Martial Arts, Philosophy, and the Beginner's Mind

Alex

Musashi’s first precept calls us to avoid turning our back on the various Ways of this world, which, at first glance, might sound almost too expansive, you know? But when you really sit with it, there's something incredibly grounding here. It’s about acknowledging how much there is to learn, and being open to exploring that. And you know, this idea ties beautifully to Zen's “beginner’s mind,” or Shoshin. At its core, beginner’s mind encourages us to approach learning—or life in general, really—with openness and curiosity, like you’re seeing everything for the first time.

Alex

Now, in martial arts, this principle isn’t just philosophical—it’s immensely practical. Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, embodies this perfectly. Take Georges St-Pierre, for example. He’s considered one of the greatest fighters, and his success was built on versatility—bringing together techniques from boxing, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and even karate. And honestly, this concept isn’t new. Bruce Lee famously said, “Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, add what is uniquely your own.” In creating Jeet Kune Do, he did exactly that. He drew techniques from countless disciplines, weaving them into something entirely his own.

Alex

It’s funny, though—when I first started my martial arts journey, I definitely didn’t always have that beginner’s mind. I started with karate, and back then, I was like, “This is it. This is the ultimate Way.” So, I resisted branching out. I remember being especially hesitant about trying Judo. It felt—how do I put this—too different, almost incompatible with what I’d been practicing. But eventually, I, well, gave in. And what did I find? None of it was incompatible. In fact, the throws, the grappling, the groundwork—it felt like pieces of a puzzle I didn’t even know I’d been missing. That experience taught me, firsthand, the value of embracing other perspectives.

Alex

One of the things that Musashi's precepts really highlights is adaptability—this ability to adjust and evolve based on what’s in front of you. And, you know, that ties in deeply with martial arts. Because here’s the thing: no matter how skilled you are in one style, the moment you face something entirely unfamiliar, there's a risk, right? If you’re only rooted in one approach, you might end up like water trapped in a jar rather than flowing freely through a stream.

Alex

Now, Sun Tzu had a great line. He said, “Be extremely subtle, even to the point of formlessness.” Formlessness—that’s what diversified training gives you. It’s not about abandoning your foundation but about building on it, layer by layer, in ways that make you more flexible, more unpredictable. I’ve seen it so clearly during my martial arts journey. For example, there’s this fascinating martial art called Capoeira. It’s Brazilian, and it mixes fighting with music and rhythm. I remember training with a Capoeira mestre during a workshop—it was absolutely incredible. The fluidity, the way movements disguised attacks—it taught me entirely new ways to think about timing and deception in combat.

Alex

And then there’s Filipino Kali, which is all about weapons—sticks, blades, anything you can wield. I mean, it’s precise, it’s lightning-fast, and the drills, they really develop this spatial awareness that’s not just limited to weapons but applies to empty-hand techniques too. When I incorporated pieces of Kali into my training, it felt like my understanding of distance and control just leveled up almost overnight.

Alex

There's another huge piece to this puzzle, though—modern technology. You know, we’ve we’ve never lived in a time with so much access to knowledge. There are online platforms where you can watch master instructors demonstrating techniques from arts you might never even come across in your local area. Of course, not all online content is created equal—but when approached with that beginner’s mind, that openness we’ve been talking about, it becomes this incredible tool.

Alex

Ultimately, embracing varied experiences, whether through immersing in different martial arts or leveraging modern technology, goes beyond improving technique. It’s a mindset—one that allows for growth not just in combat but in how, well, we navigate challenges in life itself.

Alex

Outside the dojo, martial principles have this incredible way of weaving themselves into other aspects of life, almost like threads in a tapestry. Take balance, for example. Balance isn’t just a physical concept—it’s emotional, mental, even spiritual. When I think about balance, it’s not just about keeping your feet steady in a sparring match, it’s also about navigating the ups and downs of life with poise.

Alex

And honestly, this idea of engaging with disciplines outside of martial arts isn’t just enriching—it’s essential. You know, in my journey as both a martial artist and a business owner, I’ve found that creativity often comes from borrowing perspectives outside my usual arena. Like, when I was working on building my business, I approached it kind of like preparing for a competition. You study your strengths, you anticipate challenges, and you remain adaptable. It’s amazing how strategies from the dojo—strategy, timing, composure—translate so well to the boardroom. It really comes back to staying open to learning from unexpected places.

Alex

One of the most profound lessons I’ve learned, though, is rooted in Zen’s concept of impermanence. Life, just like martial practice, is constantly shifting. Techniques that worked for you once might not work again. And, you know, that can feel unsettling—but it’s also where growth happens. It’s where you adapt, reimagine, and evolve. I’ll give you an example. In my forties, my body couldn’t handle the same intensity as it did when I was younger. At first, I fought that change, hard. But then I started to adjust, shifting my focus to techniques that emphasized efficiency over sheer power. And you know what? I found a new kind of strength—one that wasn’t reliant on youth or brute force but flowed from experience and precision.

Alex

I think, at its heart, Musashi’s precept—this idea of not turning your back on the various Ways—challenges us to embrace life’s impermanence. To stay curious, stay adaptable, stay open. Whether it’s in martial arts, business, art, or even relationships, that kind of mindset allows us to not just respond to change, but to harness it, you know?

Alex

And that’s all for today. It’s been a real joy exploring these ideas with you. Musashi’s teachings continue to resonate, not just for martial artists but for anyone keen to navigate life with clarity and purpose. On that note, I hope you take some time to think about the Ways in your own life—the paths you’re walking, the ones you’re ignoring, and maybe even the ones you’re yet to discover. Until next time—keep learning, keep evolving, and take care.

Alex

Remember visit our website, www.TheWayOfWalkingAlone.com, and you can find my book on Amazon.com, as well as "The 12 Lessons from the Martial Arts" and "365 Days of Martial Valor", a book of daily meditations for martial artists and anyone else looking for self-improvement.