I Am A Martial Artist Poem

I stand upon the mat so bare,

With empty hands and open air.

It’s not for anger, strife or fight,

But for a calm and steady light.

 

Some see a punch, a kick, a shout,

But what it means is deep, no doubt.

It’s more than moves, a tricky game,

It gives my spirit a true name.

 

My body learns to stand up tall,

To answer every sudden call.

With muscles built and spirit bright,

I find a hidden, inner might.

 

Each stretch I do, each turn I make,

For strength and grace, my body wakes.

I learn to move with easy flow,

To let my hidden power grow.

 

My mind must learn to be quite still,

To focus with a strong, calm will.

No busy thoughts, no hurried race,

Just quiet strength in this quiet place.

 

It teaches me to be aware,

To breathe away all stress and care.

To listen close, to see things clear,

To face my doubts and conquer fear.

 

If danger comes, a shadow deep,

A promise that my training keeps.

To stand my ground, to be quite brave,

The skill to guard, the self to save.

 

Not to harm, but to be strong,

To know where I truly belong.

A confidence that grows inside,

Where fear and worry cannot hide.

 

I bow to those who teach and guide,

With humble heart and honest pride.

Respect for all, both old and new,

This simple rule, I hold it true.

 

To listen well, to learn and try,

To reach for goals that sit up high.

To know I’m small, but I can grow,

A seed of kindness, I will sow.

 

It is a path, a winding way,

I learn new lessons every day.

From white belt steps to black belt aim,

It’s not a finish, just a name.

 

The journey is the joy for me,

To always strive, to always be

A better person than before,

And learn what life has waiting store.

 

In halls of wood, with friends so dear,

We share the sweat, we calm the fear.

A family built on common ground,

Where honest efforts can be found.

 

We help each other stand and rise,

With understanding in our eyes.

A bond that’s strong, a helping hand,

Across the mat, throughout the land.

 

So why am I a martial artist, true?

It helps my spirit shine right through.

It brings me peace, a steady heart,

And makes me feel a brand new start.

 

A balance found, a quiet grace,

To find my strength in any place.

To master self, not just a move,

This is the reason I approve.

 

It’s not about the medals won,

Or battles fought beneath the sun.

It’s how I live, what I believe,

The good I give, the peace I weave.

 

So I will train, with mind and soul,

To make my spirit strong and whole.

This is my path, my chosen way,

A martial artist, every day.