The primary intent of the martial arts, aside from self defense, was to evolve the human being to a greater state. A great service was performed by the Shaolin monks in China, who began the martial arts, by pointing the way toward human perfection, or evolution, as having to address or focus on the three parts of man: the body, the mind, and the aware life force itself – the spiritual being. It was realized that each part, as unique and different from the others, would require knowledge and developmental methods specific to that one part.

Hence, there was physical training, pertaining to self defense and mastery over one's body. Then there was meditation - a type of mental training used to quiet the mind, or focus its resources of knowledge on a specific matters to better understand or resolve them. Thus the mind could be mastered, its abilities unlocked, and like a computer, could be controlled at the direction of the individual.

Controlling the great distractions from the body and the mind finally allows one the ability to view, understand, and deal with his essence - all that is left of him - the spiritual being himself. On this level, one must make an assessment of one's values, attitudes, and actions - and then remake one's own character according to personal choice.

A development of one's character is fundamental to the martial arts - if the purpose of molding a better person and then a better world is to be obtained. Certainly, lethal fighting skills cannot be given to anyone without also instilling an equally strong moral code and an ability for ethical judgment. The A.C.K. devotes an exclusive training level solely to character development, and an enhancement of the individual on a personal level. Character is molded through a study of the various virtues, and the ethics and responsibility of the use of force.

The advanced technology of the A.C.K. develops an individual whose personal power comes from his ability to connect to virtuous energy sources outside himself, and focus them in his actions through an unshakable perspective of moral and ethical values and a broader understanding of the purpose of life itself. He is developed not just as a Warrior, but as a Sage as well.

The following articles are an example of going beyond physical training and addressing mental attitudes and abilities.