Channeling the Warrior Spirit

Channeling the warrior spirit is the essence of martial arts of building a strong mindset. Martial artist of any style need to understand that there is a much deeper meaning and philosophy to their martial arts system. One of the first things I learnt is that a true martial artist is one who is strong enough to avoid fighting.

When you think about martial arts or a self defence system.  Your mind probably goes straight to the physical aspects, such as kicking, grappling or punching. But you would be wrong because martial arts is more about developing these skills to defend one’s self and others. Its philosophy stresses that people should live in a safe and happy lifestyle. The spiritual benefits of martial arts are often overlooked because of the combative and self-defence skills it brings. The real value of Martial Arts is helping individuals harness their natural strength.

So, why is channeling the warrior spirit martial arts so beneficial spiritually? Let’s dive deeper to find out more

PATIENCE

Have you ever that saying “that patience is a virtue”. In order to become a strong martial artist. Requires having patience in yourself as you take on new techniques and a never give up attitude, is essential in becoming the best version of yourself. If you do not learn to have patience while training, the greater chance you have of giving up on your martial arts journey.

Being patient is one of the most important traits to have in any field. We must always understand that everything worthwhile takes time and hard work. The easiest road taken is not always the best. Martial Arts teaches practitioners the value of patience and is a vital skill in our children’s development. By instilling this value of patience early in their lives, they will have a better understanding of how to chase their dreams with everything they have. As well as always believing in themselves. This is channeling the warrior spirit.

If we are constantly hard on ourselves, then you don’t possess the necessary tools to dealing with frustration. Patience helps keeping you calm and therefore, it makes you healthier, both physically and mentally. Remaining calm will let you make more informed decisions and this leads to confidence, decisiveness, and a specific outlook on what goes on around us. Having more patience means we become more aware of our surroundings and how certain factors affect certain things. Without patience, we lose sight of this.

TACKLING PROBLEMS/OBSTACLES SYSTEMATICALLY

Martial Arts are all about tackling problems and obstacles systematically. Martial arts enhances your problem solving ability. This can include situations such as escaping a certain joint lock, mastering a kata or refining a technique that you are struggling with.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Muay Thai, shows that every obstacle is presented with options to tackle. A practitioner can go down many different paths that offer varied outcomes. Martial Artists learn the results of their actions based on calculated techniques. This  is how that important skill of patience helps determine the best possible course of action to achieve the desired outcome. By learning how each action relates to cause and effect, practitioners develop patience to make quick but well-informed decisions.

TRUST THE PROCESS

This is the best thing I have discovered when I started my martial arts journey.  Everyone starts martial arts for different reasons e.g. fitness, competition, getting black belt or self defence. As I like to say when you discover that going through the process is more important than the belt. While your end goal is important, practitioners need to realise that they must trust the process. We often strive so hard to achieve that next belt rank, that we lose sight of the process.

Nobody wants to think about failing a grading or think you will never master a technique you keep struggling with. But it’s important to realise that it’s okay, the lesson here is everyone has a weakness. The greatest inventors in the world have all failed at some point, but they trusted the process and most importantly never gave up.

Martial Artists are empowered and understand that all their hard work, whether at home, in the gym, or in school, does not go to waste. Only when they learn to trust the process, will you achieve the desired results. This is channeling the warrior spirit.

MARTIAL ARTS JOURNEY 

Martial Arts are more about the journey than the destination, but it’s just as important to enjoy the ride. You must always stay committed to improving yourself. By embarking on this life journey, practitioners become more in tune with their own personalities and thus, discover their true potential. You’ll discover your strengths and how you can fortify them even more, as well find your weaknesses and how to improve.

Achieving your goals is only obtainable if you put in the work. This is a reality that martial artists will quickly understand in their training.

HARD WORK BEATS TALENT

Hard work is at the core of success. Through Martial Arts training, practitioners learn that they can achieve anything if they put enough time and effort into it. Martial Arts further enforce the idea that, anything is possible if you put in the necessary effort to be successful.

