The Modern Renaissance is Martial Arts: Educating the Edified Edifice

How Martial Arts training can embody the Renaissance ideal of human potential for the contemporary world.

The term “Renaissance Man” (sometimes, though rarely, “Renaissance Woman”) refers to someone who both excels in multiple fields of study and is able to reliably exhibit a wide range of both knowledge and skills.

This concept harks back to the Renaissance period (14th to 17th century), when individuals like Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo Galilei, Nicolaus Copernicus were celebrated for their expertise in multiple disciplines.
Culture, Education, and Politics all came to emphasize the revival of classical learning and the importance of a well-rounded education during this period. Education, of course, was limited in its breadth and availability to women.
Of course, many major figures that might find the title “Renaissance Man” fitting but ill-suited were women. To wit: Isabella d’Este, Christine de Pizan, & Artemisia Gentileschi. Of course, this author finds the limiting, biased, and possibly misogynistic term “Renaissance Man” unhelpful, distracting, and bias-inducing. For the sake of this article, I will instead make use of the term Polymath.

The concept of a Multi-accomplished Individual, historically celebrated for their multifaceted talents, capabilities, & achievements, can find a compelling comparison in the world of Martial Arts. At first glance, these two archetypes – one rooted in the cultural and intellectual vibrancy of the Renaissance era, and the other in the disciplined, esoterica-enmeshed, & philosophical world of Martial Arts – may seem worlds apart. However, a closer examination reveals a shared commitment to holistic personal development; one that relentlessly seeks to integrate mind, body, & spirit.

A classical Polymath has been characterized by a mastery spanning various disciplines, including art, science, literature, & physical skills. Similarly, a fully realized Martial Artist excels not only in combat techniques but also in physical fitness, mental discipline, philosophical understanding, & often spiritual growth. This multidisciplinary expertise is a cornerstone for both, underscoring the value of broad and deep knowledge. To build any structure high, we need a wide and deep base.

The integration of mental and physical pursuits is another parallel we can appreciate. A Polymath blends intellectual endeavors with physical activities, creating Art, pushing the boundaries of Art forms, or engineering modernity’s myriad marvels. Likewise, a Martial Artist combines physical prowess with mental focus, emotional equanimity, and strategic studies. This synergy of mind and body is essential for achieving true mastery in any field. That tall structure needs both architects laboring over a drafting table at all hours and a multitude of sweating laborers if it is to come to fruition.

Lifelong learning and insatiable curiosity define both the Polymath and the Martial Artist. A Polymath continuously expands their knowledge and skills across various domains, while a Martial Artist pursues constant improvement, adapting and learning new techniques, philosophies, & approaches. It is often said (by those non-Martial Artists in a society) that a black belt is the paragon of achievement. Martial Artists, almost to a person, will emphasize repeatedly that a black belt is but a stepstone on a Grand Path…a path whose endpoint is out of view – perpetually. This unending quest for knowledge and self-betterment is a vital common thread. Once the tall structure is ready for occupancy so begins the unending period of maintenance, refurbishment, and add-on. It might be repainting, it might be replacing fittings, it might be a more wholesale refurbishment. The developer knows that when the architect, the engineers, and the laborers leave the site that the work of and the work on the building will continue on ad nauseum until demolishment.

A Polymath embodies the ideals of the Renaissance period by excelling in a diverse range of disciplines. This individual is characterized by their multidisciplinary expertise, seamlessly integrating knowledge and skills from various areas such as Art, science, literature, & philosophy. Their insatiable curiosity and passion for lifelong learning drive them to continually seek new knowledge and experiences, broadening their horizons and deepening their understanding of the world. Creativity continues long past initial construction.

