It is a simple truth but often overlooked, mostly by dudes who think too little and run their mouths too much. “Great fighters are great thinkers. Non-thinkers are the defeated.” All Karate Institute of America students, especially Black Belts, understand the critical nature of being an intelligent fighter. Yes, one must be tough mentally and strong physically, but the provenance of all great fighters and generals is their intelligence, i.e., their ability to think and execute.

Life throws us all kinds of curve balls. Problems pop up out of no where unexpectedly. Challenges erupt at the least opportune moment, and conflicts explode out of a clear blue sky. Such uninvited tribulations test our mettle, resolve, and will to remain calm, balanced, centered, to succeed, even survive. In managing such events, we summon various strategies, techniques, and mechanisms to solve the issue(s) at hand. We may have family members and/or friends, perhaps even a stranger, offer to help us.

The Karate Institute of America and Kiado-Ryu Martial Arts subscribe to President George Washington’s admonition that: To be prepared for war is one of the most effectual means of preserving peace. Is this not one of the fundamental reasons why we study martial arts? Yes, the bullies of the world study martial arts, too, but they use it for aggression and subjugation of others who are neither strong enough nor capable enough to resist or repel their wicked intentions.

Alexander the Great (photo courtesy of the British Museum) Alexander the Great was Ruler of Macedon in the 3rd Century BC. Never defeated in battle, he is one of the most vaunted military leaders in world history. The following quote from Alexander speaks directly to, and underscores, his understanding of leadership. I am not afraid of an army of lions led by sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.

We never know when we’ll need to use our self-defense skills to protect ourselves, our families or other people. In this FOX News story, a homeless man armed with a nail-embedded 2x4 attacked an innocent man on the streets of Los Angeles. As fate would have it, before the assailant could do further damage, a local Good Samaritan came to the rescue, executing a flying side kick on the perpetrator, neutralizing the situation, which resulted with the attacker being put in jail.

Kiado-Ryu Principle #12 \ *[The Black Belt Book of Life, Secrets of a Martial Arts Master](http://amzn.to/pJSoeZ)* \ © Richard Andrew King Action and reaction; Cause and consequence. It is no mystery that Competence Creates Confidence. Reason’s whole pleasure, all the joys of sense, Lie in three words, - health, peace, and competence. —Alexander Pope [Essay on Man] Nothing creates confidence more than competence. Telling someone they’re good at something, giving them pats on the back, kisses on the cheek, big hugs and positive words of how great they are don’t, nor can’t, build true confidence.