🎯 Key Points:

1️⃣ Shared Philosophies

2️⃣ Mental Discipline

3️⃣ Non-violence and Self-defense

1️⃣ Shared Philosophies: Both Buddhism and martial arts help us to develop a strong centre. We can call this our heart. But most people think this means only self-mastery. But the self is never disconnected from the rest of the world. So, the self exists together with the others. In one way, Buddhism helps us to be aware of our internal world. Martial Arts helps us to understand how it impacts the external world. These aren’t separate goals but rather two sides of the same coin.

2️⃣ Mental Discipline: Martial arts focuses on centre development, functional training and discipline. This is our foundation. Then, we can read Buddhist philosophy. Then, we can use it to improve our character through meditation and mindfulness. To change ourselves is very difficult. The focus is on physical, emotional, mental, psychological and spiritual improvement. This makes them work together.

3️⃣ Non-violence and Self-defense: Buddhism is not about non-violence. Instead it teaches karma. If you hurt another, then this must come back. To return another person's attack at them without adding force is called neutral karma. This is the true sign of a kung fu master. One cannot always avoid conflict, but one can develop skills to turn it into peace and kindness. The beautiful lotus grows from the dirty, stinky, muddy swamp. It turns the ugly, into the beautiful.

🌟 In Summary:
Buddhism and martial arts are interconnected. One cannot develop either without the other. This leads us down a path full of fun, training and sharing. Together we develop holistic self-mastery to help ourselves and others.