I got the latest issue of the magazine a few days ago and noticed the Martial Arts Day for Children item (in the Kung Fu News section). And it was talking about a public service project that was co-sponsored by Tiger Claw to help kids get a chance to learn a bit of martial arts. And of course over the weekend Tiger Claw co-hosted the Martial Arts Benefit for Quake Victims demo.
Those kinds of public service works reminded me of the various stories you hear about famous Chinese martial artist stepping forward to assist their communities in times of need. For example there is the story of Sun Lu Tang (the famous internal arts master) arranging relief for his village when floods hit and there are stories of Lam Sai Wing (of Hung Gar fame) doing the same kinds of public service work for communities in south China.
It really points out that beyond the fighting and the bragging, the push ups and the punching, the lei tai stages and the octagon; real martial arts, traditional Chinese martial arts, has as a goal the protection and defense of ones community, be that community your local community or community in the broad sense of the community of mankind. And protection does not always mean get the sabers and the shields out, but more often actually means making sure that people get basic needs met, food, shelter, a chance to learn martial arts.
Praise and respect to the marital artists who do community service work, they are upholding an ancient and important part of martial arts.
Take care,
Brian
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