Thruhiker Posted January 27, 2004 Posted January 27, 2004 What is your definition of a true martial artist and at what point during your training did you feel you became one?
returning_wave Posted January 27, 2004 Posted January 27, 2004 hmm tough question. Heres my 2¢: I would put forward that the status of a martial artist is not to do with a numebr of lessons or state of technical proficiency, but a mindset. Once you break through the wall of self-doubt and become committed. It happened for me about 5th kyu- i just found myself really getting into it and its stayed that way. If you get really into the mindset at 10th kyu you are still a martial artist, I dont think you have to be a master to be an MA: you dont have to play for England to be a rugby player. 3rd Kyu - Variant ShotokanTaijutsu"We staunt traditionalists know that technique is nowhere near as important as having your pleats straight when you die."
White_Tiger Posted January 28, 2004 Posted January 28, 2004 Good question!!! One that really consists of more than a one line answer. If I had to pick one answer...it would be the humility. Once you get over the "I can kick his butt" attitude, and you realize you can learn from anyone regardless of the rank, and style. Mine kicked in about 2.5 years into training. Like my Instructor likes to say..."Your view is better the higher you get on the mountain." Good luck!
Thruhiker Posted January 28, 2004 Author Posted January 28, 2004 Yes the question was a little difficult to answer and was meant to be a thought provoking question. As you well know there isn't a right or wrong answer. I am curious as to when people truly believe they became a Martial Artist. Was it the first day of training? After your first belt? After you accomplished something? Thank you for your responses White_Tiger and Turning_Wave.
Thruhiker Posted January 28, 2004 Author Posted January 28, 2004 Actually the essay is already written I was just curious as to what others thought on the matter. It was a very thought provoking question.
Judo Warrior Posted February 1, 2004 Posted February 1, 2004 my definiton of a martial artist is "warrior". - A coward dies a thousand deaths, A warrior dies but once.- No matter how strong the wind is, The mountain cannot bow to it.
Kanzashi Posted February 2, 2004 Posted February 2, 2004 Very Interesting Question, I agree. ar tist n. one who practises one of the fine arts; one who makes his craft a fine art; devotee. So, put Martial in front and you have a fine art in MA's. So the questions is really at what point does one think they're doing this? When are you devoted? Is that like being hooked, like me, a karate junkie? A mindset is part of it, so is ability but not absolute ability. How much devotion do you have to have? Is it quantifiable? I believe I am a martial artist as I am committed to learn the art of karate as much as I can. This forum is proof of all our comittments to learn and our devotion. We craft our arts as finely as we can to suit ourselves, the beauty of the art is in the eye of the beholder. The same is true when seeing a kata performed with precision, or the seemingly non-effort of exact sparring. True beauty indeed.
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