Someone told me recently, “The pen is mighty.” He was encouraging me to keep writing about  important martial art life lessons, even if someone on the Internet challenges me, or provokes me with an unwarranted comment.  What he said made good sense. Being a writer, or a martial artist, is not just about what you do. It is about how you react, what you say, how you live your life, and what you give back. It is about stretching your imagination, and moving past the ordinary, and that takes risks. If I have a calling to do that, then I must stick with it, no matter what.

Some risks of being in the public eye, are ridicule or criticism. But, the martial artist who believes in a solid foundation and mindset, can overcome that. His word is as powerful as a sword. The sword can cut or maim, defend or save. Words are similar. They can  bend or destroy, or pique interest, elicit joy, or spread good news. Even those who share good thoughts and words, and carefully care for their sword, can be cut by the sword of another. Both the pen, and the sword, can be used for good, or for evil.

The written word creates a legacy of truth and honor. It is special. Only a few can bring it to life, just as only a few can achieve martial art mastery. In sharing any message through martial arts, I am putting all I know and all I feel, on the line. I don’t question if it’s worth it. It just is. Ask any writer why he writes. It has little to do with being pompous or greedy. Generally, it is because he has a message that he feels compelled to share. This rings true for me. A thought comes into my head, and I immediately turn it into words.

It is no different from how a martial artist thinks. If you practice martial arts, when you learn a martial art skill, are you not compelled to share it? Don’t you feel called to teach,because it is important? Do you not make it a part of your personal arsenal, to defend and protect? The writer, the martial artist, or the person who has any passion, has an inclination to step out in faith, and in confidence, even if criticism is inevitable.

Martial arts are special, indeed. Along with their literal meaning, they can be exemplified with the right spirit and tone. They can uplift and refresh. I can’t think of a single other action, lesson, or skill, that allows a person to more fully explore who they are. The difficulty is not in the martial art training, but in the responsibility to honor the traditions, and to turn the other cheek, when unjustly criticized. Humility has its place.

If you are a martial artist, writer, or fall on the spectrum anywhere in between, you will face judgment by others, perhaps even harsh words, in your lifetime. It is an unfortunate scenario. Taking the high road is very difficult. You must weigh if it is worth calling the person out, who attempts to discredit you. Your intent is important. If you feel it is a warning others must understand, that is one thing. Don’t just bash back. Nothing is accomplished that way, and you only lower your standards to that of the offender. Follow as peaceful a path, as possible, but don’t be bullied, either.

In all my years in martial arts, I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by those who had good intent. For many of those years, I practiced alone, or with my family, without any specific instruction. I had enough to practice, since improvement is almost like learning anew. The same kata takes on a new direction, or one small nuance that I’ve never noticed before presents itself. Maybe I modified as I went, and created something specific to me. That’s the essence. You become what you practice.

All of these experiences give me enough words to last a lifetime. When asked if I will every fall short of a new story, my response always is the same, “No, because every moment in my life is different, and brings me a new topic.” When criticized about what I say, I can usually turn and walk away. There is no harm in unfriending, or blocking, those whose opinions and mindset do not align with mine. My pen, my sword, can cut them free, without hesitation.

I’ve not always been that way. Many times, I’ve tried to mend and peace-make. I would analyze and assess, and even make excuses, for those who outright tried to negatively impact me, or my environment. In a sense, they are the best thing that ever happened to me. I learned to mold life to my needs, and eliminate the superfluous words of others that had no meaning, and no sharp or true edge. They taught me lessons the hard way, but I learned. Their negativity forced me to improve my outlook. Like most things in my life, I discovered that the experiences which seem awful in the beginning, always balance me in the end. It is growth, and without it, I would still be searching for who I am.

I’m not much of a weapons person in martial arts. I have never learned to handle a real sword, although some day, I will. For now, I am secure in the proverbial sword that strengthens who I am, through my martial actions and words. My message remains clear, and positive. If we must believe in something, let’s believe in each other. It is true. The pen and the sword are mighty. But, so are you.

Andrea

My book, “The Martial Arts Woman” is in editing now, and should be published this year.