Fight not to Fight

I told my 8-yr old kid this the other day. He looked at me like I was crazy. I guess such statements don’t increase my credibility in his eyes of being a sane adult.

Nevertheless, as martial artists, we are generally known to the general public as violent individuals. Nothing can be further from the truth. 

We might have started out that way but as one progresses in the martial arts, we tend to learn what violence is and instead of going out there looking for it, we tend to avoid it. (and I am not referring to professional fighters). 

Violence is nasty. We learn so much about how to inflict and avoid pain that if we are ever faced with a dangerous situation, we look for ways to steer away. 

Why?

Because violence is nasty and unpredictable. If in a “controlled” setting, we can get injured, the consequences “on the streets” can be dire. 

By understanding how the body can be both fragile and resilient, we also understand that the best way to have a long properous life is by avoiding dangerous situations.

So, the question becomes: why do we continue training? 

Because we love it!