Ah, how I've matured over the years

When I first got into the martial arts, some 30+ years ago, I loved everything about them. I loved the traditional arts. I loved the combat sports. I loved the more reality-based arts. I loved the flashy movie styles. All of it. And I really enjoyed training in it all.

Then, starting in 1993, I changed my views.

I had been in a few dozen real life scrapes, plus the first UFC happened.

All of the sudden, in my mind, everything in the arts that wasn't grappling was crap.

How foolish I was.

Luckily, as I trained more in MMA, had a few bouts, did some challenge fights and what not; I found that striking was also good.

So, I trained in my sport grappling and my sport striking.

Then I did some seminars with some weapons based people and found that dealing with a knife, stick, gun, or whatever was difficult.

So, I found out that there was incredible value in the weapons arts.

Then I found a good Qi Gung and Tai Chi master that showed me not only the health benefits of these arts, but he also kicked the crap out of me when we'd fight.

This opened my mind even more.

Then, the same thing happened with Silat and Kuntao, with Systema and Baugua, with Xing Yi and with others.

Then I was fortunate enough to watch and train with some XMA guys who had some sick skills. Incredible acrobatics and such.

Now, at 37 years old I'm back to loving each and every aspect of the arts. The traditional arts, the combat sports, the XMA, the reality based, etc.

I feel fortunate enough to have found that all arts are awesome, all arts have their place, and all arts are part of an amazing journey.

Thanks for reading. Now go train!

Brett

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