Testimonial from Black Belt Mason Williams

Testimonial of Martial Arts Mastery

by Mason Williams, 4th dan black belt

Through the study of martial arts and dedication to practice, we are given the opportunity to learn, develop, strengthen, hone, and eventually master ourselves. This begins purely on the physical level and it requires years of diligent practice before we can begin to transfer these same processes to our mental approach. Similarly, it takes time to transfer the mental approach to our spiritual outlook and philosophy. No matter which stage we find ourselves, the approach remains constant. Consistency and intent are required to reap the benefits that the martial arts offer. The longer a student remains dedicated to training, the more benefits they are exposed to.

Learning martial arts, or any endeavor we truly dedicate ourselves to, occurs on four levels. The four levels are Form, Function, Feeling, and Freedom. Form means we learn how to do things. At the Function stage martial artists begin to absorb the reasons why techniques are performed and the connections between them. Feeling means eliminating thought from the art. No longer does the artist concern himself/herself with how and why. The final stage of learning is Freedom. Freedom exists when Form, Function, and Feeling meld together and the artist personifies the spirit of the Do. Knowing ones' standing in relation to the levels is paramount and we all have the ability to proceed through them all.