In fact, the harder you work at certain things, the better the result. Training is an extremely challenging process and you have to work hard to get better. Every inch that you move forward is step closer to achieving your goals. There are no shortcuts to success. This approach works for both your personal and professional lives by giving you more patience; thereby allowing for you to work harder and at your full capacity.

RESPECT

Channeling the warrior spirit core values dominates our practices and teachings. It embodies characteristics such as confidence, control, focus and respect. In short, respect is showing positive feelings and attitudes towards yourself and others, and always taking others into consideration. There is a deep sense of this for everyone who studies a martial art. Even when we bow this a symbol of respect not only to our sensei but also other practitioners. This is something we take into consideration in and out of the dojo.

There is also a strong sense of respect towards other practitioners or competitors. No matter how intense a competition or class maybe. Respecting the people around you is key in order, to practice safety. We show this by obeying the rules, not performing any illegal strikes in competition and bowing or shaking hands. Through these actions, students learn that no matter what belt rank they are. That people and themselves deserve to be treated with the respect they deserve.

Respect and Martial Arts are wound together so tightly that it is difficult to separate the two. The best thing is you can apply these skills and values, from the mat into your everyday life and, be a better person because of it.

INTEGRITY

Integrity is all about being honest and having strong moral principles. How does this directly relate to Martial Arts, you may ask? Instructors are honest with their students and each other in order to build a trustworthy relationship. The stronger your moral principles are, the more important the need to set an example.

In the dojo where I train karate and many others it is a sign of respect to bow entering or exiting the dojo. This shows respect to the school, sensei and other practitioner’s . When this is done it shows that you must have integrity to mean what they indicated with the bow, and show the respect they have promised. This is a moral that martial artists do not overlook because it is viewed as disrespectful.

HUMILITY (CHANNELING  THE WARRIOR SPIRIT )

Humility is one of the most powerful traits that everyone should possess. Being humble means you ego is not ruling your life. Making you feel like you’re too good to learn new skills or make improvements. I truly believe that having humility is even more important than confidence.

The core significance of being humble is that humility keeps you constantly receptive to opportunities for improvement. Exhibiting humility empowers us with self-control, knowing our limits, being externally aware of our surroundings, and being receptive to constructive criticism. Let’s face it no one wants to train with a black belt, who thinks they’re better than everyone else.

 

One of the biggest traits that martial artists from all over the world possess is humility. Through constant training, we learn to be humble because we understand its importance in our journey. In order to achieve our full potential. Practicing humility during our training is paramount to obtaining success. It also, teaches us to be grateful for what we have and the experiences we go through. This is one of many reasons why I believe that being humble provides a clear path to mastery.

PERSEVERANCE

It has, unfortunately, become more and more common for people to quit when things become difficult or life gets in the way. Perseverance is all about being able to power through the hard times.  Martial arts provides the perfect environment where its practitioners cannot only learn what it means to have perseverance but, also have opportunities to practice and apply the concept.

Not everyone starts with that never give up attitude mindset, but overtime they will certainly develop and hone in on this trait as they explore their martial arts journey. Regardless of what martial arts style you have chosen to practice. You will see it has a unique way of offering a variety of experiences for learning perseverance.

From physical perseverance when things are hard on your body, to mental perseverance when Martial Artists struggle to do the things they are trying to do, practitioners will be supported, encouraged, and helped along the way as they develop this necessary character trait for life.

FINAL THOUGHTS 

Furthermore, when you start training in martial arts. You will learn valuable experiences of loss and failure that are unparalleled in any other discipline. It is essential that practitioners learn that their strengths and weaknesses don’t define them, and they will begin to see that if they persevere and keep going. You will achieve everything you want and more.

Now that you’ve read channeling the warrior spirit.  It’s time to start your martial arts journey of self discovery. If you make the decision today to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Then you’ll be reaping all the benefits of learning Martial Arts!

The Foundation Of A Survival Mindset

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