Science
as a Weapon:
Applying
the Scientific Method to Martial Arts
Casey
S. Putney - 1 February 2004
Throughout
time, scientists have waged war on established beliefs and concepts, continually
seeking out that which is new. Daring to challenge time-honored traditions and
customs, these brave innovators have succeeded in identifying new and amazing
ways in which we might better ourselves and improve our quality of life. One need
only look as far as the technological revolution to quickly understand the magnitude
of the discoveries of these innovative dreamers. Never before have we as a people
served witness to such magnificent and important discoveries. The technological
revolution is undoubtedly well underway. Buried within this revolution, often
overlooked, is the primary weapon used by these scientific warriors, the Scientific
Method.
Serving as a pathway
to truth the Scientific Method has served as catalyst to virtually every known
scientific advancement this world has been subject to witness. It serves as a
tested procedure for all to use whom possess the courage to dream of a more effective
and efficient way of doing things. Again and again throughout history the Scientific
Method has labored in theoretical battle as scientists and explorers alike have
attempted to test their conclusions against nature. Using the same process as
the scientist, we as martial artists are able to test our own theories regarding
techniques and individual concepts regarding personal defense.
The
first step in the Scientific Method is that of Observation. As practicing
martial artists we should be aware of the happenings in the world around us. Any
and all events regarding self-protection must be observed as we go through our
daily lives. Whether our observations occur in the dojo or training hall, local
news, at work or at play, the significance of each event must not be overlooked.
Awareness is the key to unlocking the Scientific Method, without it we simply
live day to day in a somewhat unconscious state. Only through training ourselves
to maintain a certain state of attentiveness throughout our daily activities can
we be truly prepared for any and all situations that might arise. Observation
is the first step in the Scientific Method, as well as serving as the catalyst
in our awareness of life. Without this stimulation of mind and spirit we simply
exist within our daily lives in a rather robotic condition of consciousness, unacquainted
with all that surrounds us. Simply being sensitive to all that happens within
our world however is only the first step in the scientific method. We must then
begin our Questioning of that which we observe.
Assume
for instance that you observe a mass influx of student interest and enrollment
in dojo’s that feature the newest "flavor of the month" martial art made
popular by television or cinema. Almost naturally the first question that would
be addressed is whether this particular Art X is actually efficient regarding
self-defense. In our quest to answer that particular question however, we must
ask several more probing questions regarding the operating tendencies of the art
in question. How does the art address attacks from all ranges of combat? What
are the arts training philosophies regarding sparring? These are but a few of
the questions that must be investigated when trying to answer the immediate question
as to the effectiveness of Art X regarding self-defense. The ability to perform
competent research is the key to excelling in the capacity of gathering relevant
information. Information that will help us develop a Hypothesis as it relates
to our original question.
A
Hypothesis is nothing more than what we believe to be the answer to our immediate
question. Simply stated, ‘ Because of the information gathered and the evidence
of sufficient training philosophies, we believe Art X is indeed a functional way
of training for self defense.’ It is important to note that the original
Hypothesis is not always correct. Misinterpretation of data, ignoring of facts
or emotional involvement could possibly serve as some reasons that an original
hypothesis might be proven wrong during the Testing phase of the scientific
method.
Quite possibly
one of the most crucial phases within the scientific method is that of the testing
of the hypothesis. All bias and personal feelings regarding the question at hand
must be removed from the action of testing. One must remember that truth is the
only result that is being sought. To allow personal feelings regarding the experiment
to taint the process will result in total failure of the examination.
In
order to test our hypothesis that Art X is indeed an effective means of preparing
oneself for self-defense, we must ensure that we are actually performing our experiment
in the proper format. Therefore, it is imperative that we assess the success of
Art X in an environment that closely resembles a real self-defense situation.
Simply engaging in sparring sessions with an uncooperative opponent can easily
solve the dilemma of reality testing. Remember, no matter how much we liked the
flow of the techniques on the big screen or how magnificently the instructor performs
during class, we must test the techniques for ourselves. The question of whether
a person of your individual height, weight, and physical ability can successfully
perform the self-defense techniques in question must be answered in the appropriate
way.
Once we have tested
our hypothesis we must then Examine the Data accrued from our trial. As
in the testing phase of the experiment, it is essential that all personal feelings
be ignored during the examination of the results. It is within this phase that
the original question will be answered regarding the effectiveness of Art X in
self-defense situations. Resulting in either our original hypothesis being proven
correct, or flaws within the hypothesis becoming evident thus requiring the development
of a renewed hypothesis and testing cycle. Operating as a succession of phases
the scientific method will hence continue to test hypothesis after hypothesis
until the truth is revealed.
The
scientific method, time tested and dependable, serves as yet another tool available
to all students of the martial arts. By effectively utilizing the ideas and concepts
of Observation, Questioning, Development of Hypothesis, Testing of Hypothesis
and the Examination of Data, practitioners of any and all forms of
martial arts may now take a giant step to freedom within the martial arts community
by testing for themselves what they believe to be true or false. The Scientific
Method offers once and for all a systematic approach to truth, freedom and self-expression
within the martial arts.
