Confidence in Martial Arts
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Confidence in Martial Arts, Confidence in Life
I recently read an article on confidence and confident people. The article spoke about how it’s been proven that confident people learn faster, live longer and are more successful than most. It made me think about what defines a confident person and whether or not a martial artist who is a confident person (not to be confused with an arrogant, ego driven, over confident person) is more likely to learn quicker and make their experience as a martial artist a life long experience.
After more research and thought I had found a few (of many) qualities that I believe defines a confident person. First, a confident person takes a stand not because they think they are always right, but because they are not afraid to be wrong. When related to various martial arts forms at Elite Training Center, people who are not afraid to be wrong because it’s more important to ask what seems to be a silly question or comment (even if wrong) and find out what is truly correct than it is being viewed as always right.
Next, they listen more than they speak. Bragging, talking about oneself and comparing experiences by “one up’ing” people is a mask for insecurity. Confident people already know what they think; they want to hear what you think. In martial arts it’s important to ask questions, listen and open your mind to what the instructor has to offer. How could Krav Maga, Muay Thai, BJJ, MMA and Kali all evolve without the asking questions. Confident people in any situation including martial arts will ask what you do, how you do it and what you liked about it. They are also eager to hear how you learned from your experiences as well as what you would suggest they do in a similar situation. Although truly confident people realize they know a lot, they also wish they knew more and know the way to learn is to listen.
Another quality is that they move away from the spotlight so that others may shine. Perhaps they did the bulk of the work, overcame all of the obstacles and turned a group of individuals into a strong team. Inside they are proud, but they know what they’ve achieved, no need to take the glory or be validated by others because that comes from within. Instead, they stand back and celebrate through others who need help becoming more confident. In martial arts, especially at Elite Training Center, we speak of team work and being there for each other.
Owning up to their own mistakes and not putting others down are two other important qualities of a confident person. Taking responsibility for their mistakes breeds sincerity and honesty which equals confidence. In some instances taking responsibility for a teams mistakes and helping the team fix them in the future instead of pointing fingers and shifting the blame elsewhere is a sign of a great team member and a confident person. Putting others down and placing the blame on others is done to make oneself look better in comparison to others. This is a sign of a needy and insecure person. A confident person compares themselves to only themselves – the person they were yesterday and the person they hope to someday become. As a martial artist, we always strive to become better than we were yesterday and look to tomorrow to grow and become the best we can be. We don’t do this at the expense of others, but at the success and failures we experience ourselves.
Last but definitely not least, the truly confident person freely asks for help. Although it can be viewed as a sign of weakness in society today because it can be viewed as having lack of knowledge, skill and experience. A confident person is not only secure enough to admit they need help, but also because they know when they ask someone for help they pay that person a huge compliment thus showing them a great amount of respect for that individuals expertise and judgment. Asking for help in martial arts is one of the most important things one can do.
In conclusion, open your mind and listen, consider all that is being taught and how you can grow as a martial artist and person from it. Ask for help, but also be available to help others along the way. Help those who are new, less coordinated and need an extra push rise above you so that you can grow, learn and rise above the average person by making someone else’s martial experience a life long experience.
C. Marconet
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Elite Training Center
1628 South Pacific Coast Highway,
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 543-1600
www.elitetrainingcenter.net
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Confidence in Martial Arts
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