If You Say You Do Not Believe In Something Does It Still Exist?

I got into a conversation with a woman I met out and about last week, and when I mentioned I teach martial arts and her sons should try out a class and see if they like it, she told me she does not believe in martial arts. I shook my head and chuckled. Then drew a comparison to one of life's most fundamental forces... gravity. You may not believe in gravity, but it undeniably exists. Try climbing on top of a mountain and walking off at its peak, gravity will quickly demonstrate its presence, regardless of your belief. The ground rushing up to meet you is not a matter of opinion; it's a harsh, undeniable reality.

Martial arts operate on a similar principle. Whether or not you believe in their efficacy, the need for self-defense is an inescapable truth. Let me paint a picture for you. Imagine you're at school, and a bully decides you are their next target. Or perhaps you're out for a walk, minding your own business, when trouble suddenly finds you on a dimly lit street. In these moments, knowing how to protect yourself can mean the difference between walking away unscathed and suffering severe injury or worse.

But let's not stop there. Think about other everyday situations. You're at a bar, enjoying a night out with friends, and a heated argument breaks out nearby. Tempers flare, and before you know it, fists start flying. Or consider the increasingly common occurrence of road rage. A minor traffic incident spirals out of control, and suddenly you're facing an irate driver who wants to take things to a physical level. In these scenarios, the skills you learn in martial arts are not just about flashy moves—they're about staying calm, assessing the situation, and defending yourself if necessary.

Martial arts teach you more than just physical techniques; they instill discipline, confidence, and the ability to remain composed under pressure. These attributes are invaluable, not only in confrontational situations but in everyday life as well. Imagine acing a job interview because you can control your nerves or negotiating a tricky business deal with the calm confidence of a martial artist.

To further illustrate, let's consider another force of nature: fire. You may not believe in the destructive power of fire, but if you touch a hot stove, your disbelief won't prevent you from getting burned. Similarly, life is full of unpredictable situations where you might need to defend yourself or others. Martial arts equip you with the tools to handle these scenarios effectively.

In essence, just as ignoring gravity or fire doesn't negate their effects, dismissing the importance of martial arts doesn't lessen their value in ensuring personal safety and resilience. Martial arts are about preparedness, empowerment, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're equipped to handle whatever life throws your way. So, the next time someone says they don’t believe in martial arts, remind them of gravity—and maybe suggest they try a class or two before making up their mind. Sign up for the A.O.M.A. family and take advantage of the course, Learn the Basics of Martial Arts. Or you can join our monthly membership program, where many are saving 23% on the cyclic courses being offered. It is a wise thing to take these courses in the order that I have laid out, because the previous course sets you up for the following course.