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GMC Forum _ PRACTICE ROOM _ Music And Martial Arts
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 18 2011, 01:19 PM
I know Ben's gonna love this one 
alright, since starting with September, I have decided to try to walk a samurai's path, I was curious to know your opinion on something:
Do you think that practicing a form of martial arts could transform you into a better musician among other things? 
Posted by: Marek Rojewski Aug 18 2011, 01:41 PM
It is much more probable that it will do the opposite, because it will consume some time, energy, motivation. What is more it can, and most probably will lead to some kind of contusions (is this the right word?) not necessary of body parts that take part in playing, but this also an option.
All these things I listed are very probable to happen, in my book more probable than the "gains". Of course sometimes doing something which we are in love can boost our overall performance, we are happier so we are more motivated and have more energy. But I don't think that it will be the case for somebody that already has boosted performance thanks to doing something loved already - like making music.
There is this saying "learn thousand things from one thing" and of course it is true to some extent. But then again I don't think a serious musician must go to the dojo or a gym to learn about discipline...
Having said all that it is obvious that doing nothing else but music will not yield good results, people must do other things, because otherwise their lives are to flat/poor/one-dimensional and their music most probably will also reflect it. But as another saying says "man who chase two rabbits catches none". Unfortunately it isn't possible to pursue several really time consuming passions and become a master in them.
All in all I don't think that martial arts are a good way for a good musician to become even better, it could contribute some good habits for a person that just starts their musical journey, but for a good musician it is most probably the other way round - he'll be able to apply things learned with music to his martial arts training.
Just to be clear, I think that it is a great idea, martial arts are really inspiring and can make us better versions of ourselves, but it can hinder our musical development a bit in the process.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 18 2011, 02:01 PM
There is wisdom in your words Marek! I want to try it though as I think that I can realize when it becomes more than I can handle and it would disrupt the balance instead of helping me keep it. Iaido is not a discipline which would hurt anyone (as long as you don't do it as a mercenary ready to kill other people with your sword i guess)
I shall definitely try it
All these things I listed are very probable to happen, in my book more probable than the "gains". Of course sometimes doing something which we are in love can boost our overall performance, we are happier so we are more motivated and have more energy. But I don't think that it will be the case for somebody that already has boosted performance thanks to doing something loved already - like making music.
There is this saying "learn thousand things from one thing" and of course it is true to some extent. But then again I don't think a serious musician must go to the dojo or a gym to learn about discipline...
Having said all that it is obvious that doing nothing else but music will not yield good results, people must do other things, because otherwise their lives are to flat/poor/one-dimensional and their music most probably will also reflect it. But as another saying says "man who chase two rabbits catches none". Unfortunately it isn't possible to pursue several really time consuming passions and become a master in them.
All in all I don't think that martial arts are a good way for a good musician to become even better, it could contribute some good habits for a person that just starts their musical journey, but for a good musician it is most probably the other way round - he'll be able to apply things learned with music to his martial arts training.
Just to be clear, I think that it is a great idea, martial arts are really inspiring and can make us better versions of ourselves, but it can hinder our musical development a bit in the process.
Posted by: Adrian Figallo Aug 18 2011, 04:03 PM
be very careful with your arms, hands, elbows etc, that could hurt for life!
Posted by: Ulrik Aug 18 2011, 04:26 PM
That would just take some valuable time from guitar playing!
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 18 2011, 04:47 PM
Ben's doing it and I don't see his playing being affected 
Posted by: Gabriel Leopardi Aug 18 2011, 04:48 PM
If you don't hurt your arms or hands it could be good but be careful!!
Posted by: Ben Higgins Aug 18 2011, 04:58 PM
Well I have to step in here and say that since I started Karate, I have noticed that my all round physical health has improved and my back problems are virtually non existent. My joints feel stronger and healthier. A martial art is something which uses the whole body in a natural way (if you do it with respect and care) and naturally strengthens the body's infrastructure (the tendons, joints and muscles) and is not something which just makes bigger muscles like weight lifting for example. So if it's done properly it can make you a healthier person from the inside out. Instead of hindering your guitar playing it can help it. It hasn't stopped Dave Mustaine in his guitar playing. The karate master, Gichin Funakoshi, who was the founder of Shotokan karate, lived to his 90's and never took medicine or needed medical help of any sort during his whole life. A study years ago (I can't prove it though) also showed that karate resulted in much stronger elbow joints than average people. So it's all down to the approach of the individual. if it's approached with sense and respect it can only enhance your life, not hinder it.
I know what Marek is saying about time away from guitar.. but any other activity can do that. Tv, computer games, holidays, relationships.. this is a question of balance.
