Martial Arts Syndrome

In the name of martial arts, people break bricks, and even get themselves run over by vehicles. I wonder what is martial about it. Or what art is there in it?

A recent news article has drawn our attention towards such acts of 'bravery' supported in a government school near Villupuram, Tamilnadu.

Children were made to lie down with their hands stretched on the ground. A man rode his motorcycle over the hands. This act was witnessed and appreciated by the crowd of parents, teachers, and onlookers.

Image courtesy: Times of India

What are they going to achieve by these 'feats'?

Can they ever escape when run over by an MTC bus or a speeding truck?

Why don't they just teach self-defence?

There are lot of other strategies to develop endurance.

What is there to be proud of such things?

I simply don't understand.