The Balanced Person

Answer quickly: Which is more important to life, hot water or cold water? You would be hard-pressed to come up with a satisfying answer.

Cold water is essential for hydration and cooling down the body, and of course we rely on things like ice to help with refrigeration and keeping our food fresh.

Hot water, on the other hand, is vital for cooking. A warm shower can offer relief, and hot water can be used to clean things.

The point of this question is not to be decisive, but to show that depending on the scenario you find yourself in, both hot and cold water are vital. The takeaway is not that one is better than the other, but that balance between the two leads to success.

In martial arts, there are many aspects of the body you can train. Some focus on raw power and the ability to break as many boards as possible. Others train flexibility, hoping to one day achieve a full split and a vertical side kick. Still others focus on speed, executing quick strikes that land before an opponent can react. Just like the analogy of water, focusing on one of these areas is not better than the others. Truly, the martial artist who invests time in all of them will be the strongest.

Our message of the week is tension and relaxation—hard and soft, heavy and light. Which should a martial artist focus on? The answer returns to water, and to Bruce Lee, who said, “Be like water.” Water can be fluid, adapting to any shape, but it can also be hard—no one wants to be hit in the head with a snowball of ice. The ability to be versatile and to know when to be tense and when to be relaxed is an essential skill.

• When is the time to be angry, and when is the time to be calm?

• When is the time to rush, and when is the time to be patient?

• When is the time to watch your diet, and when is the time to enjoy some junk food?

You could make an argument for either side, and that is the point. We want to develop martial artists (and people) who are well-rounded—who have the knowledge and self-control to decide what action the situation calls for. Do that, and you will be the strongest person out there.

Want to become adaptable to any situation? Whether you require strength or flexibility, discipline or joy, Trinity Martial Arts can help. Located in Hopewell Junction, we teach traditional martial arts and practical self-defense skills to students in East Fishkill and the surrounding Hudson Valley. Reach out today to schedule your free trial class and begin your martial arts journey.