Using Martial Arts Theory to Master Modern Firearms Technology

What an odd thing we are dealing with here: ancient martial arts theory and modern firearms technology. Yet, physics are physics, and the two fields come together nicely. Of course, we must put aside mysticism and hold to the facts.

The fact is that what when we are shooting a weapon what we are trying to do is hold steady on the target. To not shake, shiver, flinch, or move in any fashion, and so on. To be precise, to make perfect stillness of the body.

This requires not just control of the muscles, but control of the mind. This is our first application of martial arts concepts; this is where we create 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 distractions, then one has much better ability to hold the body steady; this is a matter of focused concentration.

The second thing to realize is that when somebody shoots a gun there is going to be recoil. Doesn't matter if you have recoilless technology, Newton's laws can't be ignored...at least in the beginning. For there to be an action there must 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, especially in Aikido, called an unbendable arm. Stand with the back of your hand on your partner's shoulder, and have your partner pull on the inner joint of the elbow. If your arm is tense, it can be pulled down; if your arm is relaxed and filled with 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.