All Good Things Come in Threes

The martial arts trinity: fusion of body, mind and spirit
By Michael Ronquillo

The trinity of martial arts is made up of three elements: body, mind, and spirit. Each element is dependent on one another and cannot reach its full potential by itself.

The first step towards mastering the trinity is training your body by doing kicks, blocks and punches while controlling your breathing and balance. The goal of these exercises and techniques is to improve your physical condition.

Secondly, you have to feed your mind. The mind controls the body. Every student has to understand the limitations and capabilities of the human body in order to effectively increase speed and perform sophisticated techniques. Moreover, self-discipline and integrity are vital in becoming a martial arts master.

Last but not least, you have to tune in to your spirit. True harmony of body and mind allow a martial arts student to tune in to his spirit and acquire a vision. No matter if the vision consists of an idea, a person, or God, himself—it only comes to fruition when the student is at peace.

At this point the essence of martial arts turns into a central aspect of the student’s life while he applies its philosophy to all situations. Integrity, perseverance, self-control become the student’s second nature.

The trinity is symbolized by the positioning of the hands when performing Kwang-Gae and the correctly tied knot of the martial arts belt.

By mastering the trinity of body, mind and spirit students not only become well-rounded martial artists but true masters.