The Animal Inside

As we develop in our martial training, we may wonder “could I handle myself in a real combat situation?”

Good question…

One that’s difficult to answer.

And self-doubt will be your most formidable opponent unless it’s conquered through self-mastery.

Knowledge equals power. We all strive for seemingly infinite facets of knowledge, right? Of course we do. We take it deeper, though, don’t we? Absolutely. Most of planet earth grabs knowledge in an intellectual way. We, however, want—and do—feel what we know. This goes far beyond the cerebral. Let your worries go. They don’t help.

Embrace the art without thinking about it too much and treat your moment to moment life with a tiger’s duality of intense awareness and easy-going bliss.

Tigers are very alive. They never stop moving. Even in repose, a tiger’s ears twitch; its nose seeks the scents around it. Sneaking up on a tiger would be nearly impossible. (Don’t test this statement. We want to see you in class next time.) Perpetually activated, the tiger extends its senses ceaselessly in order to feel—again feel— its surroundings.

Tigers are good examples of calm confidence. This animal doesn’t spend her existence worrying about her capabilities. The tiger goes through life much as we do: staying fed, cultivating relationships, working to survive, and so on.

Like us, this magnificent creature will probably spend about one-percent of its energy in combat. The other ninety-nine percent of its energy is channeled into other things. And when it needs to defend itself, it can—and it will.

No one doubts the tiger’s ability to really kick ass, and neither does it.

If a tiger faces danger, chances are that the arisen enemy will back down. The tiger’s physical presentation is enough to discourage an exchange.I’ve personally had many opportunities to fight without ever expecting or looking for it. Would be wolverines, bears, or chimpanzees have challenged my patience and security with acrimonious threats, strings of vulgarity, or what have you. Most of these scenarios have been played out by drunken tough guys congregated in parking lots, or on their own at clubs, bars, and the like.

Thus far I’ve walk away free of altercation (save one time only). I’m not a Bad-Ass Baguazhang Palm of Doom nor a Master of Taiji. Not even. Man, not even close.

I achieve safety by being at ease. When a person initiated a potentially physical confrontation, and I responded with an ambiance of calm confidence, the initiator often lost interest. Aggressors, after all, find failing to intimidate their target unsettling.

Be at peace while walking the circle, working with your partners, walking the streets, going through life, and so on. Don’t worry about things that haven’t happened. Many of us spend a lot of ourselves worrying about things that never happened anyway.

If you need to defend yourself, so be it. You can and, if you extinguish self-doubt, you will.

Hey, no worries.

posted: 13 Jan 09
author: Aaron Walter Johnson
twitter: The Animal Inside