The most sought-after aspect of martial arts is the ability to control other people. That is not a bad thing, as long as you have a good reason to do so. If that person is attacking you, or someone else. Perhaps even more important is to develop the power to control yourself!
This confidence and control allow someone to back down from a fight, even if it’s a fight they could win. A highly developed warrior mindset enables a person to avoid violence without ego getting in the way. There are no second-guessing decisions because the properly trained fighter knows what’s at stake and is more concerned with preserving life.
Think of the samurai warrior for a moment. His highly tuned skill with a sword enables him to keep it sheathed because he knows, once it comes out, what the consequences will be. The sword itself is a symbol of self-discipline and self-mastery. The same concept can cross over into today’s culture. A properly trained martial artist knows what he is capable of, and therefore lives life understanding the responsibility to avoid confrontation at all costs. It is the warrior lifestyle.
Attaining this level of self-control does not come easy. How does one acquire it? While having the ability to walk away from a fight is certainly one of the highest levels of self-control, one must first learn how to be in control of themselves. What does that mean? Learning to make decisions and execute movements properly, under pressure, without panicking.
Unfortunately, too many martial arts rely on fancy techniques that do little more than develop a false sense of security. At Sheepdog Jujitsu, the student begins learning self-control right away. Daily drills quickly teach that, to free oneself from a position, one must stay calm while working against an opponent actively resisting them.
The student learns not to panic, gets comfortable in uncomfortable situations, and begins making better decisions when under pressure. Think of all the real-life applications of such a process! These drills also benefit the one trying to hold the position, as well. Controlling the individual on the bottom is not as easy as it sounds, and unless the student controls him or herself first, they will have a tough time doing it.
Learning the self-control required to turn away from a violent confrontation calmly and confidently requires that one be familiar with fighting. This confidence is developed through dedicated practice and the drilling of techniques over time. It doesn’t come overnight, but nothing worth learning is easy. If you want to be a warrior, you must do warrior stuff! We hope to see you on the mat.
