Please answer the following question, in forty words or less (preferably in one sentence):
What is the single most important lesson you have learned in martial arts?
On June 30, I will randomly select one respondent to receive a prize, courtesy of contest sponsor Shambhala Publications.
If your complete answer exceeds forty words, you are welcome to publish it on your own blog or forum; just give us the summary, and drop a link to your full post below.
Your Answers
John W. Zimmer:
“Initially I would have stated self-defense or fighting was the most important lesson. On reflection, I would have to say that learning how to unify my mind and body, or ki, is the most important lesson I have learned while studying the martial arts…”
(and more to come…)
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33 responses so far ↓
1
Rick Matz
// Jun 8, 2009
Empty your cup.
2
Matthew
// Jun 8, 2009
I must be patient because I know virtually nothing, yet I remain hopeful and faithful because I’m certain I have found the way.
- Student of 2nd Gen. Yip Man Sifu.
3
Scott
// Jun 9, 2009
The person most likely to hurt me is myself.
4
Jim Kirkwood
// Jun 9, 2009
“Fall down seven times, stand up eight.”
5
Peter
// Jun 9, 2009
“Martial Arts are about protect and respect” – Jackie Chan
6
Neal Martin
// Jun 9, 2009
As my father is fond of saying: “The man who knows everything has not been invented yet.”
7
Colin Wee
// Jun 9, 2009
When flying down a hill on a mountain bike wearing neither helmet nor pads, and when that front tyre explodes, the single most important lesson when the odds are stacked against you is to take control of your own destiny and perform that forward roll — or really whatever technique you’ve got — like there was no tomorrow. And there will be. Colin Wee, 5th Dan, Hikaru Dojo.
8
Michele
// Jun 10, 2009
Perseverance
9
Nizzle
// Jun 10, 2009
“A goal is not always meant to be reached, it often serves simply as something to aim at.” -Bruce Lee
10
Simon
// Jun 10, 2009
” Don’t insist, don’t resist”
11
Martial Arts Mom
// Jun 11, 2009
I have learned to believe in myself through martial arts. I would have never thought myself capable of practicing martial arts, but it has given me confidence in all areas of my life.
12
Thomas Tan
// Jun 11, 2009
I suppose the most important lesson I’ve learned so far is that I haven’t learned enough.
13
Urban Samurai
// Jun 11, 2009
I have learned how to get in touch with my inner warrior, the one who guides me, gives me strength and affords me wisdom.
14
J
// Jun 12, 2009
I’ve learned to appreciate and enjoy the essence of humanity in all its forms that arises from every movement and thought and interaction of whatever art form that is practiced.
15
Nicola
// Jun 13, 2009
I’m still learning this, but being more patient, less frustrated when I don’t achieve what I was hoping, it doesn’t help anyone else and doesn’t help me either
16
Todd
// Jun 15, 2009
Humility.
17
Josie
// Jun 16, 2009
I’ve learned that no matter what, no enemy is greater than myself. The only person I can truly afford to worry about is me, and when I keep that in mind, I can do just about anything.
18
(Obi Wan Canubi) Jamie
// Jun 16, 2009
I joined Goju Ryu after seeing the karate kid wanting to learn how to kick ass. I was ADHD according to my school therapist, just failed 4th grade and angry.
After 6 months I had earned my white belt with 2 green stripes, still a beginner in the sense of karate, but so much more. I was no longer seeing the school therapist for ADHD, my grades were As & Bs and I was at peace with myself.
Martial Arts is self discovery.
19
alexander Liu
// Jun 17, 2009
time is precious! so lets practice as much as we can.
or something along those lines…… by my master hong yuan luo of ji hong taichi college
20
Josh Young
// Jun 17, 2009
♥
To laugh as you pick yourself up,
dust yourself off
and give it your best again.
♥
What good is there is defending
what is not enjoyed?
♥
What good is mastery
if you cannot smile?
♥
Appreciate existence
and treasure life itself.
♥
21
James Tiberius Kirk
// Jun 17, 2009
In training we prepare for life,
in life we prepare for death,
we meet death therefore
with neither fear nor haste,
accepting as the lesson of life
that death is a part of training.
It sounds better in the original Klingon…
22
Jan Mennekens
// Jun 23, 2009
The martial arts showed me that a relaxed attitude works better than force (and forcing). Still learning to apply it more, though…
23
ac
// Jun 24, 2009
To become a better person: physically, mentally and spiritually.
24
Master yoda
// Jun 25, 2009
That money more can be had,
stroke like if your speaking is.
25
Chuck Norris
// Jun 25, 2009
Don’t mess with Texas.
26
Cariolyn
// Jun 27, 2009
I’ve learned that your Sensei can open the door, but it is up to you to walk through it. What you will gain physically and mentally from the arts will only be equal to what you put into it.
27
Chris
// Jul 6, 2009
Nicola, you have been randomly selected as the contest winner. Please contact me with your mailing address.
Further responses are welcome, although they will not be eligible for a prize.
28
Obi Wan Canubi
// Jul 7, 2009
Congrats Nicola!
Make sure to tell us all what you won when it comes in!
Obi
29
Nicola
// Jul 7, 2009
Hi Obi Wan – your comment was amazing – its so exciting to win but I think you should have the prize ! Your story was truly inspirational – so many young people in the UK could find hope to change things around the way you have !
30
Fudo della montagna
// Jul 24, 2009
To know myself
31
Asaf das
// Nov 25, 2009
For me Martial Arts means perseverance, accuracy in every detail and taking responsibility over your own life.
32
Artorius Mtz
// Nov 25, 2009
Martial arts teach to act wise and fast
sound strategies, tactics and techniques but always at the right time
33
Yavuz
// Feb 20, 2010
What I have learned so far is that I can never learn enough and that I’m always way more powerless and incompetent than I think. Maybe I’m doing something wrong, what do you think?
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