How to Be a True Martial Artist

What Does It Really Mean to Be a True Martial Artist?

This year, you have all demonstrated the essence of being a true martial artist—by showing up, giving your best, and embracing the values that define our practice. Through hard work, perseverance, and respect for one another, you continue to push yourselves toward growth, both on and off the mat. Pursuing excellence in ourselves and uplifting others is what makes martial arts more than just a skill—it’s a way of life. Your essays on this topic were truly inspiring, reflecting the heart and spirit of what it means to be a true martial artist.

What it Means to be a True Martial Artist – by Ms. Sandra B, BlackBelt, age 45

“To know what it means to be a true martial artist, imagine someone who lives up to our creed, within and outside of the dojhang. To achieve the goal of becoming a true martial artist, follow the creed. In that way, our creed is both descriptive and prescriptive. Much of the creed has to do with individual hard work and perseverance: Never Give Up!, Be Ambitious, Discipline Yourself, Study Harder, and Be the Best of the Best. However, martial arts is not a solitary endeavor. The other parts of the creed have to do with how we engage with others: Respect Elders and Teachers, Trust in Friends, Love and Respect Each Other. We are taught to Preserve Life, not to destroy it. We are told to Be Courageous and Uphold Justice. A true martial artist feels a responsibility to protect and defend others. Finally, a true martial artist knows there is always more work to do. We will make mistakes in our practice and there will be times when we struggle to live up to the creed. The important thing is that we keep trying.”

“I believe that to be a true martial artist, it is essential to develop focus and diligence. You must clearly see your path forward and diligently take the necessary steps to get there. Without these attributes you will forever wander, never realizing your full potential.”

– Jordan R., Dad and Kumdo Student

“We all have an inner being – a TRUE self that is pure. Unadulterated. When alone with our thoughts our true self is that voice in our head. How would the voice in our head describe the bond between parents and their children? Or the sadness we feel when tragedy hurts us? Or the joy of bringing a new life into this world? It can be impossible to find the words. So we refer to it as the “knowing”. Somehow we “know” there is a bond/connection with family & friends and we “feel” it. Part of what I feel is vulnerability. That, for me, is the key to my inner being. I offer my vulnerability to the group in order to “plug into” the universal energy and emotions martial arts generates. I am all about “intent”. My intentions are to give more than I take from the combined energy and emotions. To nourish my inner being with the collective goodness. EVERY class reinvigorates my soul and is meaningful because I bring my inner being for training. Bare. The unadulterated “me”. And I give the same parts back. That to me is being a true martial artist.”

-Mr. Douglas, Brown-Belt

“How to be the BEST of the Best” – by Iman, age 15, BlueStripe Belt

“To be the best, I think you must first understand that greatness is not a gift, it’s something to be earned.  It isn’t about being perfect or having everything handed to you.  It’s about striving to become a better person, to be someone others can rely on, who can admit when they’re wrong, and can learn from their mistakes.  But you’re still just you, and that doesn’t change no matter how many boards you break, no matter what rank you have achieved.  You still have to face the mirror, and what you see will always be you.  In the end, you’ll find that the best about being the best is knowing that someone can outrun you, can outrank you, can be better than you, and maybe that is a very good thing to know!”

“To be the best of the best, one must first identify what habits or circumstances are holding you back.  As an adult, so much of our success and potential are determined by habits, both good or bad.

Furthermore, once you’ve identified the habits needed in order to succeed, discipline is what can take us there.  Discipline is the power of habit. (ed: GrandMaster Yu says often, “Discipline is the Mother of Success”)

Lastly, once habit and discipline are in balance, the mind, body & spirit can realize their full potential.  Reaching our potential as athletes, teachers, or friends will lead us to compete with the best versions of ourselves, therefore enabling us to become the Best of the Best.”

– Megan G, Sr. Student, BrownBelt

Other Essay Snippets

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