Martial Arts

Elite Training Center and all of her systems of Martial Arts (Krav Maga, Kali / Silat, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) continually promote strength, honor, discipline and respect.  All of these can mean different things to different people.  But when encouraged by a particular person or group, loyalty is what comes to mind.

We all have our interpretation as to what Elite’s four ideals mean and symbolizes. Too often we forget who we are and where we came from. We hear the stories of athletes leaving a favorite sports team for more money. We hear about “divas” demanding more in an hour than most will get in a lifetime. And then we hear the worst, someone leaving someplace because they felt they were wronged and deserved preferential treatment.

What gives anyone the right to have more than others without earning it? Egos take over and relationships are put on hold or threatened because someone deems their particular skill set better than another. Loyalty! In Martial Arts and in life, never forget where you are from, who started you off and why you are where you are.

We all have the potential to surpass, but will never”outgrow” our mentors and/or teachers. One of the greatest accomplishments for any instructor in Martial Arts is to see their student or pupil become more efficient and productive. But how do we stop our egos from getting in the way? Start early and never forget what loyalty means.

S.Derhammer

Martial Arts