The Five Poisons of Martial Arts
In our martial arts philosophy here at Strickland’s Martial Arts the Five Poisons are framed as internal obstacles that weaken an individual's effectiveness and mental fortitude. These "poisons" test a martial artist’s resilience. Overcoming them is what separates skilled fighters from those who break under pressure in class, at tournament or in a real life self defense confrontation.
We have covered each of these five poisons in individual blogs in the past. These poisons are:
Fear – The most crippling poison. Fear can cause hesitation, disrupt focus, and lead to failure in both training and combat. Overcoming fear is key to confidence and control.
Frustration – When things don’t go as planned, frustration can cloud judgment, leading to mistakes and emotional reactions rather than strategic responses.
Fatigue – Physical and mental exhaustion break down technique, reaction time, and willpower. A tired fighter is a vulnerable fighter.
Doubt – Lack of belief in oneself or one's training leads to hesitation and ineffective execution. Confidence and trust in one’s skills are crucial for success.
Pain – Pain is inevitable in martial arts, but if one allows it to dominate the mind, it can lead to giving up or breaking focus. Learning to manage and push through pain is essential.
These Five Poisons are not to be confused with the Five Deadly Poisons in Chinese folklore, also refer to five negative traits or behaviors, that can hinder a martial artist's progress, corrupt their character, or lead them down a destructive path. These are often based on traditional Chinese philosophy and can vary depending on interpretation, but they typically include:
Arrogance (Pride) – Overconfidence and ego can blind a martial artist to their weaknesses, making them resistant to learning and improvement. It can also lead to underestimating opponents.
Ignorance – A refusal to learn, adapt, or understand the deeper aspects of martial arts, such as discipline, respect, and strategy. This can lead to reckless behavior and stagnation.
Hatred (Anger) – Letting emotions like hatred or uncontrolled anger dictate actions can lead to irrational decisions, making one predictable and vulnerable in combat.
Greed – The pursuit of power, money, or fame at the expense of honor and integrity can corrupt a martial artist, making them lose sight of the true purpose of martial arts.
Fear (Cowardice) – Being paralyzed by fear, whether of failure, pain, or defeat, can prevent growth and effectiveness. Fear can cause hesitation, which can be fatal in a real fight.
These "five deadly poisons" serve as warnings for martial artists to maintain discipline, humility, and a strong moral compass emphasizing the dangers of negative emotions and behaviors.
