Brainstorming the How: Increasing Awareness

Martial Artists must also focus on their own internal awareness

Environmental Awareness is a key component of martial arts and stressed in Kenpo Karate as the #1 Consideration.  

Simply put, a Kenpoist and any martial artist will have to know what they’re fighting.  I define “Environmental Awareness” in three levels:  In You.  On You. Around You.

“Around You” - the external environment.  When assessing a threat in the immediate physical environment, there are certain considerations to be taken into account. These considerations involve understanding the enemy - their strengths and weaknesses, size, level of skill, any weapons they may have at their disposal. It is also important to take note of the conditions of the environment - whether it is an open space or a confined area; what kind of terrain is it on; what kind of resources are available and how they can be used.  City or country?  Dirt road or paved sidewalk?  What is the threat?  Single, multiple?  Drunk or sober?  Skilled or unskilled?  How many?  Where? With what - fists, knives, guns, swords, sticks?  

Is it in a restaurant setting where booths, tables, bars might offer barriers?  Or weapons from the silverware on the table?  

“On You” - the immediate environment on oneself which could be a help or hindrance. What are the types of clothes is One wearing when engaging in the combat arena? For example, if one goes out to a fancy restaurant and is wearing dress shoes these are far less mobile than tennis shoes. A person might be wearing glasses which is always a consideration for those who have to wear them. For women, when they are wearing a dress, then they might be less mobile than they would with wearing pants. A dress coat might be much more restrictive – but if pulled off could be a good shield if a knife attack is imminent.

“In You” - the internal environment.   Is One injured? Or suffering perhaps from some kind of internal flu? Is there inherently a weakness from a previous injury that one has to be guarded about? 

 While we are mostly discussing injuries or standards in relation to a combat fight, the Scholar Warrior digs deeper, much deeper.  Learning martial arts can be a transformative experience, allowing practitioners to gain deeper awareness into their minds and bodies. It is a journey of self-discovery that goes beyond just physical action, exploring the spiritual and mental realms while honing skills of threat assessment and self-defense. Along this path, martial artists strive for wisdom so they can pass on knowledge to their students and others on the same quest for enlightenment. To truly understand oneself requires an honest evaluation of one’s motives and purpose in life, as well as an ability to look within and discover true voice – the source of all authenticity and joy. Through training, martial artists learn how to identify these inner truths so they can work towards personal growth in order to share wisdom with those around them.  This process of self-reflection and development is essential to gaining true mastery in Martial Arts, and ultimately becoming an enlightened practitioner. 

While Martial Arts has its physical aspects, the underlying goal is to leverage this knowledge for personal growth and to share wisdom with others. Through this pursuit of enlightenment, martial artists find their inner truth and develop a true sense of voice – one that can be used to inspire those around them on the path to spiritual awakening. By understanding themselves more deeply, practitioners gain valuable skills such as threat assessment and self-defense that can help protect both themselves and others during difficult times. With these skills comes a deeper appreciation for life itself – allowing martial artist to live authentically while passing on their wisdom to future students as a true Scholar Warrior.