Although many claim to be true martial artists, very few possesses all the characteristics inherent to martial arts mastery. Here is a short list of differences between the average Joe training in a martial art and a genuine martial arts master. For those of you who aren't into martial arts and somehow stumpled upon this page, know that this list applies to everyday life... because to the true martial artist, martial arts is part of (their) life.
1. The Average Martial Artist is ego-driven . . . the True Martial Artist is spirit driven.
2. The Average Martial Artist focuses on having . . . the True Martial Artist focuses on being.
3. The Average Martial Artist lives in delusion . . . the True Martial Artist lives in objective reality.
4. The Average Martial Artist competes . . . the True Martial Artist creates.
5. The Average Martial Artist avoids risk . . . the True Martial Artist manages risk.
6. The Average Martial Artist loves to be comfortable . . . the True Martial Artist is comfortable being uncomfortable.
7. The Average Martial Artist sees themselves as victims . . . the True Martial Artist sees themselves as responsible.
8. The Average Martial Artist is frustrated . . . the True Martial Artist is grateful.
9. The Average Martial Artist has dreams . . . the True Martial Artist has vision.
10. The Average Martial Artist believes their vision only when they see it . . . the True Martial Artist knows they will see their vision when they believe it.
11. The Average Martial Artist seeks security . . . the True Martial Artist doesn’t believe that security exists.
12. The Average Martial Artist coaches through logic . . . the True Martial Artist coaches through emotion.
13. The Average Martial Artist believes problem solving stems from knowledge . . . the True Martial Artist believes problem solving stems from will.
14. The Average Martial Artist is problem oriented . . . the True Martial Artist is solution oriented.
15. The Average Martial Artist thinks they know enough . . . the True Martial Artist is eager to learn.
16. The Average Martial Artist chooses fear . . . the True Martial Artist chooses growth.
17. The Average Martial Artist is boastful . . . the True Martial Artist is humble.
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