When does a person become a student of the Martial Arts?
a) Ten years after learning a Horse Stance
b) Upon earning a Black Belt
c) Signing a contract with a school
d) Plopping down your five bucks for lessons
e) none of the above
I have heard all of these except for "E". None of them even get close to the truth. We walk through life believing in our illusion of strength, or competence or health, until the illusion vanishes. Look at health. We all know what colds and flu's are like. They sap your strength, make breathing a chore, and life is downright miserable. We learn from this and try to avoid it. Other folk have it tougher; Lupus, Cancer, and illnesses with names you dare not mis-pronounce in fear of awakening the Elder Gods. My hat off to these folks. I get one sniffle and whine like a wee child.
Yeah, not exactly warm and fuzzy when you accept your denial of your weakness. There are no bells, no fireworks, just sad face. When you look up and determine to become stronger, more attentive or healthier, this is the moment you become a student of martial arts. The practice of these three aspects of person will make anyone whole again.
It is the cultivation of character that will lead the student on their quest of being a better person. The greater the character, the more potential they have.
There are many people quick to point out that yoga, or the latest Boot Camp craze or dance class will also offer the same. True, but with one exception that yoga, Crossfit or Zumba does not have. It is this: if a person decides to push you off your training spot, a martial artist is the only one with a choice. They can choose to defend that spot, or gracefully allow those of lesser character to have it.
Choose your path and walk it,
Da
Here you go, big muscle and fat burniest workout.
