Martial Arts Reflection

 

The Opponent We Carry With Us

“Some of the hardest battles in martial arts are fought without throwing a single technique.”

When we think about an opponent, we naturally imagine someone standing in front of us.

Martial arts teaches us how to deal with that opponent.

But years of training eventually introduce us to another one.

This opponent follows us everywhere.

It becomes frustrated when progress is slow.

It compares our abilities with those of others.

It wants recognition.

It becomes angry when corrected.

It whispers that we should quit when training becomes difficult.

That opponent is ourselves.

There is no single technique capable of defeating it.

Instead, we work on it slowly.

Discipline teaches us to continue when we want to stop.

Humility teaches us to accept correction.

Patience teaches us that improvement cannot be rushed.

Self-control teaches us that we do not have to obey every emotion simply because we feel it.

And experience teaches us that winning against ourselves once does not mean the battle is finished.

We train again tomorrow.

Perhaps that is why martial arts can remain meaningful for an entire lifetime. Long after we understand how to punch, kick, block or throw, there is still another part of ourselves waiting to be developed.

Mastering technique may make you a skilled martial artist. Learning to master yourself begins to make you a complete one. 🥋

— Renshi Mornè Johan Slabbert

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