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The Link between Life and Martial Arts

There is a synergistic relationship between life and martial arts... the better your martial arts gets, the better your life gets and visa versa... the better life gets, the better your martial arts gets.

While training and assisting my ex-husband’s MMA class, there were countless examples of this wonderful phenomenon. One memorable account is...

A student, in his early twenties, had been in class for four months. He was not grounded and overextended when he moved, so could not hit with power, and could not cover so he just got hit.

Physically it looked like a balance problem. He had no balance. Mentally, it was clear to the instructors, he had a commitment challenge. So instead of being grounded and holding a solid stance, he would fall over, and could not generate any power. And if it was happening in class, it was also happening in his life. Not being able to generate power translated into him not being able to affect change in the world… though he talked a great talk, but couldn't walk the walk.

While other students who started at the same time excelled, he spun his wheels... his own arrogance got in his way... even though, he had a Karate background and should had an advantage over the inexperienced students.

Like most beginners, he failed to recognize the mind and body connection... and was frustrated when practice did not create the change in him, it had in everyone else.

To do what was best for the student, the instructor suspended him from class and was not allowed to return until he got a job... and got his life in order.

In one month, he went from a struggling writer living with his parents to stepping up by moving, getting two jobs, and becoming self sufficient.

On his first day back, it was a miracle. It looked like he had been practicing in secret because he hit faster, harder, and with more precision. It was amazing and the entire class noticed. The mind and body connection was made clear. They got to experience how life and martial arts are intrinsically linked. They both mirror each other. If your martial arts improve by improving your life, then you can improve your life by improving your martial arts.

Another young man on the road to empowerment and awareness... that’s what martial arts is all about. Mission accomplished.