Don all martial arts contain elements of Buddhism or Taoism?
No. Interestingly enough, martial or ‘military’ arts have been present throughout the world without the presence of Buddhism or Taoism. However, ‘Eastern’ martial arts the principle of ‘mind-body-spirit’ has been used. With the ‘mind’ meaning intent, or direction, ‘body’ being physical health and ability and ‘spirit’ being spiritual philosophy. The instructor and his or her beliefs determine this third component ‘Spirit’ and how much of it is in the martial art that they teach.
