Grubbogoppoly,
On September 27, 2003, I stated, “Be cautious if a style or instructor claims spirituality is important to their martial art. Often they have compromised both their spirituality and martial ability.”
The term “spirituality” has often been used with varying definitions of meaning. In the clarification that follows, I would use meanings three and four as given by
Merriam-Webster OnLine :
Spirituality entails values that exit independent of the practitioner, and these spiritual values extend beyond the martial arts to influence all aspects of life.
If the practice of a martial art requires training for action contrary to a practitioner’s spiritual values, and the practitioner does not reconcile the contradiction between belief and practice, then the practitioner is compromising their spiritual values.
Also, if a practitioner reconciles a contradiction between their spiritual values and martial practice by reducing the efficacy of their martial art, then the practitioner is compromising their martial ability.
Thus if a style or instructor claims the special importance of spirituality to their martial art, then it is possible their spiritual values or their martial ability has been compromised.
However, I do not imply a style or instructor, that claims spirituality has no part in their martial art, is necessarily more effective.