Fighting the Good Fight
 

There is a strong dark cloud drifting over the martial arts world. It is our responsibilities as leaders to try and enlighten and direct martial arts students as well as the general public away from the negativity of this dark presence. Some where over time many have lost qualities of honor, loyalty, humbleness, wisdom, righteousness.... Now there is far too much back stabbing, undermining, power struggles. The dark force of negativity is raising it's ugly head and infecting the masses. How is this happening one may wonder.

1) Teachers / Instructors do not spend enough time teaching the importance of these qualities. There should be regular discussions on these topics whether it be in the form of story telling or lectures. There should be given samples and analogies to enhance the students awareness of negative thinking, so they may develop a defense before it gets a hold of them.

2) Leaders / Instructors who have managed to put themselves in a place of authority before developing themselves mentally, emotionally, philosophically and spiritually. Some of these people are unbalanced by uncontrolled ego and pride. What I refer to by unbalanced is: all of our emotions should be counterbalanced. Every emotion has an opposite to counterbalance our oneself. When one is over developed in ego and pride it will change there Being. Sort of like being possessed by a negative energy. This negative energy will direct the person to justify any negative actions, by being the faults of everyone else. For they are the true GOD of martial arts and every one else should just be privileged to be in their presence. It is people like this that also get power from directing the sheep and followers. They need the power of the peoples belief more than the people need them, and will undermine anyone else at any cost to maintain followers.

Fighting the good fight really does not have to much to do with physical martial arts on our level. We try to teach the tools that will help our students defend themselves physically, MENTALLY and SPIRITUALLY, so they can develop and live a good and healthy life. Teaching physical self defense is the easiest as it is most likely all they are capable of understanding at the time. It is the first step to self development, after they begin to develop self control, self discipline, self confidence. The physical now begins to develop the mental, the process has begun.

The good fight has to do with the mental and spiritual defense. Our foes or aggressors are those who only wish to gain control and power. There weapons are deceit, manipulation, divide and conquer strategies. They may pretend to be a loyal student, a partner or friend, all the while they are looking for an opportunity. They are the lowest of low and only care about themselves. They are very very sneaky and ! usually don't show their cards until they have everything they can get from you. These people are our enemies, our aggressors, and we might not even know who they are yet.

Now, this is fighting the good fight. This is why it is so important to try and teach and prepare our students. The dark side is always there waiting to pick up one of our students. What I mean is; the dark side is a negative emotion, there is often a demon waiting to direct and manipulate a negative emotion. Once someone is controlled by negativity everything we do or say can be easily used against us. At this point we can not fight, as anything we do will just serve the negativity. We have to wait with open arms in hopes that our students will find balance before it's too late. I think I have stressed the importance of educating our students beyond mere physical techniques and strategies. We have to stop and look within ourselves every so often as well.

By
Daniel Verkerke

cc; 2005