How to Use Martial Arts Theory to Master Modern Firearms Technology

By Al Case


What a fantastic thing we are doing with here: ancient martial arts theory and modern firearms technology. Yet, physics is physics, and the two fields of study come together just perfectly. Of course, we must set aside the mystery and hold to the hard data.

The fact is that what we are trying to do is hold sights steady on the target. To not shake, shiver, flinch, get tired of holding our arm out, and so on. In other words, to create perfect stillness within the body.

This means not just control of the body, but control of the mind. This is our first application of martial arts principles; this is where we develop mushin no shin, that mind of no mind, wherein reality is perceived as it is, and there are no distractions. If one can ignore mental 'chatter,' then one has much better chance to hold the body steady; this is a matter of focused concentration.

The second thing to understand is that when somebody shoots a gun there is going to be a reaction. Doesn't matter if you have recoilless science in your weapon, Newton's laws can't be ignored...at least in the beginning. For there to be an action there is going to be an equal and opposite reaction.

So, assuming you don't have a weapon that is going to 'suck the recoil up,' you need to develop the ability to absorb recoil. This means the arm can't be stiff, but rather slightly bent and able to accept the sudden shock with the least amount of motion. Of course, there is still going to be that sudden shock, and here is where we reach deep into the martial arts.

There is this thing used in the art of Aikido called an unbendable arm. Stand with the back of your hand on your partner's shoulder, and have your partner pull down on the inner joint of the arm. If your arm is rigid, it can be pulled down; if your arm is relaxed and flowing energy, it cannot be pulled down.

At first this seems mysterious, until one realizes that the body is more than just a contraption of flesh and fiber, it is an energy system. By concentrating your attention on a point in the distance, and generating energy in your energy center (a point two inches below the belly button), and by imagining energy is traveling out your arm and towards that distant point, you are creating a whole new way of firing a weapon. To be specific, you are practicing the right way to shoot a gun.

Interestingly, people who practice shooting for a number of years eventually come up with this theory by themselves. But I am describing the nuts and bolts here, and hopefully enabling you to chop a few years off of your training, and to move to the head of the class. To use energy, to 'intend' your bullet to hit the target, that is ancient martial arts theory applied to Modern firearms technology.




About the Author: