It’s normal for us to process the world through our ‘ego’ or the part of our minds between our conscience and sub-conscience. Our ego generally makes it possible for us to interact with our world, and provides us with a sense of self-esteem and self-importance. As ’normal’ people, we need our ego as a defense mechanism against potentially threatening aspects of reality. Part of personal development in the martial arts is letting go of our ego and finding more inner calm and peace. Although we can refer to this as ’spiritual’ development, it is not intended to be in conflict with the spiritual aspects of one’s religious beliefs.
Martial arts, rooted in ancient traditions and philosophies, have long been associated with philosophical and spiritual teachings. Practitioners are often drawn