Barbara Washburn McCoy owns McCoy’s Action Karate (M.A.K) in Auburn, MA. In this role, Ms. McCoy provides an environment to learn martial arts and life skills through experiential learning for her students, their families, and her team. Ms. McCoy is a lifelong student (academically and physically), so she can continue offering the best of herself to those she empowers to live their best lives.
Throughout my life, I have learned valuable lessons from the diverse individuals who have crossed my path, whether for a few brief moments, days, or even years, forming a beautiful mosaic of experiences. Sometimes, some people may seem to be only temporary in your training, while others become essential members of your circle. The people who enter your life leave an indelible mark, even if you can’t shake the quote “people always leave” from One Tree Hill.
I can’t recall who shared this idea with me, but it has stayed with me ever since. Our lives can be compared to glass mosaics, as they reflect and create a beautiful work of art based on the people we meet and our experiences. For instance, I adopted a friend’s practice of spending equal or more time at a place than it took to get there. Another friend would visit an aquarium in every new city he saw, which inspired me to visit a local coffee shop and bookstore whenever I traveled. My practice of martial arts also adds various colors and pieces of glass to the mosaic of my life. Here are the three most transferable and valuable things that I have learned from my martial arts practice and that can be applied to life experiences.
Ability to Adapt.
I am a statistic. I was attacked in 2016, and my years in martial arts not only gave me the tools to survive but they also gave me the tools to reclaim the new reality with mental and physical agility. Although this is just a portion of my journey, numerous others can confirm the strength and persistence instilled in those who practice martial arts. While consistency is a fundamental aspect of training, there are disguised repetitions to learn new techniques, failures to overcome, and the challenge of adapting to different training partners. If you have never heard the word “sisu,” I highly recommend looking up this Finnish concept that, in a nutshell, is the brute force that makes a black belt capable of adapting.
Taking Responsibility.
The other night, while teaching, the team seemed scattered and excited due to an approaching storm. Individuals were speaking over each other and not considering others. We decided to have a discussion, during which some strong emotions were expressed. Ultimately, we realized that this sport and our performances are about sharing responsibility. We all needed to be active participants in our lives and in that moment, as none of us would be there without the others. Engaging in martial arts provides mental benefits such as learning effective communication, making mistakes, learning from them, and ultimately fostering personal growth. Your peers, guardians, and coaches can only motivate you so much from the outside. Your internal drive and sense of ownership will propel you forward, aid in your personal growth, and keep you coming back to become the best version of yourself.
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A Servant’s Heart.
Don’t you aspire to be a practitioner, athlete, or black belt who embodies the traits of sacrifice, teachability, and accountability? These qualities stem from having a servant’s heart. By practicing with integrity, self-discipline, and focusing on character development through continuous line drills, self-led training, and partner drills, becoming a valued partner can significantly enhance one’s training. The effort is reflected in the results received, making it a worthwhile endeavor. There is a Val Kilmer quote, “The only time it’s ever like work is when you don’t like what you’ve done.” This quote encapsulates my experience as a black belt and the valuable lessons I have learned from the training, both on and off the dojang floor.
Long story long, the life lessons embraced and enhanced by continuously being taken in by the martial arts lifestyle blossom from staying present and embracing where my feet are right now. As you finish reading this article, I hope you take pleasure in the small lessons that come your way and use them to propel yourself forward. Remember to share your positive energy with those around you. The fragments of light shared with us, even if they are only a part of a season, contribute to the unique mosaic that makes you who you are.
