American College of Martial Arts » wisdom

The Most Significant Belt – The White Belt

jdowdy — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:22:52 +0000

As an instructor, I have taught thousands of students. Yet only a small percentage attain black belt status. One may think that black belt is the most significant belt – but in my opinion, the white belt is.

As a student comes in as a novice, that is the most crucial time in their training. Within those first few weeks, they will find out if they have what it takes within themselves to be a martial artist. Martial arts is not for everyone; just as no one thing is for everyone. As an instructor, it is my responsibility to guide students and to help them develop their strengths and to overcome their weaknesses – physical or mental. The best time for me to identify those characteristics is at the beginning of their training. Through observation, I can help them determine the type of training path which fits them best. If I am unable to help direct the new student or if they leave before they understand all of the roads they have the option of following, then we all lose – the student, the training hall, and myself.

It is no surprise to me that after wearing my blackbelt for years, it began to turn white again with wear. In my case, my original instructor in Korea had my white belt covered with black material which he later presented to me as my blackbelt. After years of consistent use, my white belt re-emerged through the black covering – thus completing the full circle. We should all strive to be white belts in our hearts – keeping an open-mind, and always growing as a martial artist.

-Master John Dowdy

40 Years of Martial Arts and I’m Still a Student

jdowdy — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:32:35 +0000

I have been studying martial arts for 40 years now. Some of the things that I have learned include, for instance, that there are just so many ways to kick, punch or even twist a wrist. After that revelation, I had to look for other ways to further my martial arts development. I became a student in numerous other styles. Some styles that suited me and some that didn’t fit me at all. My next path led me into the healing aspects, as well as Ki energy development and the philosophy of martial arts .

Despite how much I have learned, I have also discovered that my quest has only just begun. It’s like climbing to the top of the mountain, looking

out, and seeing that there is so much more out there to experience. Self-discovery is just as (and maybe even more) important than muscle development or perfecting great kicks. Being able to control where your mind flows will allow you to seek knowledge and keep you on your chosen path.

Wisdom Hidden is Wisdom Wasted

jdowdy — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:11:40 +0000

I read somewhere that “Wisdom hidden is wisdom wasted.” For the true martial arts students I feel that it is wasted knowledge to hold back on techniques and one of my fears is to go to my deathbed with knowledge of martial arts that I have not given to my students. This does not mean that all my techniques or things that I know should be given to all martial artist just for the asking but should be given when they are ready. To find out if one is ready it is just the same as climbing a mountain; one must start at the bottom and then take the first step toward the top. To do otherwise and take shortcuts such as ride a car or even and airplane toward the top one would still achieve the same goal but think of the experience and all of the sights that would be missed. Another way of putting this is the different between a seed and a flower.

If I sometime seem to be reluctant to give away knowledge of certain martial arts techniques it is because I don’t feel that they will be cherished or appreciated the way I do or even partially.

I say that I teach something new every day to my students. I hope that my students look for and receive more then just techniques, if not I have failed.

-Master John Dowdy