The Unseen Value Of Martial Arts Training - A Lesson From Ben Franklin

During one of my recent trips to Japan for trainingfrom the viewpoint of convenience. And, as we all
with Bujinkan Grandmaster, Masaaki Hatsumi, one ofknow, what sounds good in theory, is often the
the themes he touched upon in class was in thefurthest thing from reality.
value of our training. And, how much like a goodThe reason we train is twofold:
investment, the longer we participated, the moreFirst, we train to realize that ideal life where we
value we received.won't have to worry about danger because, even if
Ironically, most students who come in to theit did occur, we knew we could handle it. And,...
academy, as with most things in their life, are lookingSecond, we're not there yet and may need to
for "quick results." Or, more to the point, a "quick fix."protect ourselves along the way to attaining our goal!
They say they're looking for self-defense and theBenjamin Franklin, one of the acknowledged Founding
ability to protect themselves from the ever-growingFathers of this great nation, once said, "They that
threat of danger in our world. But, what they're reallyare on their guard and appear ready to receive their
looking for is a greater feeling of confidence. And,adversaries, are in much less danger of being
once they start to feel like they can handleattacked than the supine, secure and negligent."
themselves, which is usually after learning a couple ofThe truth is, the longer we train and the better we
techniques well...develop our skills, the safer we will be. This is true
...they quit!both of our self-defense techniques as well as our
Soke ("head-of-lineage") Hatsumi, my teacher and thepersonal development skills.
grand master of the Bujinkan Dojo, reminded usIn fact, I believe that it is precisely those traits and
that...qualities that the martial arts have helped me to
..."there is a huge difference between "feeling" likenurture, grow, and develop - traits like confidence,
you can handle yourself, and the ability to actually dodiscipline, respect, commitment, and a host of others
it."- that actually act as my shield against most
He said that most students are not willing to putattackers. It is these more than any physical skill that
enough time, effort, or energy to really understandcommunicates to others that I am a confident,
what it feels like to live a life where, not only arepowerful person in control of his world, that
they able to deal with danger should it happen todetermines who will want to connect with me, and
them, but that they don't have to worry aboutfor what reason.
attackers appearing at all!Why learn the often-violent methods associated with
It's amazing, but true. As I have climbed the ladder inthe martial arts then, if all I had to do was to
both rank and skill, there is one thing that I've noticeddevelop those inner qualities that keep me safe?
above all else. And that is...Again, same reason as I mentioned before...
...the greater my skill, the less I've had to use it for...until I do, I am at-risk from those forces that would
self-protection!seek to harm me.
As a 12th degree Black Belt, I can't tell you how longIronic, isn't it?
it's been since I've had to deal with the threat ofWe come to self-defense training to be ready and
someone wanting to do me harm. And this is notable to protect ourselves from harm and, at the
limited to a physical assault, but extends into everysame time, are preparing ourselves for a day when
area of my life.few would ever want to. Because it is precisely our
I can hear many ask, "Why bother training at all, ifability to handle ourselves, that creates the end
you never have to use your skills for self-defenseresult. Not the other way around.
anyway?"Be careful. Only looking at the obvious parts of
"Why bother at all? Why not just take yourtraining will cause you to miss the big picture and the
chances?"unseen value that it holds for you, and the rest of
While these questions sound logical, they are askedyour Life!