I'd like to try to change your mind about something.
People have often emphasized the defensive nature of martial arts. Indeed, we're motivated to teach children, teens, and adults that they should use what they learn to protect themselves, and not to bully the peaceful. To that, I agree.
Most would say that these physical defense skills are the martial arts' most valuable benefit to people.
To that, I disagree.
I believe in offense. Especially when we direct our offense inward.
To change the world one must start with one's self. Begin on the inside, and work your way outward.
Alexander the Great conquered countries, tribes, and nations. He was famous for his ambition to conquer the known world. But novelist Steven Pressfield tells this story of Alexander, where the king reveals his admiration, and appreciation, for the warrior who conquers himself.
Alexander in India encountered some gymnosophists (literally “naked wise men”) yogis, sitting in meditation in the sun on the banks of the Indus. Alexander’s party was trying to get through the busy street, but the yogis had their spot and they wouldn’t move. One of Alexander’s zealous young lieutenants took it upon himself to chase the holy men out of the king’s path. When one of the wise men resisted, the officer started verbally abusing him. Just then, Alexander came up. The lieutenant pointed to Alexander and said to the yogi, “This man has conquered the world! What have you accomplished?” The yogi looked up calmly and replied, “I have conquered the need to conquer the world.”At this, Alexander laughed with approval. He admired the naked wise men. “Could I be any man in the world other than myself,” he said, “I would be this man here.”
Martial Arts To Conquer The Self
In our martial arts classes we see people of all sizes, shapes, and ages. Warriors, all, not because they "win" when sparring others. They "win" by walking through the front door of that dojo consistently. These warriors take their fight inside themselves, building up their fighting strength to keep moving forward. They go on the offensive, despite the resistance that tries to handicap us everyday, by trying to capture the flag buried in their soul.
This offensive attack builds character that serves us in all things. It's the ultimate workout; a gymnasium for the spirit. I revel in their focus and intensity, my class mates, as I steal a glance between my own hard-fought breaths.
No one wastes thought on competing with each other, though we do push each other to constantly rewrite that book we title, Our Best. Instead, we short, we tall, we young, we older, we skinny or not, look inside to find our own progress.
In this way, like the yogi who blocked Alexander's path, we conquer the need to conquer the world around us. We've learned that the more valuable prize is found within us. And this, I argue, may be one of the greatest gifts martial arts awards to those who learn it and earn it.
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