Martial arts: Why I love them

It first started with kung fu films i think. The ones that with simple story lines, no nonsense, all fighting kung fu films. You could imagine a child sitting in front of the tv, wide-eyed, looking at Jet Li performing his almost impossible moves. My childhood dream was to be as powerful as how these men could be. To be a fighter, but one that only stood up for justice.
I used to be conceited, thinking that whatever martial art i practiced was the best in the whole wide world. I would ridicule other forms of art during my secondary school years, and i always wondered why my sensei was so humble. Yet, as I packed my bags and stepped into university life, my world's horizon expanded. Understanding for once how large this world was, with so many great people out there, I felt humbled.
No matter what martial art is out there, I will respect them as because each martial art has their own philosophy and cultural roots. Each has their strengths and weaknesses. Each were applicable in their own field of combat, honed to a fining perfection under the masterful work of countless masters.
Nevertheless, people have preferences, and thus comes the never-ending debate of "which martial art is best?". It happened in China during the ancient times, and now it is happening around the world due to globalisation. Gradually, there would be fights fought under false pretences, and just bloodbaths fought in the name of pride and dignity.
It was here I got stuck for quite some time. Why do we fight? Being a peace lover, I find that it is always better to pick the high road of not fighting, and resolving any issue with words rather than fists. Is it an animal instinct that compels us to fight? The urge to show dominance and to satisfy our voracious appetite for success? If you desire peace so much, why learn a martial art in the first place? If we learn to fight and to hurt, wouldn't that martial art be merely a weapon?
I was still questioning myself when I stumbled upon Wing Choon in KL. I was fortunate because I was guided by excellent teachers and friends. This branch of Wing Choon was called Yip Kin Wing Choon. Although I still hardly know much about Wing Choon, the philosophy, history, and movements never fail to astound me. I would rather not discuss my views and interpretations of this wonderful martial art for fear that my inexperience and ignorance would shed a misleading light for those who are unfamiliar to this martial art.
As i began learning here, i found that the people here were generally very kind and well-spoken, and this formed another question in my mind. These people were patient, not quick-to-anger, much less raise fists in a normal squabble, then why would they learn to fight? Why settle things with fists rather than words?
And the the relevation just came. I found out how stupid I was. They learned to protect themselves and their loved ones. Because in the face of danger, our body would be more well coordinated to react immediately and with confidence. Unlike me, who could only think like a stubborn brute, my friends actually wanted to protect something, be it family, loved ones, or to restore self-confidence and dignity.
Sure, it does sound awfully cliched. But fighting to protect something would always propel us to greater heights. It is something larger than self. We swallow our ego and venture further. We learn to respect other martial arts, and then that respect begins to encompass other aspects that we discriminate against, such as race, culture and religion. So that answered my initial question, we fight to protect, to humble ourselves and to be healthier, happier people.
I fight to protect,yes. But that doesn't stop me from enjoying it. Hehe!