It seems there are as many working definitions of "martial arts" as there are practitioners, teachers, schools, and television / movie watchers. Paradigms range from exercise and recreation, to an activity for children, to self-defense, to mind over matter, to mysticism, to sport and tournament fighting, and every combination of the above. However, there is absolutely no substitute for actually doing the activity. To study martial arts in a serious, prolonged manner is to undergo a gradual, continuous, process of change in one's body, mind, and perspective.
At Infinite Path Martial Arts, we embrace the traditional Shaolin axiom of personal growth and self-discovery as the primary objective of study. Many of our students enter the dojo simply looking to get in shape, lose weight, or relieve stress. Others are drawn to the practice seeking the confidence that comes from learning to defend one's self against an attacker. Through regular, dedicated training, our students get into the best shape of their life while learning practical self-defense skills at the same time.
One’s demeanor in the dojo is to be the same as in any church, temple, synagogue, or other place of higher learning. It is not a gym or a "pick-up" place. The atmosphere of the dojo is serious and focused, yet pleasant and enjoyable. Everyone is treated in a professional, respectful manner. Individuals new to our school will find that our senior students are highly knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful at all times.
We work together as partners, NOT opponents. We reject all notions of sport or competition in the dojo. In Yue Chia, the only opponent is one’s own ego. This allows students to practice very hard, fully exploring the techniques and methods without getting beat up or injured (which sooner or later would bring an end to their study of martial arts). By training as partners, we are free to study techniques that are not allowed in the so-called "no-holds-barred" competitions now in vogue on cable television. I would not be willing to practice those techniques with an individual who is under the influence of a competitive mind-set.
We cover all ranges of practice: long range, close range, grappling, joint locks, chokes, throws, weapons and chi-kung. This is not accomplished by practicing a bunch of different arts. Yue Chia employs all ranges in a principle-centered way, teaching the student to flow from one range to another in a seamless fashion. Training time is used more efficiently by practicing the techniques exactly as we would do them in a real situation.
Our self-defense paradigm is based in a rejection of violence. I would never willingly fight another person unless it was my only means of protecting myself or another from a violent attack. Our program includes the lowest level of self-defense (techniques that will immediately injure / stop an attacker, allowing the intended victim to get away), to the highest level (taking control over the attacker and the situation without getting hurt and without having to hurt the attacker), and all levels in between. Ultimately, we view awareness as the very highest level of self-defense (the ability to recognize a potential situation and avoid it all together).
Rank in the dojo is symbolic of one’s progress in the art. Advancement is based on one’s physical proficiency, partner skills, and commitment to applying the art in everyday life. Periodic reading and writing assignments are also part of the advancement process. A recommended reading list is given to students at the white sash level.
A student’s rate of progression depends upon his / her own effort and dedication. While some progress faster than others, an average student who attends two weekly classes (with supplemental practice at home) can expect to earn a black sash in 4-5 years. In Yue Chia, a black sash does not indicate an "end-point" or mastery of the material, but rather a new beginning. A black sash indicates that one has internalized a commitment to personal growth as a life-long, infinite path.
What really keep our students coming to the dojo year after year are the improvements they see in their everyday lives. Students become stronger, more centered individuals. They become more effective with family, friends, and at work, and better able to handle life's demands with poise and grace. The benefits of training the mind and body carry over into all areas of life. It is my humble opinion that prolonged training in the martial arts without a corresponding, positive evolution of one's character is a waste of time.
The most advanced form of training in the dojo is our practice of meditation and Raja Yoga. Meditation has been called the highest level of human activity. To still the mind is to control the mind. Controlling the mind allows one to see through the many faces of the false self, negative conditioning and self-imposed limitations that stand in the way of one's potential. With continued meditation practice, one will eventually experience Mushin (Japanese) / Wu-hsin (Chinese) consciousness: “spontaneous creativity, spontaneous right-action, movement without conscious thought”.
It is the quality of our learning environment that attracts and keeps the individuals we seek among our ranks. Thus, we are highly selective when accepting probationary students into the dojo. Every individual has an effect on the overall environment of the dojo. Only those that we feel can and will be a positive contribution to the environment are accepted into the program. Growing as a student and a partner is a process. The longer one is part of the dojo (the higher the rank) the greater resource he / she becomes through knowledge and example.
If you are reading this, you are either looking for a martial arts school to study at, or you already study martial arts and either you are considering trying a new school, or perhaps just looking around to see what else is out there. Whether you are interested in exploring becoming a student at Infinite Path Martial Arts or any other school, the martial arts has many wonderful things to offer. Best of luck and be selective. We hope you find what you are looking for.
Sincerely, Christopher Scafone
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