TYLER WODEN | LIFE | MARTIAL ARTS | LIFE CHANGING | ILLUMINATION

My Journey In The Martial Arts Has Been Uplifting and Life-Changing

The Martial Arts Can Change Your Life Too. Here, I’ll Talk About What It Can Do For You

PART ONE — SIMEON

Sheffield, United Kingdom. The Year was 1999…I think

As a young boy, I faced bullying, both physical and mental, more often than I care to remember. But I’m not here to seek pity, just to provide some context.

Bullying isn’t fun; it’s like being prodded with a sharp stick. I’m not into that, but if you are, well, good for you. The torment continued daily. Girls even told me I was ugly.

Years passed, and by the time I entered high school, my confidence had hit rock bottom. I was nearly silent, void of self-assurance. Then, the day I started high school, for real, everything changed.

By the time I hit high school, I was ready for a change, but I lacked something crucial. I lacked role models. But that was about to change.

On that first day, alongside my childhood friend Jay, I met Simeon, one of my closest friends. We formed a tight-knit group, and with friends like him, the bullying ceased. Simeon was tough; people tend to steer clear of those who are.

Within this newfound friendship, I developed an interest in self-defence. I learned how to throw a punch, and we all became captivated by the anime “Dragonball Z.” We were hooked, like prey ensnared in a spider’s web. Yet, I’d argue that being hooked on “Dragonball Z” is more beneficial than being ensnared by a spider.

The anime gave me a goal. There were characters practising martial arts and performing incredible feats. I wanted to spar with Goku, defend Earth against the Saiyans, and master the Kaioken. I craved to wield ki energy.

As a kid with little interest in school, I embarked on my martial arts journey inspired by a cartoon. It all began with imitation, a fascination with martial arts, Bruce Lee, Van Damme, and “Dragonball Z.” My quest was to become the perfect fighter, to earn respect, or at least be left alone.

Whilst exploring the martial arts, my celebrity role model was Bruce Lee and his Jeet Kune Do. I found myself reading one his books from back to front on a daily basis, practising whatever was in the book. Every day I absorbed it like a sponge absorbs water. After each night spent reading until I passed out, the book gave me new insights into self-defence and a warrior mindset. I’ll tell you about the book later, but for now, here’s the clip that inspired me.

After school, my friends would come over, and we’d watch “Dragonball Z” before my mom served us a meal. Then, we’d head outside to play football or stay in for video games.

Our “Dragonball Z” fascination ignited a desire to train, each of us believing we could outdo even Master Roshi himself. It thrilled me. No, I do not mean it thrilled me to harm others but to challenge someone stronger, which was just about everyone compared to me. This was the thrill. And it was for this reason that the Saiyans in Dragonball Z resonated with me so much as a kid.

My continuous training finally paid off. At school, Simeon and I would exchange blows. I was determined to land a hit, and after countless attempts, it finally happened. Just as I had read from the words of my idol, Bruce Lee each night, if one was like water, one could become the cup. We must be like water and adapt to any situation.

I remember the moment as vividly as a polished window. Between school lessons, Simeon walked through the double doors to the school stairway bet, and I delivered a roundhouse kick to his chest. It might sound aggressive, but it was all in good fun and friendly rivalry. My kick took him by surprise, and he was sent flying backwards through the double doors. He didn’t go down, but he did finally look surprised.

This (victory?) taught me a valuable lesson. In “Dragonball Z,” Goku was right: “Even a low-level Saiyan can surpass an Elite Saiyan with enough training.” Translation? I could do it, too, if I trained hard enough. I could beat him.

And so, my martial arts journey began.

That night, I once again lied in my bed and read my book, The Tao Of Jeet Kune Do, and drifted into a pleasant slumber.

You can buy your own copy right here

But I would strongly recommend the paperback for a serious martial artist

(Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.)

When time allows, I’ll share part two of my martial arts journey from my memories.

For now, see you next time,

~TW~