“Fighting is always last answer to problem.” ~ Mr. Miyagi ??
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To always want to ‘defeat’ someone; to always want to fight first; to always be right; to always come out on top; the building of a monumental ego;…. these are the goals of many practitioners. However, if these goals, are the only goals, then there is little difference between a street-fighting bully and a martial artist.
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Violence isn’t just violence. It happens in a social context, a legal context, and a medical context. There are always consequences. You may lose your home, your career, your family, your sight, your life….. what, to save a wallet with $20 in it, or because you become offended that some idiot has decided to call you a name.
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Be smart, see past your own ego, don’t risk you life or someone else’s because you think fighting is the only option. It isn’t. Be smarter than you think you are.
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Martial arts in general is more than just fighting. It’s more about learning to use your mind as your best weapon, learning to stay calm in some of the stickiest situations, trying to remain calm in those moments and make good clear decisions. Fighting, kicking and punching are not the only things. A martial artist should strive to be more, much more, than just a fighter.