Martial Arts: The Sword and the Pen

Thursday, June 23rd, 2011 / No Comments

Martial Arts: The Sword and the PenA martial artist understands the balance of the sword and the pen.

When a warrior is young, they are more sword and less pen.  When the statesman emerges, they are more pen and less sword.  The key to the sword and the pen is the balance.

Life is about finding the appropriate balance between the sword and the pen.

Either one by itself is not enough.  A person or even a country that can only wield one is at a distinct disadvantage.  Too often people look just to the sword to define the warrior or the martial artist.  Power, strength, dominance, these are usually thought of as the sword.  But think about what real power is….the ability to influence or control many.  In that context, who has more power?  A warrior with one sword who can point it at the throat of another, or the writer who influences thousands of warriors to pick up their swords and stand for a cause or a mission?  The real power or skill comes with the ability to perceive when and where its best to use the pen or the sword, or sometimes both the sword and the pen.

Look at history and the powerful examples of presidents and political figures.  At times these showed great examples of each, and even times when a perfect balance was struck.  Ronald Reagan, the “great communicator,” truly understood the pen.  However, he also backed it up with the implied threat of nuclear warheads when needed…..and I would consider that a pretty big sword.  So the point is, that we must look within our own lives and personal situations and decide which one works best or  combination of the two.  If someone grabs you by the throat in the parking lot late at night, the pen is probably not the best choice (unless you literally take it and jab it in his eye!).  At the same time, when someone at work upsets you, diplomacy is likely the best choice if you want to get ahead.  Again, knowing when to use the sword and the pen is very important.

A great example of this comes from a story shared from a family who is very close to me.  The dad is very educated, very well paid, works many hours and is a huge success in life.  By most measures he is definitely “alpha”.

Youngest Daughter:  “Mommy, who is smarter, you or daddy?”

Wise Mother (after thinking for a moment):  “Well, daddy has to go to work every day for many hours to make good money.  But mommy stays home with you and we get to go shopping when we want, spend the money when we want, and decide what we do all day long……who do you think is smarter?”

Youngest Daughter:  “Wow……so then really daddy works for you and you are the boss……you must be way smarter.”

Wise Mother:  “That’s right honey, you are learning”

Moms hold the “pen” that writes most checks in the family and actually makes most of the decisions.  Also, another rule our students learn at Tiger Rock Martial Arts in Lincoln NE, “If mom’s not happy……nobody’s happy”.   Moms quietly possess most of the power (the sword and the pen) in many households across the world.  The wise ones let their husbands think they are in charge to make their egos feel better, but in reality they know who runs things.

Keep this in mind when making choices between the sword and the pen.  And, if you haven’t lately, thank your mom for what she’s done for you with her power and influence in your life.

She understands both the sword and the pen.

Published in: General, goal setting, martial arts, Martial Arts and ADHD, Martial Arts and Personal Development, Martial Arts and Power, Martial Arts for Adults, Martial Arts Lincoln NE, Martial Arts Teaches Self Discipline, Self Esteem Development

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