I Am Martial Arts

When I do martial arts, I cease to exist. I cease and I become as something else, something more, something that I could never be, to do and achieve things that I could never do.

When I step onto the mat, I am something else entirely.

For the few seconds and minutes that I perform or fight or demonstrate, I am more. I grow, I reach, I dream, I achieve.

Before I step into the ring, I am hours, days, weeks, months, years or training, blood, sweat and tears, discipline, hard work, and determination.

But now I am here. I am the calm before the storm, the silence before the battle. I am composed, controlled, coiled. I am focused, and I am ready. For a few short moments, I will fly, I can soar, I believe.

I am speed, I am strength; I am power, I am precision.

I am excellence, grace, and confidence.

I am fierce, I am brave; I am fearless, I am bold.

I am everywhere and nowhere; I am striking, blocking, kicking, spinning, twisting, airborne, weightless, timeless.

I am executing a plan, I am striving for a goal, I am living my dream.

I am finished. I am complete. I am accomplished.

Through my technique, my movements, my attitude, I am more, I do more, I achieve more.

I am student, and I am Sensei; I am novice, and I am champion.

I am martial arts.