I am a warrior, not a fighter. You might be thinking "What is the difference between a warrior and a fighter." "Aren't they the same?" Well, the answer is NO! A warrior uses his art for good, cares about others and is respectful inside and outside the ring. A fighter does not care about others, looks for fights, disrespects and brings shame to the art. As an Instructor, I teach students to defend themselves and use their art as a last resort. If anyone is caught using the art to harm others, they are out of the class, period! The arts are there to teach others discipline, respect, loyalty and be better people out there. I will not train thugs or "bad guys." My philosophy in the martial arts is never limit yourself. Some arts will only focus for you to use only your legs or your arms. I say use everything you have. Your arms, elbows and fists are there, use them. You have your legs and knees, use them as well. Practice and learn on how to use every part and limb of your body. Learn pressure points, takedowns, anything in your arsenal so you can protect yourself in any situation. I'm not going to bad mouth any type of martial art styles out there because each style has their unique focus and style to teach others and to defend themselves as well. The one thing that upsets me in some styles out there, are the ones that teach you how to win medals in tournaments and such. These are the styles that teach you the "flashy stuff" but do jack on the street. If I wanted to be flashy, I would've become a Gymnist. This type of style may win you medals, but the best medal you can receive, is your survival in a combat situation and escaping with your life! I'm only saying this because not only have I seen it, I've also practiced this style once. I'm happy that I switched to a style where I could learn and use everything at hand. Another thing that bugs me are the Instructors that I've seen in tournaments which are an embarrasment to the art as well. Instructors, Senseis, Kwan jin nim's, or however you say it in your style of marital arts that are rude, make obnoxious comments, and think they are gods just because they are Black belts. Being a black belt is an achievement, not "Godhood". Black Belt is a beggining step towards a bigger challege and others look up to you, so you must set an even greater example and become a role model for others. Personally, I think society needs good role models. People that can set a proper example and be a mentor, a guide, for others to follow. My opinion is that this society has plummited to total degeneration and if we keep this up, there may not be a society, except a bunch of addicts, degenerates, low lifes, careless and lazy bums. I thought about this countless times and quite frankly, I do not want anyone to end like this. I try to be a role model myself for others to follow, by doing good in college, help others if needed, and follow the way of the Martial arts. The United States of America has countless opportunities, but it's up to you to take advantage of them. If you don't do something to improve yourself, what do you think it's going to happen to you? If you don't care and value yourself, how could you care about others? Think about it, look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself what do you see? Do you like what you see? If you do, great! If you don't, it's up to you what you want to do. You could change and make a difference in ths world, or just be a lazy bum with no future. These are my thoughts and opinions pertaining to what and where we live in. It may not be the same opinions as yours, but everyone's entitled to them. This is the Tiger Warrior's phylosophy which has been written here. Thank you for taking the time to read my column.