All in all, I'm inclined to agree with Cosmin. The understanding and revelations that occur in learning something like a martial art (and I'm sure this applies to anything you learn) can be applied back to your guitar playing and vice versa. Marek has already said the phrase 'From one thing, know ten thousand things' and I truly believe this.
I only think learning a martial art would benefit a person if they have the open mind to receive the benefits of it and realise that it's more than meets the eye. If somebody goes into it purely to learn fighting moves then that is all it would be.. kicking and punching.
EDIT: To sum up my long post, I guess I mean - martial arts won't make you a better musician by giving you faster fingers or anything, but study of martial arts can and will make you a better human being overall, which in turn would allow you to be a better musician.
I want to try it though as I think that I can realize when it becomes more than I can handle and it would disrupt the balance instead of helping me keep it. Iaido is not a discipline which would hurt anyone (as long as you don't do it as a mercenary ready to kill other people with your sword i guess) I shall definitely try it
Yes, you should.. I always wanted to do a martial art as a kid but never did.. but now I am glad I have the chance otherwise I know I would live in regret if I didn't try it.
Posted by: playaxeman Aug 18 2011, 05:12 PM
alright, since starting with September, I have decided to try to walk a samurai's path, I was curious to know your opinion on something:Do you think that practicing a form of martial arts could transform you into a better musician among other things?
to go short : no it will not.
To really walk that path it will consume a lot of time and energy that is way different that skills used playing guitar.
conclusion: less time to get the guitar in your hands and develop the gift you (may) have for music/play guitar.
Posted by: TylerT Aug 18 2011, 06:32 PM
I did Japanese jui jitsu for 2 years and am now training in BJJ (Brazilian jui jitsu)
I would say it helps my music as the added confidence/reduced stress keeps my mind clear and fresh
Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Aug 18 2011, 06:48 PM
Yes, I think it will make you a better human, because it's a noble thing, skill, philosophy.. People learn to respect each other, and learn about discipline. I trained karate, judo, capoeira regional, doing sports helped me become better and healthier in both body and mind.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 18 2011, 07:00 PM
Wow...so many and Capoeira ...Ivan, that's one of the most amazing things for me...all due respect mate
Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Aug 18 2011, 07:36 PM
Didn't really advanced a lot in Karate in Judo, only yellow belt Capoeira only 2 years of training, learned a lot, but quit in the end. It was demanding, it requires condition, and certain state of mind.. (walking on hands up and down the gym was warming up) 
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 18 2011, 10:39 PM
I honestly wouldn't have expected nothing less from capoeira are you still practicing some form of martial arts at this moment?
Capoeira only 2 years of training, learned a lot, but quit in the end. It was demanding, it requires condition, and certain state of mind.. (walking on hands up and down the gym was warming up) Posted by: Sinister Aug 19 2011, 06:09 AM
I think mentally, if it's something you're passionate about, it can inspire you to write something creative or even inspire you to play! I guess physically it can help loosen up your joints. But I think the important part is inspiration. For the past year or two I haven't played guitar as much as I used to and It's reflected in my playing as it became very repetitive etc. So recently i've been listening to some new music which has inspired me to play. So find something that inspires you to become a better person/guitarist!
I just watched Karate Kid, now I want to practice a martial art too...
--edit--
Forgot to mention, just make sure it doesn't interfere with your practice time!
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 19 2011, 06:49 AM
Hey mate, well, I have a big garden, full of trees and flowers, I will take my sword out there and practice - I honestly think it'll be an incredible experience for both mind and body. And regarding time I have it and I will use it properly 
I just watched Karate Kid, now I want to practice a martial art too...
--edit--
Forgot to mention, just make sure it doesn't interfere with your practice time!
Posted by: Ben Higgins Aug 19 2011, 08:40 AM
Wow, Ivan ! You're practically a master compared to us !
Posted by: zen Aug 19 2011, 10:07 AM
Yea it does help i.e if it leaves you with any time to practice guitar. At least that's what i'm going through right now.
And if you're into any of the grappling arts that involve a gi, the fingers will get messed up and it will eventually effect guitar playing. one just has to accept that.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 19 2011, 05:59 PM
And if you're into any of the grappling arts that involve a gi, the fingers will get messed up and it will eventually effect guitar playing. one just has to accept that.
No, actually I'm into this kind of stuff
this is what I'll be studying (and this recording has guitars as well
)
Posted by: Ben Higgins Aug 19 2011, 06:33 PM
this is what I'll be studying (and this recording has guitars as well
)That looks so damn cool !
Seeing the guy draw his sword from the kneeling position reminded me.. in Karate (not sure if it's the same in other Japanese or Okinawan martial arts) we perform a kneeling bow.. we kneel with our left knee first and then our right until both our knees are on the ground. From there, we put our left hand on the floor first and then our right before bowing our head to the ground. Apparantly this is tradition from when people carried swords. They carried their swords strapped to their left side. By performing their customary bows, a person may be leaving himself vulnerable by lowering his head.. so he would lead with his left side, leaving his right hand free to draw his sword if he needed to.
I'm not sure how true this is but it's cool nonetheless
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 19 2011, 07:28 PM
Whoaa dude! I had no clue about this! So many things to discover! can't wait to begin
Seeing the guy draw his sword from the kneeling position reminded me.. in Karate (not sure if it's the same in other Japanese or Okinawan martial arts) we perform a kneeling bow.. we kneel with our left knee first and then our right until both our knees are on the ground. From there, we put our left hand on the floor first and then our right before bowing our head to the ground. Apparantly this is tradition from when people carried swords. They carried their swords strapped to their left side. By performing their customary bows, a person may be leaving himself vulnerable by lowering his head.. so he would lead with his left side, leaving his right hand free to draw his sword if he needed to.
I'm not sure how true this is but it's cool nonetheless
Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Aug 19 2011, 07:59 PM
Man, when I read it again, it sounds like bragging, but it wasn't mean to be
, just wanted to point out that I experienced enough of martial arts and it really helped me improve my body and spirit. I'm sure you're bigger expert them me in terms of martial arts tho, I saw that belt on FB.
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 19 2011, 08:00 PM
, just wanted to point out that I experienced enough of martial arts and it really helped me improve my body and spirit. I'm sure you're bigger expert them me in terms of martial arts tho, I saw that belt on FB. Big Ben Higgins!
Posted by: Marek Rojewski Aug 19 2011, 09:19 PM
All traditional Japanese martial arts are deep into sword-technique. They evolved from sword-fighting, and/or also they developed when carrying a sword and in fact any other weapon was limited to the samurai caste. Samurai caste had easier time in learning something more familiar, because as we know sword skills were most valuable. The second group of users had to overcome the lack of legal weapon - this is the origin of development of using whole body as weapon and creation of all those "fancy" weapons like tonfa/sticks/nunchaku. Many of them were just farmer tools, or modified tools.
What I also find fascinating about the whole thing, is the "normalization" of the martial art. Most of warriors were taught same stuff, just slightly different. This lead to development of "anti techniques" like ninjutsu, used by ninjas. These guys learned stuff created to "own" the traditional martial art, and it yielded remarkable results. Don't know if it is possible to understand what I try to say, but I find the whole concept very interesting
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 19 2011, 09:54 PM
Oh, yes Marek! I dig what you are saying out of what I figured out so far, samurai were more traditionalist warriors who respected a certain code and somewhat rigid rules and ninjas were the pragmatic type, who used to want to survive so they used whatever technique, methods and means necessary to achieve a goal
What I also find fascinating about the whole thing, is the "normalization" of the martial art. Most of warriors were taught same stuff, just slightly different. This lead to development of "anti techniques" like ninjutsu, used by ninjas. These guys learned stuff created to "own" the traditional martial art, and it yielded remarkable results. Don't know if it is possible to understand what I try to say, but I find the whole concept very interesting
Posted by: Marek Rojewski Aug 19 2011, 10:10 PM
Well there is some true in this, thats for sure. Japan was ultra strict about some things, to a point of "nonsense". Somewhere in the XIII century if I remember correctly Mongols launched two invasions on Japan (those two invasions were the biggest naval ones until landing in Normandy in WW II) and Japanese were totally unable to fight back. They were used that battles consisted of multiple one on one duels, and when they approached the Mongols to challenge them to single combat, they were just shoot down by archers 
If not for those huge storms, Japan would be conquered in few months by the better trained and armed Mongols. But the storms sunk both fleets, Japanese called those storms Kamikaze - "Godly Winds", said that the Gods protect Japan, and this event was a major contributor to Japanese idea that they are the chosen/best nation of the world. Funny how they could transform a moment of total humiliation into a founding stone of racism
Posted by: Cosmin Lupu Aug 19 2011, 10:19 PM
I've heard about that story
If not for those huge storms, Japan would be conquered in few months by the better trained and armed Mongols. But the storms sunk both fleets, Japanese called those storms Kamikaze - "Godly Winds", said that the Gods protect Japan, and this event was a major contributor to Japanese idea that they are the chosen/best nation of the world. Funny how they could transform a moment of total humiliation into a founding stone of racism Posted by: Ivan Milenkovic Aug 20 2011, 09:22 AM
Wow, that's a cool story. Japan culture is awesome and intriguing
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