What is a True Martial Artist?

A true martial artist is the integration of the warrior and the sage. He is a man of peace, but has the ability to destroy. Shihan Bohdi Sanders

A true martial artist is both a warrior and a sage. He (or she) trains to be able to protect himself and his family, viciously if necessary. He doesn’t care about impressing others; he is more interested in developing the skills he needs to be able to protect himself, his family, and those who need and deserve his protection.

At the same time, he lives by a code, a code of honor which requires him to study and improve himself daily. He studies wisdom, philosophy, and strategies. He understands the importance of knowledge and wisdom in improving his life and helping others.

It is this integration of the warrior and the sage that makes him both a true martial artist and a warrior. Martial arts without character training and wisdom, is merely training someone to hurt others. Without honor, character, integrity, and wisdom, there is no Budo in your art; you are simply going through the motions.

Modern day martial arts seems to have lost its way. Way too many so-called dojos have left Budo out of their instruction. The martial way can never be left out of true martial arts. People can do fancy moves, amazing gymnastic kicks, scream as loud as they can, but without Budo, it is only a different kind of exercise and play, not true martial arts. Bohdi Sanders — excerpt from the 2-volume book series, Secrets of the Martial Arts Masters, available on Amazon at: https://www.amazon.com/dp/193788421X. Signed copies are available on www.TheWisdomWarrior.com.