The Power of Courage

I have studied many different styles of martial arts, and have learned many lessons from all of my martial arts training. But this one is perhaps the most important lesson of them all: The goal of martial arts is to become a master of combat skills—and never to use them. This means that you are always physically and mentally able to defend yourself and those around you, but that you only use your skills when you have no other choice. It is being prepared that gives you the confidence to go out into the world knowing that you have what it takes to face the unknowns of life.

Once adversity strikes, it is too late to prepare yourself. That's why many people fall apart. They don't expect to fail or to face difficulties, and when they do, they have no psychological reserves. So they quit. And when they do, they set up a habit of quitting. Being prepared means that you don't have to quit when you run into problems. You will have the physical and mental reserves you need to get you through.

It is comforting to know that you are prepared. It keeps you grounded in your life and assures you of strong footing on every path you choose. You don't need to flaunt your abilities; it is enough just to know that you have them. It will give you the ability to respond appropriately to any situation, and to cope with any hardship. That in itself is a triumph over evil.

I would define true courage to be a perfect sensibility of the measure of danger, and a mental willingness to endure it.

— William Tecumseh Sherman,
Civil War general

Does this mean that everyone should become a martial arts master? Of course not (although I highly recommend it.) It means that you should do at least one thing every day to increase your preparedness. Exercise to keep your body prepared. Take some time for yourself to renew your spiritual side, whether it is in silent contemplation, meditation, or prayer. Learn something new every day to keep your mental abilities sharp. All of these tasks enable you to stand strong on the foundation of courage should the need arise.

There can be no great courage where there is no confidence or assurance, and half the battle is in the conviction that we can do what we undertake.

—Orison Swett Marden,
founder of Success Magazine