April rain has a way of slowing the world down. The steady rhythm on the windows, the gray skies, the quiet that settles over the day—these are not interruptions to training, but invitations. A true martial artist understands that progress is not only forged through sweat and repetition on the mat, but also through reflection, study, and stillness.
At Morris Martial Arts, we embrace the philosophy that growth continues even when the weather keeps us indoors. Rainy April days are perfect for sharpening the mind while the body rests. Just as a blade must be honed between battles, so too must the spirit and understanding of the martial artist be refined through reading.
The Path of Stillness and Study
There is a long tradition in martial arts of balancing action with contemplation. When the skies open and training shifts inward, books become our teachers. They offer lessons in discipline, philosophy, strategy, and the deeper meaning behind every strike, stance, and breath.
Required Reading: Foundations of the Martial Mind
These works form the backbone of a martial artist’s intellectual training and are required reading for those on the path towards Black Sash:
- Zen in the Martial Arts by Joe Hyams teaches us that mastery begins in the mind. Its lessons on simplicity and awareness echo through every movement we make.
- Be Like Water by Joseph Cardillo expands on adaptability—reminding us that strength lies in flow, not rigidity.
- Moving Zen by C.W. Nicol blends storytelling with philosophy, showing how martial arts shape not just fighters, but lives.
- The Martial Way and Its Virtues by F.J. Chu reinforces the moral compass that must guide every practitioner.
- Tao Te Ching by Lao Tsu offers timeless wisdom on balance, humility, and the natural flow of the universe.
- Iron and Silk by Mark Salzman provides a personal journey into the discipline and culture behind martial arts training.
Each of these texts reflects a different facet of the same truth: martial arts is not simply about fighting—it is about understanding oneself and the world.
Suggested by Head Instructor Shawn Morris: Expanding the Warrior’s Perspective
For those ready to go deeper, I also recommend the following during your journey:
- Meditations by Marcus Aurelius reminds us that the greatest battles are often internal.
- Tao of Jeet Kune Do by Bruce Lee challenges us to break free from limitation and express our true nature.
- On Combat by Lt. Col. Dave Grossman explores the realities of conflict, grounding philosophy in real-world application.
- Book of Five Rings by Miyamoto Musashi offers strategic insight from one of history’s greatest swordsmen.
- Art of War by Sun Tzu teaches that the highest victory is one achieved without conflict.
- Epitoma Rei Militaris by Vegetius provides classical military wisdom that still applies today.
- Yi Jin Jing (Muscle Changing Classic) introduces the connection between physical conditioning and internal energy.
These works are not casual reading—they are companions on the journey. Return to them often, and their lessons will deepen over time.
Training Beyond the Kwoon
Rain may keep you off the mat, but it should never stop your training. On these quiet April days, brew some tea, find a comfortable place, and open one of these books. Let the teachings sink in. Reflect on your practice. Visualize your movements. Strengthen your mindset.
Remember: the martial artist who only trains the body is incomplete. The one who trains both body and mind becomes unstoppable.
So when the rain falls, do not see it as an obstacle. See it as an opportunity—to slow down, to study, and to grow.
Train hard. Think deeply. And let every drop of rain remind you: even stillness is part of the path.
See you in class!
Head Instructor Shawn Morris