Considerations of Traditional Martial Arts

1. A teacher can lead you to water, but cant make you drink.
2. If you seek accolades or to jumpstart a school of your own, maybe it’s not guidance you seek.
3. When you are ready for a particular art, you will know and you will seek out a proper teacher. At least you will be discerning of character.
4. A student chooses their teacher, not the other way around.
5. Never cheat the exercise or training. You ultimately cheat yourself.
6. A good teacher will teach you self defense. A better teacher will teach you self preservation.
7. Traditional martial arts will lead you to a better version of you through physical, mental, and spiritual challenges.
8. Question everything. Empower yourself to find the right answer for you.
9. Empty your tea cup. Open your mind.
10. Be one with all that you practice. Be one with patience. If you embrace the pain from training, it’s a good reminder that you are getting stronger or more enduring. If you are tired, rest.
11. Flexibility is the fountain of youth. Both physically and mentally.
12. For as much practice or training you do, balance it with other hobbies, reading & writing, and mindfulness.

The purpose of training in traditional martial arts should be to find guidance and equip you with the tools to find inner peace, truth within, and at some point, enlightenment.

Considering joining a school to start/continue training? Please contact me directly if you have any questions – souljournalist@gmail.com