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Martial Arts World Cup: Declaration of Peace
Written by UPF - Argentina
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Martial Arts Federation for World Peace / World Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation
Declaration of Peace
"Since war begins in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that defenses of peace must be constructed." (Preamble, UNESCO Constitution)
First: Through the philosophy that gave origin to the martial arts, practitioners are oriented in heart, thoughts, and actions to promote harmony in the physical, spiritual, and social dimensions. Therefore, the assimilated skills in martial arts are complemented by the essential tasks in order to achieve internal and external harmony.
Second: The practice of martial arts is not only an athletic discipline but an art that seeks to forge the character, strengthen the will, and provide a comprehensive understanding of right and wrong. From the competition, practitioners can assimilate the values of respect, teamwork, companionship, self-control and discipline, achievement, personal sacrifice for the greater good, adaptability, solidarity, commitment, etc.
Third: Here is where the contribution that martial arts can make to social coexistence shines, because competition under the above-mentioned values overcomes hostile perceptions that generate distances in society as well as confrontations. This involves internal changes involving thoughts, emotions, attitudes, and actions, because conflict begins with a self-centered vision that produces actions that harm others and the environment.
Fourth: Violence is the manifestation of the most obvious evil and is a symptom of moral failure. If we want to eliminate violence in all its forms, we must commit ourselves to a spiritual awakening and a disarmament of social or cultural prejudices towards others. Martial arts practitioners who incorporates values that different disciplines promote will have a large number of elements to help them avoid confrontation in life-threatening situations.
Fifth: The martial arts and sports in general can help channel energies in society that are often wasted in conflicts of all types. Healthy competition can certainly dissolve barriers created through historical issues between social groups, peoples, and cultures for reasons of race, religion, nationality, or socioeconomic status. The resolution of these conflicts creates the basis for peace in the community, the nation, and the world.
Sixth: Since the family is the closest environment of the practitioners, this constitutes an essential support in order to achieve their goals. Hence the importance of strengthening the cornerstone of the community and first school in order to learn the essential values for life in society. Promoting marriage and the family provides containment and security for future generations and the basis to teach respect towards all people. This gives hope for resolving conflicts without weapons or violence and allocatiing massive resources for human development.
Seventh: It´s clear that the mere practice of sports as well as the mere enacting of laws, will not change magically the culture of violence in society and people, but they must be supported by significant educational programs which promote character building, conflict resolution, and a culture of peace and service. Men and women who have been educated to accomplish their obligations and moral responsibilities towards others will respect and live for the greater good and the achievements of others, being true peacebuilders.
Buenos Aires, Sunday, November 1, 2009
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