In one of our previous Optimization Challenges we encouraged you to consider committing to a level of training based on our Belt Ranking System. This system mirrors the development of a martial artist from white to black belt.
In martial arts when the term “DO” (as in dojo) refers to as the “way”. For example Jigoro Kano’s mission in bringing Judo to the world was to promote physical education, moral development, and mutual respect through disciplined practice. He envisioned Judo not just as a martial art, but as a means of personal and social betterment, embodying the principles of “Seiryoku Zenyo” (maximum efficient use of energy) and “Jita Kyoei” (mutual welfare and benefit). Kano sought to make Judo a global educational system that cultivated both strength and character to contribute positively to society.
Another perspective on the journey from white to black belt is that it is a path to self mastery. I have spoken and written previously on how I view our method of strength training as an opportunity to work on mastering yourself as well.
Here are a few thoughts on Mastery:
- Apprenticeship is essential
- Mastery is a lifelong journey
- The Body and Mind are one system
- Obstacles are opportunities
- Focus on the process, not the outcome
- Commit to practice
- Embrace plateaus
I have also written about the perspective of Mastery according to black belt George Leonard from his book of the same name. He distinguishes between the “Master and the Dabbler, Obsessive and the Hacker.”
Our system of strength training has another similarity to that of marital arts. We believe the best martial arts and strength training have an effective blend of both science and art. Some martial arts are more art than martial. For example, a martial art such as tai chi, although having roots in the martial is now utilized more for overall health and personal development. On the other hand the art of Jiujitsu has a proven process and track record of being a successful system of self defense while it can also provide a path of self mastery and personal development.
There are also some martial arts which may profess to be effective for both self defense and personal development that fall short when it comes to the self defense component. For example,the first martial art I trained is professed to be an effective form of self defense. Eventually I began to question if this were true. Now, after years of training I realize in retrospect that the method and way I was being taught could have done more harm than good if I would have had to use it in a real life situation.
So, how does all this apply to our Strength Training Method? Some fitness programs can help create positive physical adaptations but may not be the safest or most efficient way to do so. They also may have no concern for personal development. Other programs may be focused on being fun and provide emotional benefits but aren’t based on sound scientific principles and don’t help create true positive physiological adaptations. They can also be very inefficient and even worse lead to injury. For example, a recent study showed that endurance training does little for slowing muscle aging where resistance training does.
Our training is first based on science. Second, we utilize our quarterly strength assessments as a way to quantify if the method is working for you on an individual basis. If all you are interested in is the physiological benefits derived from an evidence based strength training program then we have a program for you. However, we also have a method and system that can benefit you in so many other ways if you willing to embrace the journey.
One of our primary goals in 2026 is to create as much clarity around this process as possible. Two areas in which we will begin focusing on to even a greater degree in the beginning of the new year are technique and effort.
If you choose to commit to pursuing a path of Mastery in strength training then a good place to start is to focus on learning how to give optimal effort while maintaining meticulous technique. I belief it is a rewarding path worth pursuing that will lead to many benefits beyond the physical.