In a series of articles, I explore some of the meanings of the concept of the Warrior Within, which can also be called the Inner Warrior. A martial artist is one who knows how to merge his inner warrior with his outer warrior, his technical and physical practice. In this series of articles on the Inner Warrior, I will not deal with the technical and physical practice of a martial practice (the vehicle), but rather with the one who expresses (the conductor) these movements in reality (the way, the path).
First article: Can you hear the call of your inner warrior?
Second article: The ancient power of the Warrior archetype is still within you
Third Article : How to Summon Your Inner Warrior: 9 Ways to Bring It Out of the Depths to the Surface of Your Consciousness
First article: Can you hear the call of your inner warrior?
Here are some questions that I will answer according to my knowledge. What is the inner warrior and how are we connected to it? What are the Benefits of embracing the inner warrior? Understanding the role of the warrior in our life and practice. The 9 Strategies to activate your inner warrior.
The concept of the warrior transcends cultures and generations, inspiring stories that continue to motivate us today. Think of the movie Braveheart with Mel Gibson or Gladiator with Russell Crowe, don't you think they embody the archetype of the warrior? Or Bruce Lee in his films and his martial approach or Sylvester Stallone in Rocky. Who hasn't seen these films and felt motivated at the end of them? Masutatsu Oyama the founder of Kyokushin karate, his lifestyle and his budo orientation are also an archetype of warrior.
UNLOCK THE WARRIOR INSIDE YOU
The practitioner who identifies as a warrior and walks his or her martial path (or any other practice) with a full understanding of his or her inner warrior will stand out from others who are not aware of this concept.
We have all seen the cinematic images of the warrior, with their strength and courage. This archetypal figure resonates deeply with us, as it embodies our most primal instinct for survival and self-protection. When we identify strongly with this archetype, which we will define in the second article, we activate its power in ourselves and in our unconscious mind. The warrior archetype has existed for centuries in many cultures, expressed through literature, art, and mythology.
The concept of a warrior has been an ever-present figure throughout history, from classical antiquity to modern times. It is an idea that has been romanticized in literature and film, but what does it really mean to be a warrior? It is the embodiment of strength, skill, courage, and dedication that many strive for.
My personal approach to the Warrior
The notion of the warrior is a concept that can be interpreted in many different ways, as it is both a story of internal strength and courage, as well as an external practice of physical discipline and skill.
Even if they have never set foot on a battlefield or experienced war firsthand, some people have an instinctive ability to access this strength while others are unable to. In this article I will explore the notion of an inner warrior that we all have, it can be activated or act in the unconscious through our 'shadow warrior', but that is another topic.
For all those who study and practice budo seriously, the notion of the inner warrior is a crucial concept
The Inner Warrior refers to the strength and courage we can find within ourselves to fight for what we believe in, even in the face of adversity. This inner warrior is an essential part of our identity and pushes us beyond our perceived limitations. It also allows us to cultivate resilience and stand firm in our values, despite any external opposition.
The inner warrior versus a soldier or fighter.
A warrior is not necessarily a military soldier fighting in a war; it is an internal power that we have on rare occasions when we need to be engaged in conflict. An inner energy that we must mobilize when we need to act.
Not all soldiers are in touch with their inner warriors. It is a documented fact that some members of an army do not activate their inner warriors when facing enemies, that they are paralyzed by fear and will not shoot their enemies, preferring to desert the battlefield, surrender or die. Many enlist as soldiers to be behind the battlefield.
The Warrior and his Way
Every civilization has a great warrior tradition and warrior myths that have been committed to a path. The most powerful trait of a warrior is commitment - the commitment to honor and engage in a cause at the risk of one's life. This commitment is the foundation of the warrior ethos - the willingness to stand up, fight and defend what they believe in, no matter what the cost. This trait has been admired throughout history, and it continues to be an important part of our culture today.
The Old Testament tells stories of warriors and a warrior God. The legendary warrior tradition of the Spartans nurtured and trained boys to become warriors, and this rigorous training created their 300 men with invincible spirits. Japan had fearless samurai warriors who lived as if they were already dead.
The Samurai Warrior. Japan is known for its rich history and vast cultural influences, but none are as renowned as the samurai warriors of ancient Japan. These warriors pursued a life that few would understand, living as if they were already dead. They were fearless, disciplined, and dedicated to their families and clans. Their courage in battle was remarkable and their legacy remains strong to this day. The stories of these brave souls have been passed down from generation to generation, making them heroes among many people around the world.
In the next article, we will delve into the depths of our unconscious to discover the source of our warrior's power.
Gaëtan Sauvé, The Way of the Generative Warrior
Second article: The ancient power of the Warrior archetype is still within you