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 From Shihan Beckham "What is your perception of martial arts? Are you interested in becoming a Black Belt, or do you truly prefer skill in defending yourself? Do you desire to become well rounded in character? Have you reached your peak in your physical and mental attributes? Having asked yourself these questions what conclusion do you draw? First of all, the black belt is the true beginning of learning, not "mastery" of anything. Secondly, martial training in its design is a means of improving one's character. It is not meant to make macho or egotistical individuals out of its students. Yet time after time, martial art school after martial art school has done so. Why? Partly because schools of this type have become "commercialized" and have lowered their standards for the dollar. It's trendy to get a black belt and the work for such has diminished to a point of easiness leaving the door open for failure rather than success. You can even find some schools that advertise, "Get your black belt easily and quickly". What shameful behavior for anyone that is teaching people how to protect themselves. The agenda of these schools is on the dollar, not the student! Thirdly, very few instructors comprehend the reality that to properly defend oneself you must have balance, coordination, stamina, speed, and power, internalizing as many defensive tactics and techniques as possible from as many realistic attacks as possible. Defensive techniques must be second nature, not fragmented and piecemeal. Partial understanding of anything, particularly martial skill, makes us dangerous, vulnerable, and ineffective. Our only real security lies in knowledge. Knowledge of the physical factors is critical to our success. I am in my 30th year of training and teaching now and I say, without reservation, that I am still in the learning stage. Every day I realize how much I don't know. However I do know that humility must be maintained by the instructor or his whole school will become infected with the pride that borders on getting someone killed. We must embrace humility on a daily basis or surely pride will take hold and begin to control our thoughts, which is so evident in our world today. Coupling martial power with pride makes a person dangerous to society. One of the most important things for all of us to live by is the quality of our response to an aggression, whether it is physical, verbal, mental, or otherwise. Perhaps then we should try a new approach. Let's develop superior skill in "not fighting". It can be done, but we have to maintain a fluid, open mind and train beyond our comfort zone. That's the only way you will truly learn martial skill. If you are looking for a place that adheres to the highest standard of personal development, then the Aikido School of Self Defense is a dojo worthy of your time and efforts. If you want to see what we do, and how we do it, please call 864-270-2919 to arrange for an interview. Shihan Beckham."
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