Looking Good

Novice trainees in the martial arts are notoriously self conscious. And who could blame them? All decked out in a strange outfit and having to abide by unfamiliar rules and foreign etiquette enforced by a rigid hierarchy can make any newcomer feel ill at ease. Then, as we commence training, we quickly learn what we can and cannot do. I remember my first attempt at a crescent kick that practically put me on the seat of my pants. We all want to get it right the first time, but the martial path is pitted with humbling and even embarrassing experiences along the way. New students tend to get wrapped up in what others might think about them, but this trait is really common in everyone. Regardless of rank or experience everybody screws up or looks silly from time to time, no matter how much confidence or ability they normally exude. "Even monkeys fall from trees" is an Asian aphorism that illustrates this point.

Peter Urban, an American goju-ryu karate pioneer and martial arts author once wrote that a true karateka always "looks, acts and feels sharp." I don't think I care for that notion, as this suggests martial artists should put on airs to look impressive. Believe me, if you're trying to look cool, people will pick up on that right away. Humility, selflessness, and a good work ethic make a far better impression than "looking sharp" in my book.

Still, the martial arts are a dignified calling. Martial artists should feel special, but not at the expense of acting pretentious. There's a way to approach this without bringing negative attention to yourself. Unadorned distinction and excellence refers to a quality called shibumi. Shibumi is never expressed in trophies, belts or awards. In its simplicity and elegance, shibumi is about modesty and strength with no regard to appearances. Looks can be deceiving, as the martial artist's resolve and virtues are always developed within, never without.