By Adam Williss
As martial artists, we develop ourselves to defend against attackers. We know that catching an attack as early as possible will give you the best chance of success. And if we act early enough, we can prevent an attack before it ever even happens.
As martial artists, we know that awareness is the key. At the end of the day, developing this awareness is the core goal of training.
But awareness isn't just about self-awareness. It's also about us in relation to the environment around us. Its about the interdependence of us and all things, which are all part of a whole and all involved in one another.
The awareness of this interdependence is compassion. And it is compassion that is the highest level of martial arts.
Compassion is the realistic combat secret to life. Where there is compassion even the most deadliest opponents remain relatively harmless.
It is the gentle art of becoming one with the energy around us. There really is nothing stronger than compassion. There is no weight it can't overcome.
Awakening our dormant awareness to this feeling of oneness with people and things around us allows us to take ourselves to a whole new level.
Compassion embraces all living creatures and does not limit itself to mankind. It has no limitations.
But its one of the hardest things we'll ever do. Especially when others don't reciprocate because of their lack of development.
Good luck on your journey to becoming a master!
Adam Williss is the founder of Dragon Family Wing Chun and Program Director at The Dragon Institute. He was a 2010 inductee into the US Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
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