Lone Survivor

I had the honor and pleasure of hearing Marcus Luttrell, Navy SEAL and author of "Lone Survivor" speak this past Friday morning. Incredibly powerful on many levels. I encourage everyone to read this book.

What does this have to do with the martial arts? Bear with me here.

The core philosophy of the martial arts is one of the "warrior ethos." The Taoists have the concept of the "Scholar Warrior." The Chinese Chan Buddhists the concept of the "Shaolin Fighting Monk." The Japanese are certainly famous for their Samurai who, for various practical reasons, found Zen philosophy to meet their needs.

In modern times we have seen the United States Marine Corps develop and implement the "MCMAP" or Marine Corps Martial Arts Program. It serves the practical function of providing (very effective) fighting techniques for hand-to-hand combat, but it also builds the warrior ethos in the Marines. The Army has implemented a (very) similar program.

Unquestionably the Navy SEALS are warriors. They may embody the warrior ethos better than any group in the United States. And the message Luttrell communicated is of great value to all martial artists and, honestly, every person.

Luttrell related how he found himself with 11 broken bones (these are the clean breaks and don't include "incidental" fractures), 3 gunshot wounds, a broken pelvis, and much of his skin shredded. Unable to walk, he knew he needed to keep moving and focused on a waterfall in the distance.

As Luttrell said, "you have to break things down into little pieces." So, he focused on dragging himself five feet. Once he made it, he renewed his focus on dragging himself five feet. He did that for seven miles until he reached the waterfall.

What lessons can the modern martial artist take away from this?

First, we must focus. If we try to take it all in all of the time, it can seem overwhelming. Certainly we should have an ultimate goal, whether that is to achieve a black belt or become a sparring champion, or become an instructor. But we must focus on the path or we will fall off the mountain.

Second, when things seem overwhelming, narrow your goals to tiny segments. When beginning we do not attempt to become a black belt or black sash overnight. We focus on the next technique, the next kata or form, the next piece of the puzzle. We focus only on that until we have grasped it and can perform it effectively.

There is an old Chinese proverb, "the journey of one thousand miles begins with a single step." I am reminded of the "encouragement" (if you can call it that) of my Marine Corps Drill Instructor to "keep putting one foot in front of the other" on that first 25 mile hump.

And, sometimes, like Luttrell, we may not know how long that journey will be, we may not even be able to see the end destination. Then, perhaps more than any other time, we must focus on "the next five feet."

And we must always remain in motion. We are like water, whether we choose to be or not. As long as water moves, it has life. If water ceases to move, if it becomes stagnant, it becomes dead.

I close with one other bit of admonition I received from my Drill Instructors: "If you are going through Hell, keep marching." That's the only way to get out.

Now, just focus on the next five feet. And move forward.