The Martial Art Student Creeds
Words Everyone Can Live By
Everyday, millions of martial art students, young and old, in thousands of martial arts schools throughout the world, recite the following creeds and variations of them before and after their lessons. The following words not only set the tone for the anticipatory session, they pervade and influence the students' attitude towards life. Where the creeds originated from is unknown.
The Three Dimensional Creed Recited At the Beginning Of The Lesson
As Students of the Martial Arts, we seek to develop, true confidence through:
- Knowledge of the Mind
- Honesty in the Heart
- Strength in the Body
The Student Creed Recited At The End Of The Lesson
- I will continue to develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that will reduce my mental growth and physical health.
- I will continue to develop self-discipline in order to bring out the best of myself and in others.
- I will continue to use the skills I've learned in class constructively and defensively, to help myself and others and never to be abusive or offensive.
They close with the following:
We Are Dedicated To The Principles Of Black Belt Excellence
- Honesty
- Integrity
- Humility
- Courtesy
- Harmony
- Indomitable Spirit
These Creeds Are Not Only For Martial Artists, Examining The Three Dimensional Creed
Everyone from every walk of life can benefit from these words. Let's examine the opening creed. We all know that "knowledge is power". The more one knows, the more one grows. As for being honest, our word is our bond. If you say to someone, "I'll call you later", intend to really call them. If it turns out that you cannot talk to them at length at that time, call them and arrange for a specific time when you can. You'll be surprised at how much that simple act can increase a person's trust in you. When you take care of yourself, and exercise consistently, you have a healthy body and mind that can take on any challenge.
Examining The Closing Creed
In the first one, we are pledging with our fellow martial artists in the room that we will strive to be better. It doesn't mean we are or will be perfect. So if we are smoking a pack of cigarrettes a day, we can try for a half a pack. If we watch four hours of television a night, let's go for three. Little actions to improve can go a long way. Strive for perfection, settle for excellence.
In the second, we are pledging to be better by the simple act of "showing up". We may not always feel like doing what we truly know is the right thing, but the martial arts and the recitation of the Creeds help us to adhere to what we know to do and be what is just. Hence, when we "show up" in our lives, we affect others positively and influence them to "show up" as well.
Concerning the final part of the Closing Creed, some martial art schools spar (free-form fight), with the Sensei (Venerated Teacher) closely monitoring any non-regulated moves; some do not. All martial art schools generally teach highly choreographed, offensive and defensive, punching and kicking drills and "katas" or forms (choreographed movement sequences) where nothing is left to chance.
It is the repetition of these drills where mastery of the body and tempering of the spirit is honed. Howerver, it is tacitly understood that these moves are never to be displayed outside the "Dojo" (school) in horseplay or to prove one is a "tough guy/girl". To do so would be a breach of the Creeds and the Sensei's (instructor's) sacred trust. So when a parent expresses a fear that their child might become a bully if he/she takes up martial arts, the Sensei will reply that martial arts build not only a strong body but confidence and self-esteem, and with that cultivated belief in one's self, the child learns to walk away from conflict or avoid it altogether.
As for adults, it is very easy to get plenty of exercise by "flying off the handle" or "jumping to conclusions" when a situation doesn't always go our way. This part of the Creed teaches us to stop, look and listen, and think more than twice before saying or doing something we might in hindsight, regret. To overcome others is power, to overcome oneself is wisdom.
The Principles Of Black Belt Excellence
When you strive to be honest in all situations, you have integrity. You have nothing to prove to anyone, so you can be humble. It then becomes very easy to be courteous to others, even when they are not kind to you. You know what you are about, so you have harmony. Nobody has to rouse you for you to get to your job or your martial arts lessons, you are pro-active and disciplined. No one can keep you down!
Remember, you are the master of your own destiny. No one can take your power away from you. All are invited to contemplate and incorporate these Creeds and Principles into their daily lives. Do so with strength, peace, enthusiasm and joy.
Osu!, (Japanese,let it be done, pronounced like "toast")
self-discipline
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harmony
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indomitable spirit
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