As martial artists, the general public and outside world may consider us fighters. They see the kicks and punches and blocks, the stances and powerful stares, and believe that martial artists want to fight. Many times parents have asked, “Will learning this make my child want to hit or punch others?” My own friends or workmates joke, “Don’t worry, I won’t bother you!” It is all said in jest, but there is the underlying thought that I would easily turn to “fighting” if the opportunity presented itself.

While essentially martial artists are taught elements of fighting, unless you are a fighter in the ring, the  main approach to martial arts is to learn how to fight so you don’t have to fight. This simply means that you learn all of the elements of fighting so you can defend and protect yourself in certain situations, but none of it is learned to become an aggressor or violent person. In patterns and katas, the first movements are generally defensive. It is a reminder that we must never make the first offensive move, but always defend out of necessity.

The perception that we are aggressive is inaccurate, because our true mission involves peace, and the ability to step back and disengage, if at all possible. I’ve never been attacked, or involved in a physical altercation. I’m not sure exactly what I would do, but I do know that if I can escape, or run away, that’s all I need, and all I want. Fighting back, unless warranted, has no interest to me. However, I will fight back if that is the only alternative.

All of this brings me to my real point. You rarely hear of anything wonderful or gracious that happens in the world. News and media are focused on reporting what is horrendous, and justly so. There will always be war, discontent, and killings, and you may feel that you, alone,  cannot control that. I agree that it is very difficult to change others, which makes me seek an alternative.

What you can do, as a martial artist, or a citizen, or a person, is take the high road, be the example, and not turn to negativity as a first response to your life, or your surroundings. Your actions make a difference. If you practice a martial art, is not meditation, reflection, and physical  working out all a part of your training? We are a group of people who, if we band together, create an intangible force in whatever direction we choose.

Yes, I agree that I have a rosy vision of the power of people. All I know is that there are more good people, than evil people. We have to stand out. We have to work together.

Take a brief moment to consider what is good and right and just. I think something will come to mind. Maybe it is your family, your neighbor, or a friend. Perhaps someone achieved, excelled, or conquered. A smile came your way. A stranger stopped to help. You read an inspiring word. Something exciting just happened in your life. You reached a goal. The sun came out. Every day when you wake up, you have a new chance to not only renew yourself, but the world around you.

I understand that none of this stops unjust actions, but it does stop the culmination of your own negative perspective from overshadowing all else. The more of us who seek to remain hopeful, even in the worst of times, can bring about a positive energy that touches everything. It can rise up like the crest of a wave, and carry us through.

I cannot change the world, or the bad things, but I can start to create the kind of change that means something to me and those around me. I can change my heart, and if nothing else, that is a good place to start.

xoxo
Andrea