Originally Posted by
Fr_Chuck
Most study in America is merely the physical moves and has no spiritual aspect to it at all. The idea of spiritual aspect is true in Kung-Fu, Karate and most martial arts where there is both a inner and outward study.
Unlike Karate, it involves more throws and many options of joint locks, (although some of Kung-Fu does contain them also, Kung-Fu is the more complicated style taking years just to master one of the many types.
It does share a common issue with Kung-Fu, in that it is more circular in motion, but differs in that it does not look at kicks or punches.
It was developed from Jujitsu, there are many different styles, and some do use Kata's and forms along with competition, so yes in many ways there are
As far as the energy flow, and the spiritual aspect, all of the martial arts contain it, if you go to a school that teaches it. Because of the marketing of the schools in many parts of the world, the spiritual and/or religious aspect of most martial arts is not taught to most classes, and may not even be known by many teachers.
For others it is keep in practice for a select few of advanced students.
I am glad you have found an activity and a martial art you like. The one you picked takes much longer to become good at, but is well worth it. I hope you will share your journey here.