The facts that we kick and punch during our training sessions, does not mean that we are violent or promote aggression. We use kicks and punches as the last result defence mechanisms in case of an attack from an aggressor.

Back then like any other regular person, I was no different from the majority of my green friends who have a negative perception about martial arts. I knew for sure that it was more of physical than mental. This is because of the physical way that over time, martial arts has been marketed through demonstrations and in combat operations. But the reverse is true.

Before anything gets transformed into an action, it has to go through mental scrutiny. We perform our duties consciously, subconsciously and further, super-consciously. This is how our mind is designed to work if well trained.

The mind is the most powerful weapon in the world. Best decisions are made in the mind. Advanced technologies are made from the minds. In the same measure, serious mistakes are made through the mind when misguided. I call this mind the weapon deep within. Well nurtured, the mind can make the world the best super place to live in.

The bible says that if there is no enemy within, the enemy without will do us no harm. The enemy within is the negative deluded mind. This enemy within can only be fought by the weapon deep within. If our minds are clean and positive, the decisions made out of it will be constructive. Our minds will be positive if, we feed them with positive information and discard all the negative toxic information.

It is a high time we cultivated a culture of positive mind set. It all starts with positive self affirmations. Speak something positive to yourself every day you wake-up. It may feel awkward, but it's a medicine dosage worthy taking. This is what we advocate for as martial arts experts and practitioners.

Even as majority of the people struggle to understand what martial arts Is all about, the role it plays in the society is tremendous and way beyond words can explain. There can be no peace, and unity in the world without martial arts. Powerful and mighty countries depend on martial arts. Great leaders enjoy security courtesy of martial arts.

Martial arts are systematically arranged laws which are supposed to be transmitted from generation to generation. Martial arts are practiced for a number of reasons, military and law enforcement applications, self-defence, fitness, self discipline, entertainment, cultural and national intangible heritage, to name but a few. The above mentioned reasons make martial arts exceptionally unique and special.

Traditionally, martial arts carries a lot values. Respect, honour, humility and integrity. Martial arts teaches us on how to take responsibility over our decisions. It teaches us to take control of everything that goes through our humanly system. Martial arts is about control. Control of the mind, body and spirit.

Research has shown that conflicts and wars are as a result of communication breakdown. Communication breakdown from deep in the mind, through to physical transformation. For one to speak peace, first he has to understand the genesis and dynamics of war and conflicts. It's only in the martial arts industry where all of us get an opportunity to learn the genesis of war, the repercussions, and the remedies.

Remember, peace keepers all over the world are martial artists. The Military, the police, and the law enforcement agencies. They are fit for the purpose courtesy of martial arts.

Let's nurture this weapon deep within us and everything will fall in place. It’s this weapon that distinguishes us from the other creatures. This weapon is the greatest gift that God in his creation ever gave to humans. Nurturing this weapon, builds character. Character reflects who we are.

Martial arts will help nurture this weapon. Martial arts, nurturing the weapon deep within.

 ※ This writing does not reflect the opinon of UNESCO ICM and UNESCO ICM is not directly linked to this writing.