This blog is going to cover the true warrior spirit. Sport's history is full of moments that embody the warrior sport: Cal Ripken's iron man streak, Michael Jordan's flu game, and Mohammed Ali Rumble in the Jungle that define a warrior spirit.
Warriors developed when they fought for their lives, property, and the defense of others. Feudalism brought a methodology of training that was extreme but met the demands of the time. A Warrior Mindset meant warriors fought until the end with a mental fortitude of not being defeated. Your body may not work, and you might have elements against you, but the mental strength to know you can overcome all of it.
Modern professions have a warrior spirit while supporting kindness, which is similar to the Samauri. Known for being extreme fighters, talented, technically sound, and tacticians but also knowing how to be kind and compassionate. First responders often train in this mentally against the greatest odds.
The Warrior Spirit is classically trained in classical martial arts like karate, judo, and jujitsu. The island nation of Japan has a rich history of methodologies and training that teach and instill this spirit. Visit a traditional dojo like Chito Ryu karate and watch the precision and heart put into each movement. Students make each movement as if it is their last. When it is time for a break, they are sweating. This type of training sharpens the body, which in turn sharpens the mind.
In sports, practice is where you connect with yourself, we find the warrior mindset builds. Another sport that demonstrates the warrior spirit is Long-distance running. Cross-country runners or marathoners may not be the first off the line or have the fastest time, but continuing to fight and push when things are hard. Every inch of a race matters, every foot on the ground builds them one step closer to finishing. Building this memory of what it feels like when you fight hard and use self-coaching are two mental practices that help the warrior spirit.
As a classically trained martial artist, I recognized the extreme need to push myself beyond what I thought I could do. On the first day in the karate dojo, I was yelled at for not focusing and not giving it my all. From that point on, I recognized I will always give my all. There were days when I was sick, or could not kick as high, but my effort never lagged. I would leave each section of class sweating through my uniform, barely able to stand. I made this a mindset that I carry with me in everything I do.
We traditionally think of the warrior mindset as all physical in terms of being stronger or stronger, but the reality is the warrior mindset is a mindset. You need to train your brain to acknowledge that it is hard, but manageable. Using Self Coaching, Mindfulness, and Meditation, we can move into a realm of warrior mindset. The body will follow where the mind goes.
A Warrior mindset is what I look for in my black belt applicants. Showing them the hard work they have already done and that it does not matter what exercises are in front of them, they will prevail. I hope you enjoyed this conversation on a warrior mindset. Take the time to develop your warrior mindset.
Michael Rodgers
RYT 500, 1st-degree dan Chito Ryu karate, NFPT Master Trainer
to sign up for the monthly blog: send an email to chitoryukarate@yahoo.com
Sign up newsletter
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chito.ryu.96
instragra: https://www.instagram.com/total360karate2/
email: chitoryukarate@yahoo.com
to sign up for classes: https://secure.rec1.com/AZ/prescott-valley/catalog
Comments