Martial Arts Principles and Person Growth

By John VanCleve

I have listed a few martial arts principles and how they relate to personal growth. I have written this column to be shared with both instructors and students. Hopefully, you can implement them into your training and be inspired. The martial arts way of life is one of self-discovery. The paradox about self-discovery is that you need someone to help you discover yourself. As far as the martial arts are concerned, that's where your instructor comes in.

If you want the benefits of the martial arts, you have to walk the same path as those before you. The student isn't a leader yet; he or she is a follower. Your instructor knows the way, and if you take the lead, you'll get lost.

The martial arts have changed and there's no way around that fact. In some ways, the changes have been very positive. Today, we teach more people of various ages and we can share the benefits and philosophies that have enriched our own lives.

On the other hand, the martial arts, in some cases, have been degraded to merely a fun activity for summer months or a visit to the gym, and this isn't what the masters intended.

The martial arts are a way of life, a life of respect, humility, dedication, and not settling for any less than your best effort. Quitting, complaining, being unprepared, and dictating the training schedule aren't martial arts principles. The student must first learn to listen so he or she can listen to learn.

My forte as a writer has never been "feel-good" pieces, although I often do write about positive values. There's more to being a success in life, as well in the martial arts, than being motivated, a word that's thrown around to the point of losing its edge. Success as a martial artist requires hard work and perseverance. The "art" of the martial arts is to dedicate oneself to mastery, no matter what it takes. A conscientious student cannot be opposed to repetition or following instructions.

If you drill enough small holes, you can sink a battleship. The small holes in the martial arts are things like being late, being unprepared or misbehaving in class. This applies to children as well as adults. Discipline must be maintained and respect for one's teachers.

As far as children in the martial arts development is the number-one reason to suit up and step out on the mat. Character development cannot exist in the same space as quitting or complaining. The martial arts teach character-building lessons by creating challenges to overcome. That means going to class, even when you don't want to.

I've heard parents say they don't want to force their child to come to class and I say, "Why not?" The parent took the time and spent the money for a reason, and that reason isn't to quit. It's to create a person of strong character. Quitting is just like any other habit. Once it's established, it's hard to break.

Adults, you must maintain a respectful relationship with your instructor. In my opinion, an instructor is a mentor and a leader, not one's "buddy." I know that I personally want an instructor, not a friend. I have many friends, but they don't inspire me to be my best. Actually, they try to get me to go out for cocktails instead of going to class.

When you train, really listen, and don't say anything, except to pose relevant questions. You should also call your instructor by his or her last name or an appropriate title. Doing so maintains a mutually beneficial and productive relationship.

However, not all directions are to be followed without question. Common sense is needed, and you must look out for yourself and your children. Not all instructors are trustworthy and have your best interest in mind, so go with your gut.

Follow the path, train with 100% of your heart, and endure the uphill climb you will inevitably encounter, and you will truly receive what the martial arts has to offer.