Why Being a Warrior ?

"The greatest of all fights is the one against yourself"

This phrase is quoted by many martial artists in several books and videos...
(And now, it is also on this blog ;-)

But what does it really mean? Is it considered good to fight yourself?

In fact, it's all about the 'Warrior mindset'.

Being a Warrior is not about being a rude, strong guy whose job is to fight people.
True Warriors are people who love peace and train for it - they train to preserve, protect, and restore peace.
And, to be able to protect or restore peace, you must not be afraid of 'war'.
You must learn to deal with confrontation and fighting, not to be overwhelmed by it.

But before trying to bring peace around you, you must install it in yourself - you cannot calm down arguments between others if you are pissed off yourself, right?

The great fight against yourself is to defeat your fears, to calm you anger, to overcome your sadness, and to forgive your mistakes.

It is way, way harder than knocking somebody out. And it may take a lifetime.

That's what martial arts are all about.

Many people say that "martial arts do not teach self-defense."
They're right.

It teaches you Warriorship.

The difference is that self-defense can be used to defend yourself, maybe, if one day you're assaulted. 
Martial Arts doesn't teach this in the first place. 
It first works on the roots, to build a grounded and stable foundation, both physically and mentally.

That's why traditional training always starts with stances - strengthening your legs also acts on your mind: you become more confident in yourself and in your posture.

(Plus, let's say it, it's really hard to stand. And annoying. So you also have to build focus and discipline if you wanna hold it and keep that way :-)

Then, martial arts teach techniques, because the dangerous people and situations you'll meet in life will often be stronger than you, so you must be smarter and use specific techniques and redirecting to be able to face it.

As your body and mind are deeply rooted, they thrive powerfully.
Then you come closer to the Warrior's Way, or, as I rather to call it, the Knight Way.

Then, you're protected. Without ever having to use your techniques.

Imagine you're a bully, just for a minute ;-).
In a little medieval village, lost in the mountains.
You're walking down a street, looking for someone to rob and make a little money.

You see many people across that street. Then, the town guard comes down.
He is wearing armor, standing straight, and looking right into your eyes, his sword sheathed in its scabbard.
Will you try him?
For your own security, you'd better turn back and find somewhere else.

Now, the same principle works with everything in life - not only robbers, but also everyday's life problems and conflicts.

Let's stay humble - we're not gonna save everyone just by standing in a street.

The truth is that mindset, attitude, and posture can often end a conflict before it even begins. By not being aggressive, yet firm, not being afraid, yet peaceful, most fights can be avoided - and that's the best form of 'self-defense'.

Now, unlike the warrior in my story, you won't bring you sword with you in the street.
That's why bare hand training isn't an option, because in today's world, your body is often the only weapon you'll have at your disposition.

As Jesse Enkamp, the Karate Nerd, once said in one of his videos :

They're checking my uniform, to see if i'm not hiding any weapon in my sleeves. 
But what they don't know, is that I am a weapon.

Knowing what you're capable of with your own body makes you feel more comfortable, more confident, and safer.
Feeling that way, you can commit to your goals using the best out of your capacities, knowing that you can face any issue in life with a calm mind and using the proper technique.

With this warrior spirit, you can not only reach your personal goals, but hopefully also inspire and empower those around you to do the same.

 Cheers !