Back to Basics

Basic techniques are the foundation of every style. You learn them on day one, and you never stop practicing. Even instructors, good ones at least, make basics a part of their routine training. But there is one key basic more important than the rest: learning.


Generally, new students who step into a martial arts school want to learn. They are trying something new and putting their faith into their instructor. New students walk onto the mat knowing they may slip and fall, say the wrong things, make mistakes, feel awkward, and look silly. But they do it anyway.


This is courage—the courage to learn something new. But over the years, some martial artists become complacent. They achieve a black belt, open their own schools, and stop learning. Many times, ego steps in and says, "Hey, you know this stuff. You're a master!"


As a great friend of mine likes to say, "We don't do martial arts. We practice martial arts." He's absolutely right. And it's not just the practice, it's the learning. You need the courage to learn every time you step onto the mat. Have the courage to put ego aside and learn something new. Have the courage to understand that you don't know it all.


I've learned just as much from my students and peers as I have from my instructors. That's the way it should be. As an instructor you need knowledge, skill and experience. But, for as much as you have to teach, you also need to let the students know that you still have a lot to learn. Don't just show them what kind of instructor you are; show them what kind of a student you are.


So, let's get back to basics. Let's get rid of the ego and have the courage of a new student. Have the courage to slip and fall, say the wrong things, make mistakes, feel awkward, and look silly. Have the courage to learn.

First Thoughts...

For years I've had discussions with friends, teachers, and fellow martial artists about this path we undertake in life. I've also planned to record these thoughts and conversations so they wouldn't be lost to my the abyss that is my sometimes horrible memory. Over the years I've failed miserably in this task.


Well, that ends now.


The purpose of this record is simply to share my own take on the martial arts, its history, traditions, training, and theories. In advance, I would like to do two things:

1. Thank everyone for the help they have given me over the years. My friends, family, teachers, and fellow martial artists. I am forever in your debt.
2. Apologize for anything I post that sounds too familiar. I will attempt to give credit to anyone I quote, but as we all know, sometimes you never remember where you heard a story or anecdote.

If you're reading this (and with all humility I don't expect many to do so), please understand that these are just my own personal thoughts and beliefs. The martial arts have a long history of honor and respect, but there is also a long history of conflicting viewpoints. I do not expect you to agree with me about every entry, and I'm sure if i read your thoughts, it would be the same.

However, there are some common threads that bind all martial artists, and I hope you find some here.

Thanks.

To paraphrase Musashi...

This 17th day of March, 2011, around 6pm.

-Brian Stanton