Potomac Kempo

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From Challenge to Triumph: The Martial Arts Mindset

Introduction

Martial arts is a journey of self-discovery, discipline, and perseverance. It is a path that molds both the body and the mind, helping practitioners overcome challenges and grow as individuals. One crucial aspect of this journey is the understanding that tasks are neither easy nor difficult; we are either prepared or not yet ready. This reframing of challenges can empower martial artists to develop the resilience and determination needed to accomplish anything.

Potomac Kempo - Chris Santillo - The Art of Growth - Reframing Challenges in Martial Arts Practice

The Power of Preparedness

Our perception of a task’s difficulty is often determined by our level of preparedness. When we have practiced sufficiently, tasks that once appeared daunting become manageable and even easy. In this context, the task itself has not changed; it is we who have grown, having acquired the skills and confidence necessary to handle the challenge at hand.
This growth mindset in martial arts practice enables us to view obstacles as opportunities for self-improvement. Rather than becoming overwhelmed by seemingly insurmountable tasks, we can recognize that we simply need more practice and preparation to conquer them. The process of refining our techniques and developing mental fortitude is the key to unlocking our potential.

Transforming Challenges into Growth Opportunities

When we encounter a challenge that seems too difficult, it is essential to remind ourselves not to be frustrated. Instead, we must recognize that we are not yet ready to tackle the task and adjust our approach accordingly. This may involve seeking guidance from our instructors, dedicating more time to practice, or exploring alternative techniques that suit our strengths and weaknesses.

~Chris Santillo, Shihan

Take a Breath and Keep Practicing

At the Shaolin Temple, we had the privilege of training with a senior monk possessing the congenial, relaxed demeanor that so often accompanies mastery. Working in a back alley behind the ancient curved rooftops, watched only occasionally by resident (indifferent) cats and our taciturn teacher, we aimed to make our bodies mimic the skills being offered.

Potomac Kempo Take a Breath and Keep Practicing 2
My family visiting the Shaolin Temple in 2019

In such a setting, and after more than twenty years of practicing martial arts, it might be tempting to be frustrated when left for forty-five minutes in the blistering Chinese sun to practice the same three moves repeatedly.

But that might indicate that one had not gleaned much from his or her practice.

We might get frustrated.

As instructors, we strive to provide feedback and guidance, as well as an appropriate amount of independent practice time. It is a delicate balance to create, as all people—and all practice sessions—are unique. Even respecting this inherent challenge, when we are students (we never stop being students), we might be tempted to feel like the balance is off a little bit, that our instructor should give us more feedback, or more material to practice. We might get frustrated.

On the other hand, we also might remember that we are responsible for our reactions. And, we might remember that none of the critical responses listed above would net us what we came for—which is to learn more, practice more, and to become a better, stronger, more proficient martial artist.

And so, you wipe your brow, take another breath, and work with what you are given.

And so, you wipe your brow, take another breath, and work with what you are given—practicing the same movement again and again. Which, after all, is the only way to get better.

I think we get very used to having things our own way. We are acclimatized to personalized service and customized everything. Only rarely do we run up against a venue in which we don’t get to make choices, and some part of our mind rebels.

Maybe our instructor knows better than us how we should spend our time.

But, customizing everything presupposes that we know what is best. With regard to the settings on our mobile phone, that supposition is probably accurate. Concerning the practice of martial arts, maybe it isn’t. Maybe our instructor—who almost by definition is further along the path than we are—knows better than us how we should spend our time.

And so, you wipe your brow, take another breath, and keep practicing. You see, we’re never done practicing—not today, not this drill or form, and not in this lifetime.

Potomac Kempo Take a Breath and Keep Practicing to Shaolin Temple