What makes a successful martial artist?

Martial arts has many roads, my friends. Consider how many different styles of martial arts there are - and how even the varying styles have variations! Within each variation of the variations there is a multitude of paths one can take to “success.” Because of this, we must have a broad view of what it means to be a successful martial artist.

If you were to ask a group of martial artists from different disciplines what they thought the “purpose” of martial arts is, you are likely to get a number of different answers. “Self defense,” “Fitness,” “Spiritual growth,” “Life skills,” “Self expression,” may be things you’d hear. Really, all of these are true to an extent - but what do I think the ultimate goal is? What do I think the PURPOSE really is in all of these things? Happiness!

Whether you are looking for self defense, life skills, internal or external fitness, what you are ultimately after is a happier, more fulfilled and empowered life. So in this way we could say that a “successful martial artist” is one who finds happiness in the way they practice martial art.

I think there are 6 key factors in being a successful martial artist.

1) Experience/longevity

2) Appropriate physical skill.

3) Understanding of technical concepts.

4) Understanding of the philosophical concepts.

5) Inner strength/character.

6) The ability to apply all of the above to ones every day life, in order to create a happier, more fulfilled lifestyle.

How do the martial arts work? Part IV

A good friend and mentor of mine, Nicklaus Suino, says that the martial arts school is a “laboratory for life.” We talked about the martial arts school as being a place to stretch your comfort zone. This is a similar idea, let me explain.

Martial arts has a fantastic way of exposing your weaknesses. The physical ones are easy to see. One day the teacher says, kick up here, and holds the target near your face. If you are inflexible, that weakness is quickly exposed.

Your mental and character flaws are also exposed, though perhaps not as obviously. For instance, if you are easily frustrated and brought to anger, this is going to rear it’s ugly head in the School sooner or later, isn’t it? Probably about the time your instructor is asking you to kick that high target - and you can’t.

This “laboratory for life” concept means that we are working on our exposed weaknesses all the time. This is a powerful life strategy. A successful martial artist seeks to expose, confront, and overcome his weaknesses. Indeed, he is hungry for it!

If you are angry by nature, or if you are fearful, or if you lack self confidence, these personal weaknesses will become exposed while training. The successful martial artist will overcome them first while on the mat, and then over a period of years learn to master them in the outside world as well.

How do the martial arts work? Part III

Why are martial arts so good at teaching life skills? We know that have been for centuries, don’t we? Martial artists have always been prime examples of good living, patriotism, and ethics. Values are an intrinsic part of martial arts study. It seems to teach it better than nearly any other method.

If you were a student in my school, you’d often hear me talk about self image. Self image is a powerful tool. Like any tool, it can be used for sabotage or for construction. A successful martial artist understands this, and utilizes their self image to live a happier, more fulfilled life.

My favorite example of the power of self image is the Marine Corps. These men are incredible! They are the picture of discipline, organization, inspiration, respect, courage, perseverance and adaptability. Long after they leave the Corps these traits stick with them.

Why? Because Marines believe that “the change is for life.” Those values are an intrinsic part of being a Marine. Being a Marine is like a mantle that, once donned, carries with it certain qualities.

So because the soldier has donned this “mantle” of being a Marine, he automatically takes on the inherent qualities thereof.

I admit, it isn’t a perfect science, but the essence of what I’m saying is true. So it is with us as martial artists. There are certain things that we know successful martial arts will and will not do. Because we have donned the mantle of “Martial Artist” so have we also donned the qualities that our lifestyle espouses.

How do the martial arts work? Part II

Why are martial arts so good at teaching life skills? We know that have been for centuries, don’t we? Martial artists have always been prime examples of good living, patriotism, and ethics. Values are an intrinsic part of martial arts study. It seems to teach it better than nearly any other method.

The classroom provides you an opportunity to stretch your comfort zone - but with a safety net. This is what I mean…

Let’s talk about the life skill of self-confidence. It’s an important one to develop, isn’t it? It is vital for us when we want to get better jobs, to meet our spouses, to begin new endeavors. Your capacity for success in any of these things hinges on self confidence.

In life, when we stretch our self-confidence outside of our comfort zone we are often in a position of risk. If I want to go for the big promotion at work it requires that I march in to my boss’ office and ask for it! Is there a risk there? Sure! I’m risking ridicule, rejection, maybe even my job.

In the martial arts school it is different. I am in an environment of friends and support. My teachers will require and encourage me to do things that push me outside of my comfort zone - things that stretch my self-confidence.

The beauty though, is that there is a safety net. If I stretch my self-confidence and I fall flat on my face, what have I lost? Nothing. Ultimately I am at no risk whatsoever. So I am able to exercise my confidence, my discipline, my focus, my athleticism, my courage… without real life's painful consequences.

As I go along I am constantly pushed outside of my comfort zone, and this enables me to grow as a person. Not only do I grow, but I do so in a safe and supportive environment. This gives me a competitive advantage in life.