(from Master Z's Facebook page)
I love the quote that has a photo of an iceberg sticking up and 70% of it under the water. A lot of people think that those as myself that have been lean and fit all our lives are somehow fortunate. Yes, I would agree, but as in acceptance of sacrifice and discipline. I had to work my butt off and continue to do so. A belief is a powerful thing that gets deeply entrenched in your mind and emotions. I totally believe and have believed since I was a kid… that a martial arts teacher must be lean, fit and skilled. Bruce Lee was always my inspiration so it was perfectly clear to me to take on the fight and stick with it lifelong... as all martial artist should do. Our life is an expression of self-discipline and self-control. We lead by our personal example as all good leaders.
With all the sacrifice that goes along in being lean and fit year round comes so many benefits. Being skilled is highly important, and more so than the latter. But looking the part makes your job simpler and more effective. It would be challenging for me if I was overweight and out of shape to speak about self-discipline, self-control, and commitment. Sure, I’ve written about this in the past and heard back all kinds of excuses as to why it’s tough for some to get lean and fit. Honestly, excuses should not be a part of a martial artists language. We live and teach about excellence and how to achieve that with sacrifice. Learning to accept, and actually enjoy the sacrifice is the only way. We’ve all seen videos of people with incredible handicaps achieving amazing things. Let’s keep that in mind when the disease of excusitis hits you.
Being lean and fit places you in a position of advantage in many ways. As soon as you walk into a room people notice you. Most people will admire your commitment and self-discipline. The other ones will envy you for it. It’s easier for them to believe what you do for a living by your appearance. People will listen more attentively when you speak about anything related to fitness, nutrition, health… discipline and like it or not, martial arts as well. Looking strong and fit is a look of power and that has an advantage of intimidating trouble makers. You will not look like a victim and will look much harder to deal with. But a big factor is the level of confidence that looking the part will have on you. Being lean and fit is like a double barrel shotgun in personal power. Skill is more important, but is not visible by everyone else. But when you combine it all you have what I like to consider an invisible Armour, shield and sword.
Strong & Inspired
- Master Z
