Entering into any Martial Arts school for the first time can be overwhelming! New faces, new surroundings, new things to learn. Even for the accomplished martial artist who has been around the dojo scene for a while can testify to the fact that starting out or starting over have many real challenges. After a while students get adjusted to the daily routines. Such as when to bow when to kick a certain way. Overtime the new students become teachers and the welcoming committee to the newly arrived students. When I first walked into my first dojo I didn’t know what to expect it was a scary site. Fresh meat for the grinder I thought to myself as I watched the students throw each other around. I couldn’t help but to think to myself what have I gotten myself into. My teacher looked at me as I sat down in a chair watching and trying to make up my mind if I really wanted to do this. As he looked at me he said something I will never forget and is the corner stone of my teaching still today. “He said you will never learn by just sitting and watching you must hit the mat” How true his words rang out in my ears and still echo in my mind today. As soon as I hit the mat a whole new world open up for me right in front of my eyes!
Weeks passed then month’s then years. But the lessons I learned on the mat has become a very important part of me. After attending several different schools and learning new styles and training under the tutorage of Grandmaster Jonathan Abaya the Founder of Jendo Filipino Martial Arts and after opening my own school, I finally came around full circle in martial arts. The Art of war no matter what style you practice is more about perfection of oneself rather then learning a lot of different katas. Martial Arts teach you how to polish your mind and soul. Movements and perfection of your style will fall into place one you learn how to master your own life. This is the true essences of martial arts. I encourage anyone who is expiring to become a martial artist to never give up your dreams. Always believe yourself and your abilities. Never be down hearted about your weakness turn them into your strengths. Learn to face yourself everyday and learn to love yourself and enjoy life then you will learn inner peace. So Many people put an emphasis on gaining material wealth and become down trodden when they do not meet society’s standards. It is easy to get lost in vast oceans of mixed emotions. But as martial artist we must look past the world’s perceptions and come to terms with ourselves. Other words we must hit the mat and perfect inner peace and seek to destroy all the ugliness that hides in us all. Once you accomplish this you will what matters the most to you. When you become one with yourself or find your inner Zen you will find everything is more refreshing. Facing yourself will be the toughest challenge you may ever face. But do not worry we all must fight our inner most demons and come to terms with ourselves.
Hitting the Mat means more then just getting down and dirty in the Dojo. Hitting the Mat means perfection of both body and soul. This is the true meaning of martial arts. So do not be afraid of failure one never truly fails if he gives everything his all. Do not be discouraged if you find yourself struggling over a technique or anything else you may face in life believe in yourself and never be afraid to hit the Mat.
