In a hundred years MMA will be a traditional martial art and automatic weapons, ancient relics.

Traditional drift, turning gunmetal into gold

In martial arts, we often get wrapped up in traditions – the ancient weapons, the formal attire, the classic terminology. But the real essence of martial arts isn't about how old a technique is, the clothes we wear, or the weapons we use. It's about turning the raw, often brutal, elements of combat into a spiritual practice.

This is where things get tricky. Our practice, while practical, can sometimes seem to be disconnected from the realities of modern combat. Consider practicing with protective gear like thick gloves – it's practical for sport, but it's a far cry from the unpredictability of real-world conflicts.

The most intense martial arts forms are often the most regulated. Judo bans striking, boxing doesn't allow kicks, and MMA restricts weapons. Despite these limitations, they're seen as competitive martial arts. They're a step removed from actual warfare, yet they're embraced for their competitive spirit.

We often confuse the controlled environment of a duel with the chaotic nature of conflict or war. There's a psychological comfort in believing that our training enhances our battlefield capabilities. However, this comfort doesn't always translate into a tactical advantage. Feeling more protected or capable doesn't always mean you are.

In the vast landscape of human innovation and power multipliers, martial arts have been slow to incorporate new technologies. But at AKBAN, we recognize that martial arts have successfully integrated many once-novel tools – like the bow and arrow or horseback archery. These are now not only revered as traditional martial arts, they are used as spiritual tools.

It's likely that modern weapon systems capable of being transformed into structured practices will eventually find their place in the martial arts world. We're already seeing the incorporation of firearms, like rifles and handguns, into competitive sports and possibly into practices that share the values of traditional martial arts like Japanese swordsmanship. This evolution reflects not the ever-changing nature of conflict but human effort in striving to turn base materials into gold.

In this transformative process, martial arts practice becomes a tool for turning the base material of human aggression into something more profound. From the most debased activity of human beings – organized violence – emerges a practice that offers practitioners spiritual benefits far beyond the aggression inherent in conflicts. This alchemy is what makes martial arts.

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