc. Each carries with it the seed of the other. It is important to note the opposing sides are not in conflict with each other and indeed depend on each other for their expression and recognition. It is an important symbol for Chongshin Do as it represents harmony, balance, the physical (yang) and the mental / spiritual (yin) sides of the Art. "He who thinks he knows every thing is ignorant - yet he who thinks he knows nothing is wise" - Tao philosophy Colours - Purple has the highest "vibration" of all colours and represents "Spirit". Green has been used for centuries as a healing colour and represents peace, balance and growth. (Coincidentally Purple & Green are the Millennium colours). Chongshin Do is a "New" Martial Art that has depth meaning and an understanding of "SPIRIT" to develop a wider and broader horizon of life and its reasons.
A Martial Art with a message "develop the Way of YOUR Spirit" and life will take on new meaning.

"What is Spirit? It is subtlety that has reached the extreme and become immaterial"
Hui Yuan, Eastern Jin Dynasty

"The Spirit never perishes, only the body decays". Mou Zi, Southern and Northern Dynasties

Know your spirit - Know yourself.
Enjoy your journey and may good health and fortune be with you always.
Martin Blakeway 2nd Dan .