The Power Of The Leader Within - The Keys To Martial Arts Life

By Jeffrey M. Miller

"What do you want to be when you grow up?"

Remember that question from your younger days? Adults seemalmost programmed to ask it, don't they? Maybe you rememberasking that same question to your own or another's childrecently. Remember?

I do.

And - do you remember any of your own answers to that question?I know it probably changed many times throughout the process of"growing up" but can you remember some of the answers?

I remember some of mine: policeman, fireman, architect, lawyer.I'm sure there were more but can't remember too many at thispoint. What I do remember is the feeling that went along withthe decision of choosing one or another. It was a feeling ofbeing in a position of importance. To be able to help others inneed or to be looked upon with respect and admiration because Icreated something really great.

I didn't know it then but I was expressing the drive to be aleader. Maybe not the 'top' leader like a general or thepresident but a leader who made things happen in the world. Iwanted to be someone who lead the way, not followed. Many peoplewould say that I, and many greater men and women before me wereborn or destined to be leaders - as though fate had somehowselected us at birth to be who we are today. I know that manybelieve that leaders are born, but I can assure you that leadersare made.

Contrary to popular belief, birth has nothing to do with being aleader. However, learning to develop the traits of confidence,compassion, respect, and many more, do. Having a vision and theability to communicate that vision to others - setting down aworkable plan and having the discipline to act upon that



planuntil the vision, goal or dream has become real in the world -are the signs of a leader.

I believe that whenever we feel the drive to step out of ourday-to-day routine - to volunteer time and energy to a localcause like the fire department, Scouts, or other group - andyes, to join a martial arts school - we are seeking to get backto that drive toward leadership.

Everyone, whether secretly or publicly wants to be a leader.Parents want their children to grow up to be leaders - notfollowers. It's a natural drive. But, many of us either have notbeen 'lucky' enough to encounter role models in our lives whopointed the way or showed us how, or we did and didn't recognizethe gift presented to us at the time. What if we didn't overlookthe gift hidden in the question? What if we didn't forget thedreams of the child still there within us?

In the martial arts, the symbol of leadership is the Black Belt.In many arts, like ninjutsu, it 's not so much the belt as therank, skill, or title of authority that tells others that youhave more to offer than a physical ability to defend yourself.

The true master is the person who is strong enough to dowhatever is necessary. He or she is powerful enough to do realdamage but exceeds that ability with the power of choice - thepower to choose peace over conflict. And you can see it whenthey move. You can feel it when you're near them. You can senseit when they speak.

Unfortunately, many people want to be leaders and many more tellyou to take more responsibility (another important trait of aleader) and go after what you want, but, there just aren't thatmany who will show you step-by-step, just how to go about doingit like a good martial arts master. I feel especially fortunatein this respect. Fortunate to have encountered teachers, guidesand role-models in my own life that were strong and powerfulenough to have shared with me the knowledge for taking charge ofmy life. Knowledge that I can now pass on to my children andstudents.

So, what about you? Are you living up to your fullest potential?Are you ready to join others just like yourself on the path ofthe Warrior Leader? Are you ready to stop dreaming and startliving?

We're waiting for you!

About the author:Jeffrey M. Miller is the founder and master instructor ofWarrior Concepts International. He specializes in teaching theancient ways of self-protection and personal development lessonsin a way that is easily understood and put to use by modernWestern students and corporate clients. To learn more, visit hiswebsite at http://www.warrior-concepts-online.com