Martial artists is quite an eclectic group of people. There are specialties that each one of us fall into. Some are fighters. Some are about forms. Some are about the training. Some are about the science of body mechanics. Some are healers. Some are philosophers. Some can teach kids. Some can teach seniors. It depends on our deep interests and how our brains function.
We should be cable in each field, but not a specialty. Like being a handyman, can do a bit of everything, but we need electricians, plumbers, or the like that we learn from and fix things that are out of our ability. For basics, we don’t need to be an expert, but we cannot learn and progress without experts.
Chinese Martial Virtues
My mindset and interest have led me to study Martial Virtues. Specifically, the Chinese Martial Virtues. Humbleness, loyalty, respect, trust, righteousness, will, perseverance, persistence, patience and courage. (These are the main ones, some Masters/Schools have more like the 14 from Shaolin Europe. The extra 4, self-control, modesty, benevolence, and discipline, I would say are covered by the 10. But this is not important.)
7 Virtues of the Samurai Code
The Budo/Samurai Code has 7: benevolence (Jin), rectitude (Gi), respect (Rei), honesty (Makoto), loyalty (Chu), courage (Yu), and honor (Meiyo). Benevolence, rectitude, honesty, and honor are indeed important to study. However, in my reflections and meditations, they are what I would call “higher virtues”.
Each one of these virtues can be studied for a lifetime. Each one is like going down Alice in Wonderland’s rabbit hole, never knowing how or what will be needed in extreme circumstances. In this hole, you will discover how they all fit together and aid in each other’s efforts to make us better human beings. As we internally spar with the study of these martial virtues, we become more adept to them and become more of an expert. Hence, we become martial philosophers, mental therapists, and spiritual. For example, a most impressive example is the viral video from like 9 years ago with Master Sharath Jason Williams helping a kid go through an emotional breakdown. He uses most of the virtues to encourage, pass on wisdom, and changed the lives of many.
Martial virtues are the backbone of all of our training. It is the potential internal spiritual experience we gain from the training. It is the grounding force that makes us better at forms or fighting because the martial virtues ground and guide us through each training session or sparing or fight. We must study these. Reflect on them. Embody them every day, all day.
A Few Examples
Respect
The form of respect for our master is a different respect for a child with temper tantrums. Although the recipient of respect is different, respect is still respect. Respect for our teacher is respecting their achievements and knowledge (hopefully wisdom too) of the past. Respect for the child is respecting the potential achievements and knowledge (hopefully wisdom too) for the future.
Courage
Courage is usually seen as fighting for what is right and overcoming or putting fear to the side and braving danger. However, sometimes courage is standing up to our own ego and stepping down, having the courage to accept defeat.
Will
Will is interesting because there are two steps to it. One is the initial will to begin something new. Then there is maintenance will. Do you train because you are intrinsically motivated or extrinsically? Intrinsically or extrinsically are both motivators, but the perspective makes a difference in how you feel about your training. (The problem people have with lawyers is that many are in love with money, not the rights or the law that they represent. Greed is an extrinsic motivator.) This can also go for what you are doing outside your training like your chosen career or what you are studying. Are you living for you or are you living someone else’s influence.
These are just a few examples of how Martial Virtues are basic virtues outside of martial arts. The mentality conditioning is influenced by physical conditioning. Going hand in hand to make us better humans.
Where to Start
A first easy step into virtue training is learning humbleness through gratitude. Although gratitude is not part of Martial Virtues, I believe it is another expression of humbleness. All other virtues begin to fall into place as one learns gratitude. It is learning to appreciate how interconnected we are to a simple glass of water. The simple thing that holds water started with sand being extracted from the earth. Transported to a factory that was built with much effort. Then, it is transported to a store. Then it went to you. And then, you get so much benefit from water. So, all of the hard work people have done for you to benefit by quenching your thirst needs appreciation. This example is just the tip of the iceberg of appreciating the glass. That depth can go to everything you use and to everyone in your life.
I recently finished writing my book on virtue. Please go to my Facebook page of Virtues Path and follow for more essays on virtue. Also, please visit my website thevirtuespath.wordpress.com
- The Power of Martial Virtues - August 20, 2025
- What is Your Contribution? - January 4, 2024
- Teaching Martial Virtues - October 23, 2023
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