Here at Martial Journal and Whistlekick Martial Arts Radio, we love stories. We could listen for hours to martial artists talk about how they began their journeys, the highs and lows of their training, what they learned along the way…
But beneath those stories lies an even bigger story: Who are you, as a martial artist?
During a recent podcast, our own Jeremy Lesniak interviewed Sensei Amanda Cass, a fourth-degree black belt and instructor in Shaolin Kenpo Karate, a boxer, and an emerging stunt fighter for film. Together, they’re launching #iamaMartialArtist, an open call for all martial artists to share the story behind their stories.
In preparation for the project, Martial Journal talked a bit more with Sensei Cass about the ways in which she identifies as a martial artist.
What does the term martial artist mean to you?
The term martial artist is someone who is on a journey to better themselves and others both physically, mentally, and emotionally. When I say others, I don’t necessarily mean you have to be an instructor to positively impact another person’s life. It can be something as simple as being an open ear to someone going through a rough time. A true martial artist wants to strive to become the best version of themselves they can possibly be. This is not restricted to the walls of their training facility; it extends beyond there.
You’ve been training since you were about eight. At what point in your life did you start identifying as a martial artist? Was it a sudden realization or a gradual one?
This is a great question! I have always felt like a martial artist since my early days of training. When I first started, I was pretty much obsessed with martial arts. I was the kid that was there early to help teach the younger kids and stayed late to take as many classes as I was allowed in a day. In my teenage years, I realized how much I enjoyed competing and utilizing martial arts as a creative outlet. I have learned a lot at different phases over my life through my training. That being said, I didn’t realize martial arts was such a big part of who I was until my mid to late twenties. After years and years of training, I realized this is what I wanted to do with my life. I learned that I could create the vehicle I needed to pursue my passion.
Was there ever a time when you wanted to quit? What caused it? Why didn’t you?
Yes, I remember when I was a teenager, I was getting ready for black belt testing, and in our style, we pretest and then are invited to the test. I was told I would have to wait to test and then had to take another pretest before I was able to test for my black belt. I remember being very frustrated at the time with having to wait so long to move on. Although I thought about throwing in the towel, I knew martial arts was too important for me to give up. I have been training for twenty-two years now, and today I don’t care what’s around my waist. I train because I love it. If I move up, great! If I remain this rank for ten more years, that’s fine too. I will continue to learn, become better, and grow. Achieving ranks is great, but passion and self-motivated growth are more important to me than the belt I wear around my waist.
What has training in the martial arts taught you about yourself, both emotionally and physically?
Training in martial arts has taught me a lot about myself both emotionally and physically. I learned a lot about my body and what it is capable of. I was recently talking to my daughter about how important being active is to me. Growing up, school is such a huge part of a child’s life, and sometimes this can make or break how intelligent someone feels. I was always a mediocre student in school and managed to graduate college, but I knew my intelligence did not lie in that area of my life. I was never a bookworm; this often caused me to question my intelligence growing up. I always knew I loved to move; I loved to be creative and loved hands-on activities. I didn’t realize until I was an adult that everyone has a different type of intelligence—some are book smart, some are emotionally intelligent, and others are physically intelligent. Although it took me a long time, martial arts helped me realize I was physically intelligent. Physicality is where I stood out. Learning how to move and perfect my movement through martial arts was what I was good at.
Emotionally, martial arts has taught me a lot as well. I have learned how to push through tough times in life. I have also learned how to remain calm in tough situations. Martial arts is an incredible outlet to let off steam after a difficult day.
Does identifying as a martial artist impact the way you live your life in other contexts (e.g., as a mother, at your job, with friends, in your community)? If so, how?
Martial arts has definitely impacted the way I live my life. In many styles, there are rules, components, or tenants. In our style, we have the five rules of the school. They are effort, etiquette, self-control, sincerity, and character. Although these rules are rather simple, martial arts definitely teaches you that not only do you embody these characteristics while wearing the belt but it’s something you bring outside of the dojo. Effort is a big one for me. Work hard! If there’s something you want to do in life, put 100 percent effort into it. If there’s something you want in life, show up, learn, and work hard. Why? Because if you don’t, there will always be someone else that will. I always believe there are no substitutes for putting in the time. Actions speak louder than words, so by putting the effort in, people will notice those who put in the hours. I feel so blessed and grateful to have crossed paths with so many people who are passionate and hard-working! Lots of them, whether they know it or not, totally changed my life.
Who, in your personal journey, best embodies the spirit of the martial artist, as you define it?
I feel like it is so hard to pick one person who totally embodies the spirit as I define it. I have met so many amazing individuals throughout my life. I think martial artists who help others inspire me the most! I feel like as we move up through life, it’s imperative to give back, reach your hand down and help someone else. My mother, Millie Munoz, is also a martial artist, and this woman would do anything for anyone! Growing up, I watched her help and fight for the people she loves. She raised me and my cousin and is an incredible nana to my daughter. My mom definitely embodies what it is to be a martial artist both inside and outside the dojo.
So what does it mean for you to identify as a martial artist? We invite you to join the movement and share your story in a 30- to 60-second video on your favorite social media platform. Be sure to tag it with #iamaMartialArtist.
- #iamaMartialArtist: An Interview with Amanda Cass - June 20, 2019
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990): Movie Review - March 29, 2019
- Redefining Your Fight: Creative Ways to Keep Training After Injury or Surgery - February 18, 2019
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