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Formidable Fighter: The Complete Series
The martial arts are great for relieving
frustration, staying fit, and building confidence, but many people
have visions beyond a healthier lifestyle. They want to compete in
front of a large audience, they want the ability to protect
themselves and others, and they want to be respected for their skill
and advancement of the art and sport. It has been said that size and
strength in the martial arts don’t matter because “it’s all in the
technique.” My view differs. I have found that those with muscular
strength and endurance, THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO FIGHT A DECISIVE
PHYSICAL BATTLE, consistently have the upper hand over those of
lesser stature and strength, or those who choose to fight an elusive
or “honorable” battle, regardless of technique and gender.
Most people can be both capable combatants and
physically strong, but not without training. The “yes, I can,”
attitude is not useful if you don’t also explore the preparation
needed to succeed. Martial arts done with foresight and intent are
not a one-size-fits-all activity, and being part of this select
group requires commitment and work. Some people have an advantage
due to their size, build, physical preparation, intelligence, and
desire. As we all know, however, old habits die hard. You must
therefore take the first step by not accepting substandard training.
Being fit means being physically and mentally
ready. Furthermore, the word “martial” inherently means to go to
war, to fight. To be considered combat, the martial art you study
must stress combat and not be done purely for aesthetic reasons. The
martial arts are rooted in fighting, and if we remove the war
element from our training, we will merely be studying an art and not
a martial art. The ability
to communicate combat presence in the face of threat and to outfight
a bigger opponent requires physical strength, confidence, and
commitment. When asked about your goals upon signing up for a
martial arts training program, it is appropriate to state that you
wish to learn self-defense or fighting (note that
self-defense is not passive and often comprises fighting), rather
than learn a new philosophy or seek a family recreational activity.
There are of course many benefits to the study of the martial arts,
such as health and fitness, a sense of belonging, and building of
confidence; however, when engaged in competition or in a life and
death struggle, these qualities are secondary to winning.
Today is the day to start seeing yourself as
elite. There is no secret martial art technique that works for a
weak person against a strong opponent. Yes, there are eye pokes and
groin strikes that don’t necessarily require much physical strength,
but you must still be in position to pull off such blows without
getting your hands tied up in the process. For the true student of
combat, the goal is not merely to survive the encounter, but to
triumph! How do you triumph? You triumph when strangers in the
audience shake your hand and say you are the best fighter they have
ever seen; you triumph when other martial artists seek your advice
and beg you to spar with them; you triumph when they fear you
because they know that you are dangerous; you triumph when you
understand that you must use your skill judiciously. This book is
about getting an education in the physical aspects of the martial
arts. Think of taking charge, toughening up, and emerging as a
formidable fighter, regardless of whether your goals are
self-defense, competition, or combat knowledge in general.
The doors to proper training are open to men and
women alike, but without education and knowledge these doors can be
difficult to find, and once you get there, it could require a hard
knocking. Use this study as a roadmap to make your training more
profitable by building a solid foundation for strength, dedication,
determination, commitment, and confidence. With every technique you
do, ask yourself, would it work in a real scenario? What do I need
to do in order to make it work? Not necessarily, how do I need to
change the technique, but how do I need to change myself in order to
make the technique work? Remember that your studies are meant to
bring you skill in combat. Start by educating yourself on modern
training methods.
