Psyche and Martial Arts: Self-Realisation through Martial Arts

In the last 35 years, Western scientists have acknowledged the psychological/therapeutic benefits gained through practice of Oriental martial arts. Rather recent writings of analytical psychologists have analysed the methods of ancient martial arts that combine combat with spiritual training to develop a healthy mind, body and spirit. Up to now, very limited research has been carried out into the role martial arts training plays in one's self-development. This study places martial arts in the same line with traditional somato and verbal psychotherapies concerned with psychological wellbeing. The investigative research carried out in this book follows Carl G. Jung's Analytical Psychology framework and explores the aspects and means found in the practice of martial arts and their connectedness with the process of Self-realisation. The study illustrates the journeys of seven martial artists and analyzes the meanings they make of their journeys on the Way of the Warrior to wholeness, inner peace and harmony. This book will be an interesting reading for practitioners of both fields, Psychology and martial arts or anyone interested in their own journey of personal realisation.