If you want to keep it…give it away

One of the first signs that a person is on the path to becoming a true martial artist is when he/she realizes that in order to keep their martial arts strong, they must first give it away.  A martial arts school traditionally sees most of its turnover in membership at the middle ranks. This is often when the student becomes overwhelmed by the wealth of information that they must retain for each rank. There is an incredible number of techniques, blocks, kata and bunkai requirements for each belt rank. Add to that the Japanese terminology, working full time, going to school, other interests and family demands…it is no wonder that the typical student experiences both stress and anxiety at the middle ranks.

Often the first signs of this milestone include “drawing a blank” and messing up a beginning kata or technique. They stand on the mat with a look of embarrassment and horror. They are in total disbelief that their mind could hide such pertinent information at such a crucial time! This is a critical time for the student and it is the moment when it is determined if the student will continue his/her training as a martial arts practitioner or as a martial artist.

The martial arts practitioner will set their sights on working hard and being the best in the class. They will train diligently so no other student will beat them. They can rationalize having a higher rank beat them or be technically better, however they will not tolerate nor handle competition from their own rank or below. This creates a lot of stress, because their training now includes the element of not being able to loose or “not loosing face”.

The martial artist walks a different path. They understand the concept of “If you want to keep it, then give it away”. The martial artist will begin spending time with the lower belts to increase their knowledge and ability. Sometimes in a formal setting or informally before or after class, you will find the martial artist helping the lower ranks with their requirements, kata and bunkai. They understand that by “giving away” or teaching their art, they strengthen their own basic skill and build better martial artists around them to work with.  Questions from the beginning student are welcome because the martial artist is confident that they have the resources to find the answer. These questions generate thought and often give the martial artist a better understanding of himself and his art.

Are you a martial artist or martial arts practitioner? Do you have the inner strength and spirit to help create stronger students around you? Are you confident enough to practice a kata with a beginner before or after class? Remember you do not need to teach, simply lead by example. If you are approachable at these times, you will find that you do not need to practice your basics on your own time. Your technique will improve because you are paying attention to the details. Your Japanese vocabulary will increase because you are actually using the terms instead of just listening to them.  The time you spend giving your art to others, will instill the art more deeply in you.

The time comes for everyone to choose which path they will follow. It takes a much stronger person to risk “giving it all away” and making those around them stronger and better martial artists. But that is the difference between the martial artist and the martial arts practitioner. The martial artist will take the risk and are strong in not only body, but also in mind and spirit.

If you are at this crossroad in your training, I encourage you to seek the path of the martial artist. Speak to your sensei to help understand your personal strengths and weaknesses. Share your strengths and work on your weaknesses. You will be a better martial artist for it.  And remember…if you want to keep it….then give it away.


Respectfully submitted,

K. Scarcello
Rising Sun Martial Arts