In any martial practise the idea of emptiness is significant.

The symbol of the circle is common to many martial movements, and is present in the philosophical foundations underlining the martial arts.

In Taoists tests one is advised to avoid possessing a mind which is narrow or myopic. Rather one should have a mind which is emblematic of the circle - to allow for a variation of possibilities and alternatives. This is known as the 'humanheartedness approach' in traditional texts and one which is specifically against combative (fighting) martial-ness per se.