I hope to inspire and motivate others to not just train in martial arts, but to become martial artists. Simply training in martial arts and learning the techniques and the life-style is very different than actually “being” and “living” as a martial artist.
Being A “Martial Artist” – A Meaning…
On a social network chat room, students of various martial arts styles were asked the question, “What is a martial artist?” Here are some examples of the many interesting answers:
“One who is disciplined;”
“One who cultivates their mind and body so they can serve others in any way they can;”
“Someone who practices the connectivity of mind, body and spirit everyday and keeps a balance of all three; and gets as close to perfection as you can get. Respects things;”
“One who does everything they’re supposed to do, without thought;”
“One with the universe;”
“One who is always practicing, 24 hours a day;”
“Someone who doesn’t want to fight;”
Here’s another question that was asked: Are you a martial artist?
“Who sees themselves as a martial artist?”
And, surprisingly, nearly everyone said that they did not see themselves as martial artists!
Very interesting! Here’s my take…
When it comes to “being” a martial artist, are students these days seeing that as beyond their ability? Is it an ideal, that is perceived to be unrealistic in their lives?
If so, maybe this is why most people just dabble in the martial arts, never really getting out of it what they had hoped for.
The truth is, anyone who sets their mind to it, has some patience and perseveres, can get everything martial arts training has the potential to provide, which is usually far more than was ever expected.
I consider myself a martial artist.
Being a martial artist does not mean that I am necessarily a master. Being a martial artist, in my humble opinion, means I’m training to be a better “me” – a better human being, a better man, husband, father, friend, teacher, employee, employer, trainer, coach, etc.
Training as a martial artist with the mindset as a “martial artist” challenges me to set life changing and empowering goals not only for myself but for all those that are in my circle of influence.
I am more than someone simply doing martial arts. I am more than someone teaching martial arts. I am a martial artist.
My hope is that I can inspire people to train in martial arts, not so much as to become a “black belt” but simply to become a martial artist that continues to work toward acquiring and accumulating the knowledge and experience necessary to end conflict within yourself, in your life and ultimately the world, including the acquiring the tools, techniques and skills needed to deal with people on all levels.
From raising happy, healthy, confident children to personal or work-related relationships, to facing personal fears and overcoming limiting beliefs; to that worst-case scenario wrong place wrong time physical encounter with the crack-addicted criminal where you are nothing more to him than a way to get his next hit.
The martial artist is always learning, training, and preparing… so he or she can live the most fulfilling, peaceful, and awakened life.
So… are you a martial artist?
Peace.
© Peter Liciaga
Website: www.PeterLiciaga.com/news
