It’s true. I am insignificant, at least in the world of important martial art masters, actors, and stunt people. Every day I still learn something new, or try to fix a flaw. No one can refute that I have focus or power, and an undying will to learn and advance. I apply martial arts not just to my life, but to the character of the people and world around me.

Rank does not define a martial artist. A martial artist defines himself of terms of how he engages martial arts in his life, and how he affects others. To just know the physical components creates a very athletic and secure individual, but without compassion and heartfelt application of these life-saving skills, something is missing. I have met some brilliant masters, and I’ve been harassed by others.They are not defined at all by their rank, but by their intent.

Every style offers something slightly different. While in one style a foot is positioned a certain way, in another it is positioned differently, and different kicks position the knee at varying angles. To me, everyone has a valid reason why their system works. There are great explanations and definitions that thoroughly make sense. In the grand scheme of things, they all cleverly work.

I’ve never been a proponent of adjusting every martial art technique I do to “real life” because I like to explore the creative benefits of arts, but I would go out on a limb and say if I was attacked and had the time to execute a kick to the attacker’s  head, groin, or anywhere else no matter how I lift my knee, I would be happy and thankful that I learned how to kick at all.

For those who practice a martial art, you are part of a bigger group, called martial artists, who, in essence, are believers in self-improvement, self-defense, and self-confidence. This group includes everyone from beginner to advanced and beyond. Even Facebook proves a point. There are groups for martial artists with different ranks to join, chat, and share. The beginners may ask questions the advanced have heard for years, but in the spirit of goodness, they readily and happily answer, knowing they are promoting and encouraging martial arts to their peers.

Where are you in your journey? Are you thinking about trying a martial art? Have you excelled in your practice? Are you a master, an actor, or someone with trophies and medals that span a mile wide? Do you teach? Do you listen? How do you share what you know? Have you made a contribution to the world of martial arts that spins slowly and methodically around all of us? Are you a non-martial artist who just truly enjoys reading about martial arts or watching a great action movie because you can see the incredible skill that some have?

If you are a sideline martial artist, someone who questions if you could ever learn a martial art, I say to you, you can, and you must. Learning a martial art will allow you to find a different person inside. I stood at that threshold many years ago, looking in. I didn’t think I could do it, or that I had what it takes. And, I didn’t. Not for a while. Even today, I continually question myself, knowing there is so much more that I could and should be doing. On the other hand, I have reached further than I ever thought possible and feel confident that I can make a positive difference in our world because of it.

Comparatively speaking, there are times when you will feel less than others. Even the most famous martial artists, I’m sure, ask themselves what is next, or want to know that they are continually excelling. I believe the martial art mind never really stops or shuts down. Although you see the success of those who are well-known, or historically important, you will never know the internal struggles they have faced along the way. We are all in the same situation, and at some point in our journey, insignificance washes over each and every one of us without warning.

This all really brings me full circle to what martial arts mean to me. I see different age groups exploring their journeys through both the physical and mental challenges that martial arts have to offer. At 53, I have pushed myself out on a limb to advocate positivity and life lessons through martial arts. It is only in retrospect that I can see the path, and only in maturity that I can share my messages with others.

Through martial arts, you can explore your inner being, your mind, body, and soul. When you look within long enough, the person you are meant to be is slowly revealed. Whether that person is a beginner, an expert, or even a great action star or hero, is not important. It is how you feel about being you, and what you see on that internal look.

When I compare myself too heavily with others, I always wind up on the insignificant side of things. But, when I only compare myself with the person I want or hope to be, I see it differently. I see a middle-aged woman who is a martial artist, a writer, a motivator, and an advocate for not just martial arts, but positive living. I am willing to take all the risks involved with sharing my thoughts to the world, and even though criticism still stings, my mind and heart have never changed course. I’ve lived through difficult moments in the past, and although none was a violent altercation, I persevered only because I applied a martial art mindset. That is how I know  martial arts work in my life.

Wherever you are in your martial art progression, and no matter what anyone says about your rank, your talent, or your skill, keep on the path. Brush it off. Move along. Surround yourself always with the people who believe in you, because if you believe in your martial art, style, or system, you are  part of a larger group of people who are believers, and they will believe in you, too.

I believe in you, and I always will. I support your endeavors, and I applaud your missed attempts, challenges and difficulties. If not for the moments when you struggle with a skill or a have a mental roadblock, you would never appreciate success.  Like you, I have a few mental blocks to break open, and when I do, another set will present itself.

For every success and every set of blocks that I crash through, however, I build a new confidence and a new belief in myself. I am an insignificant martial artist only if that is how I choose to see myself. The truth is, I believe every martial artist is a martial artist of great significance.

xoxo

Andrea

My book, The Martial Arts Woman, will be published this year.