Six Freedoms of Martial Arts

Earlier in 2023, I rolled out my first draft of The Six Freedoms of Martial Arts as part of the whistlekick State of the Martial Arts live stream. Over the course of the year, I, and others within whistlekick, have found these freedoms to be core elements to what we do, and how we do it. At the encouragement of Martial Journal’s Editor in Chief, Mark Warner, I share these here with commentary.

The Six Freedoms of Martial Arts

The freedom to train

Martial arts training should be accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, politics, physical abilities, or any other concerns. This freedom to train encompasses the idea that martial arts should be inclusive and adaptable, allowing individuals to pursue their training at their own pace and in a way that suits their unique circumstances. It does not mean that every instructor has to train any given student, but it does mean that no person should hinder a student from finding a place to train.
The freedom to remain private

Martial arts can be a deeply personal journey, and we acknowledge the importance of privacy in this pursuit. Practitioners should have the freedom to keep their training and progress private if they choose. This means not feeling obligated to share or justify their experiences. This freedom respects individual preferences for how they engage with their martial arts practice.
The freedom to determine what martial arts means

Martial arts should not be limited by rigid definitions or traditions. Practitioners have the freedom to shape their understanding of martial arts and its purpose in their lives. Whether it’s for self-defense, physical fitness, personal growth, or a combination of these, individuals have the autonomy to define what martial arts means to them.
The freedom to become better

Martial arts is a continuous journey of self-improvement. Everyone should encourage individuals to embrace the freedom to become better versions of themselves. Whether it’s improving physical fitness, mastering techniques, or developing mental resilience, martial arts offers a path to self-growth and self-discovery.
The Freedom to live your training

We promote the idea that martial arts should not be confined to a specific training facility. The freedom to live your training means incorporating the principles and skills learned in martial arts into everyday life. This can lead to improved discipline, respect, physical safety, and a heightened sense of awareness in various aspects of life.
The Freedom to compete

While not everyone may choose to compete, competition can be a valuable aspect of martial arts. This freedom allows practitioners to test their skills, gain experience, and set personal goals through competitive events if they wish to do so. It’s an opportunity to challenge oneself and measure progress in a controlled environment.

I do not expect that everyone in the martial arts world will get on board with these six freedoms. I know that there will always be those who are so strongly committed to their own ideas that they perceive everything around them to be of less value. But, I believe that most people already agree with these ideas. Thus it is in sharing them I hope we can encourage even more people to see the value. Further, I believe that as we share these ideals we can build a better martial arts community. Not just locally, but globally, and better serve those inside and outside of our training. Thank you for your consideration.

To read more about the subject, please find our page on The Six Freedoms of Martial Arts on the whistlekick website.