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. But what happens when no
cavalry comes to the rescue, trumpets blaring a welcome refrain of relief for
our beleaguered and precarious plight? What then? The answer is simple but
stark:
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. If we are strong, if we are
thoroughly prepared for war and the assaults of those who would take our
freedom from us, there will be peace. It is when we are weak, incapable of
defending ourselves or refuse to fight for our personal peace and sovereignty
that we invite aggression and potential domination from and by others.
Alexander the Great. Photo courtesy of the British Museum.
Alexander the Great was Ruler of Macedon in the third century B.C. 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 two-by-four 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. Check out the video at the link.
From The Black Belt Book of Life: Secrets of a Martial Arts Master.
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.
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.
Only competence creates confidence.
