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The Rising Tide Lifts All the Boats
Posted: June 14, 2024
There was a time when styles and martial arts schools were very divided. Each art professing its pride for being the most efficient and effective. As the tradition of learning was passed down from one generation to the next, with every passing year the newer generation felt a heavier responsibility to carry on the traditions of the techniques and the way they were taught. At times, instructors were even passing down techniques and traditions without even understanding the meaning of what they were doing, until someone realized this approach limited growth.
Then, what I would call “Enlightened Martial Arts Masters” came along and while honoring tradition in their hearts they expanded their circle of martial arts education. They challenged tradition and the idea of one style being the very best and started to create a new paradigm that looked at each martial art respectfully as having something good to offer. Instead of feeling threatened martial artists started to share with each other so they could become better. The phrase popularized by President Kennedy is absolutely true, “The rising tide lifts all the boats.”
Like in martial arts, as people who are trying to be the best version of themselves… their PERSONAL BEST, we must do the same. We all have fears and insecurities that cause us to shy away from, write off or minimize learning and giving respect and effort to relationships that could grow us to become more than we are. If we want to grow and realize our full potential, we have to do what martial arts masters had and continue to have to do to grow; admit they don’t have all the answers and be willing and ready to put on a physical, mental and emotional “white belt” and invest the time to stay a student. As the saying goes, “if you want to go fast, go on your own, if you want to go far, go together”.