In every martial arts school, there’s that one member. You know the type. The “collector.” They come in with the sole goal of extracting knowledge like it’s a buffet: “I’ll take a little Chi Sau here, some wooden dummy techniques there… but hold the community, thanks!” They’re not here to contribute, connect, or grow with the group. They’re here to “get what’s theirs” and leave.
At first glance, this might seem harmless. After all, isn’t martial arts about self-improvement? Sure, but here’s the twist: true martial arts isn’t a solo journey. When you treat it like a selfish pursuit, you might gain some knowledge, but you miss out on wisdom. And worse, you make yourself vulnerable in ways you never expected.
The Ego as a Closed Circuit
Picture this: your ego is like a closed circuit. When you’re stuck in it, everything loops inward. You can’t see beyond yourself because all your energy is spent trying to protect your little bubble.
What’s the problem with that? Blind spots.
When you’re unaware of the world outside your own perspective, you miss opportunities to learn from others. You can’t anticipate challenges or adapt to surprises because you’re too busy thinking you’ve already got it all figured out. Being unaware is the fastest way to get caught off guard—whether it’s in sparring, life, or that time you didn’t see the Lego on the floor until it was too late.
The Risk of Lone Wolf Syndrome
Here’s where it gets real. Martial arts isn’t just about knowing techniques; it’s about mastering yourself and your environment. If you’re only focused on taking, you’re limiting your growth. Why?
1. No Feedback Loop: Without honest partners who care about your progress, you can’t refine your skills.
2. Limited Perspective: You only see what you know. You miss out on the collective wisdom of the group.
3. False Confidence: Without the challenge of community, it’s easy to overestimate your abilities. Ego thrives in isolation, but it crumbles under real pressure.
The Power of the Hive
Now let’s flip the script. Imagine a hive—a thriving community where everyone works together, grows together, and supports each other. That’s what our is supposed to be.
When you train as part of a group, you’re not just learning techniques; you’re learning to navigate relationships, understand dynamics, and adapt to different energy and personalities. You become more aware, more connected, and—here’s the kicker—more effective.
In a hive, everyone benefits:
• You grow faster because you’re exposed to multiple perspectives.
• You stay sharp because your training partners keep you accountable.
• You build resilience because you’re constantly adapting to new challenges.
And let’s be real—it’s just more fun when you’re laughing with your training partners about how you accidentally blocked with your face.
From Clients to Community
At our school, we don’t train “clients.” We build relationships. Why? Because techniques are just the surface. What we’re really teaching is how to be present, how to connect, and how to thrive as part of something bigger than yourself.
Sure, private lessons are great for refining details, but the real magic happens in the group. It’s in the shared sweat, the laughter, the occasional frustration, and the breakthroughs that come when you realize someone else’s growth is just as exciting as your own.
An Invitation to Step Outside Yourself
So, to the lone wolves out there: this isn’t a callout—it’s an invitation. Step out of your closed circuit. Join the hive. The risk of staying stuck in your ego is that you miss the bigger picture, the deeper connections, and the joy of truly growing alongside others.
Yes, it takes humility. Yes, it means giving as much as you take. But the rewards are worth it. After all, what’s the point of mastering the art if you’re not mastering yourself?
Let’s grow together.