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USA MARTIAL ARTS |
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Our system of Issho-Ryu was created in the year 2000 by Master Brown. Under the direction of Soke Schenck, Renshi Brown took the techniques from Tae Kwon Do, Goshin Jutsu Karate, and Aikido to form this one great style. This now allowed Renshi Brown to make further updates to the system and add in techniques and forms that were outside the traditional styles that we formally studied. Issho-Ryu literally means "The system
for ones whole life." The main emphasis being that the three components to
our art (Spirit, Mind, and Body) are to work together in harmony to be
used all through our daily lives in everything we do. Our life should
reflect a balance between the three. However, it must be understood that
we must keep them in perspective and not place an equal emphasis on all
three. The body should be the least important and the spirit being the
most important in our lives.
BODY DEFINITION "Body" - The whole material part of a man or animal. BIBLE VERSES "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16) We are told that our bodies are actually the temple of God. Therefore, doesn’t it make sense that we are to take care of the Lord’s temple? "You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." (1 Corinthians 6:20) We are the most valuable things on this Earth. How much are we worth? Our value is so great that Jesus died a horrible death in order to save us all and ensure our salvation. Therefore, it is our duty to take care of our bodies so that we can honor God with them. "After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church-- for we are members of his body." (Ephesians 5:29) Here it is explained that we take care of and feed our bodies. I believe that the best way we can take care of our bodies is to eat healthy and exercise. Does this mean that we must limit ourselves to only vegetables and exercise every day for hours on end? No, because moderation is important too. As in all things, keeping a healthy balance is the key. Also, the amount of exercise and quantities of the different types of food groups to keep one healthy are going to depend on the individual person.
MIND DEFINITION "Mind" - The part of a person that knows an thinks and feels and wishes and chooses. BIBLE VERSES It cannot be bought with the finest gold, nor can its price be weighed in silver. It cannot be bought with the gold of Ophir, with precious onyx or sapphires. Neither gold nor crystal can compare with it, nor can it be had for jewels of gold. Coral and jasper are not worthy of mention; the price of wisdom is beyond rubies." (Job 28:15-28) God here is showing us the importance of studying hard and gaining wisdom. "Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she (speaking of wisdom) is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold." (Proverbs 3:13) "Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." (Proverbs 4:6-7) These also talk about the value of wisdom. Wisdom will protect you and will have better returns than even gold! "For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength." (Corinthians 1:25) Not that god is weak, but this verse wants us to put things in perspective. It’s letting us know that even though wisdom is important and valuable, not to rely too much on it. Our time to stop relying on wisdom is when it begins to interfere with our relationship with God. This usually happens when we rely too much on the wisdom of Man and not on the wisdom of God. Not only do this verses tell us that we should concentrate on our education in school (grade school, high school, and college), but continue to study through adulthood. SPIRIT DEFINITION "Spirit" - Man’s moral, religious, or emotional nature. BIBLE VERSES "A man's spirit sustains him in sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear?" (Proverbs 18:14) A healthy and mature spiritual life will help you through all types of trials and rough times you’ll encounter in your life. "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace;" (Romans 8:5-6) Here it is explained that if we let our mind be controlled by the spirit, then we will have life and peace. "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." (Galatians 5:22-23) These are all qualities that will naturally come forth the more our spiritual life and relationship with Christ matures.
THE THREE IN HARMONY – The first thing to remember is that even though they all work together, and all are important, not all are equally important. The greatest emphasis should always be placed on your spiritual life. We have seen that our spirit can positively influence our mind, and in return effect our physical well being. After the spirit, we should place emphasis on the mind. Our mind can then in return influence our bodies. Our body (even though it’s important) should be the less important of the three. Keep all of these in their proper perspective.
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