Furthermore, a Polymath is known for their creativity and innovation, constantly thinking outside the box, solving problems in unique ways, and creating original works that leave a lasting impact. Their critical thinking and analytical skills enable them to assess information accurately, form well-founded opinions, and make informed decisions. Finally, they value a well-rounded education that encompasses intellectual, artistic, physical, & social development, striving to cultivate their abilities in all aspects of life. This holistic approach to education and personal growth defines the true essence of a Polymath. The grand building might very well host both a business, a government office, a church, storage, a school, and utilities. The creativity and remarkable connection to myriad field of human study is inspiring, endless, and offers the opportunity for community and cross-pollination at every turn!

Both figures also grapple with philosophical and ethical dimensions of the human experience. The Polymath seeks wisdom and understanding through engagement with philosophical and ethical questions. Meanwhile, the Martial Artist adheres to a code of ethics, such as the Bushido code, and delves deeply into philosophical teachings to comprehend the nature of conflict, self-control, & harmony. This ethical foundation shapes their actions and decisions, guiding them toward a more enlightened existence. Ultimately, a building exists in relation to its community, its landscape, and its occupants – as well as its history. The fullest expression of a building is ultimately one that transcends concrete, lumber, piping, and glass – a building’s expression is given voice by the experience of all who pass through and past it.

Creativity and innovation are hallmarks of both the Polymath and the Martial Artist. The former innovates across disciplines, merging Art and science to create new inventions and concepts. The latter applies creativity in developing new techniques, adapting to different situations, & integrating various Martial Arts styles, as we see in mixed Martial Arts. This inventive spirit drives progress and evolution in their respective fields. The grand building is grand not merely by dint of its volume, mass, or aesthetics. Its grandeur is, in part, a result of its negative space, its cartilage, its grounds. In short, much of the “building” is not built or even a building.

The pursuit of self-improvement and mastery is central to both archetypes. A Polymath strives to become a well-rounded individual, embodying the ideal of human potential. Similarly, a Martial Artist seeks personal mastery, balance, control, and excellence in all aspects of life, both on and off the mat. This dedication to personal growth and excellence defines their journeys. Grand edifices are the result of the grand effort to edify felt and honored by many thousands of contributors to the building’s design, development, and dwelling.

Cultural awareness and influence are significant for both the Polymath and the Martial Artist. The Polymath is well-versed in multiple languages and cultures, drawing from a rich tapestry of human knowledge and experience. The Martial Artist deeply respects the cultural heritage of their discipline, often learning the history, language, & traditions that accompany their training. This cultural depth enriches their understanding, practice, and ability to pass on their Art. An especially significant building will be culturally aware (even if in argument with its surrounds) and culturally literate. Quite often, a society will initially oppose a newly built and enormous structure only to later come to love and be glad to be known by such an iconic architectural contribution.

Finally, both figures leave a lasting legacy and influence. The Polymath contributes to multiple fields, inspiring future generations with their achievements. The Martial Artist impacts the Martial Arts community through Teachings, mentorship, & contributions to the Art’s evolution. Their enduring legacies are testaments to their profound influence and contributions to human culture and knowledge. A building has a clear physical legacy, yes. Often, however, people nurture many seminal experiences and develop a deep sense of place and fondness for particular places due to the offerings of finely built buildings.

In essence, the Polymath and the fully realized Martial Artist are united by their pursuit of excellence and the harmonious development of mind, body, & spirit. Their journeys, marked by curiosity, discipline, creativity, & a relentless quest for personal growth, offer valuable lessons for anyone striving to achieve their full potential. This means you, dear reader. These parallels underscore the enduring and universal nature of the pursuit of knowledge, personal excellence, and self-enhancement.

How is your Martial Arts career finding expression in fields that don’t fit a classical definition of Martial Arts? What avenues of human study, expression, achievement might be included in a modern-day re-definition of a Renaissance Person?

Bio

The author, Stephen Watson will be offering many introductory sessions this year through his studio Someday Farm. Most will be available via Zoom and archived on Patreon.com/SomedayFarm.

An upcoming and free mini-workshop on Dàoist Dāntián activation is coming up soon! Find out more and enroll by following the links, here: https://linktr.ee/SomedayFarm
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