quotations about martial arts
I don't doubt that at the dawn of martial arts, the main goal was to beat up one's opponents in the most effective way possible. But then, indirectly, the alchemy of martial arts began to strike some chords deep within the spirit of many individuals, transforming living war-machines into poets, artists, and philosophers.
DANIELE BOLELLI
On the Warrior's Path
When you have had the experience of defeating one or two opponents, you will come to understand what constitutes good and bad in the martial arts. Gradually, with practice and experience in handling opponents ... you will become able to discern the psychology of your opponents through fighting a variety of different people.
KAZUMI TABATA
Secret Tactics
But to remain historically accurate, I would have had to leave out an important question that I felt needed to be addressed, which is: "What if Jesus had known kung fu?"
CHRISTOPHER MOORE
Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal
Much harm has come from the popular perception--learned largely from movies and fictional television dramas--that martial arts are concerned with violence and general mayhem. Anyone who becomes involved with the martial arts soon learns that the aggressive, brutish perception people have of these disciplines could not be further from the truth.
FAY GOODMAN
The Guide to Karate
Use only that which works, and take it from any place you can find it.
BRUCE LEE
Tao of Jeet Kune Do
The most difficult part of traditional taekwondo is not learning the first kick or punch. It is not struggling to remember the motions of a poomsae or becoming acquainted with Korean culture. Rather, it is taking the first step across the threshold of the dojang door. This is where roads diverge, where choices are made that will resonate throughout a lifetime.
DOUG COOK
Taekwondo: A Path to Excellence
There are no limits. There are only plateaus and you must not stay there, you must go beyond.
BRUCE LEE
attributed, "The reality of kicking butt: media vs real martial arts", Ball State Daily, September 8, 2017