This week, my team and I had the privilege of training in Los Angeles at Guro Dan Inosanto’s Instructor Camp. For those who may not be familiar with Guro Dan, he is a living legend in the martial arts world, and every chance to train with him is an incredible learning experience. His mastery extends far beyond just teaching techniques—his entire presence and how he lives and breathes martial arts sets an example for all of us fortunate enough to be in the room.
The camp focused on various systems, with a deep dive into Jeet Kune Do, the martial philosophy founded by Bruce Lee that Guro Dan has spent decades refining. We also explored numerous Filipino Kali systems, which include intricate weapon-based training with sticks, knives, and bladed weapons, along with the fluid empty-hand applications of the art. The training didn’t stop there—we delved into Indonesian Silat, known for its explosive and adaptive movements, Krabi-Krabong, a traditional Thai weapons system, and even Cambodian Boxing, a lesser-known yet highly effective striking art.
What makes these sessions so unique is the breadth of martial knowledge that Guro Dan brings. Each day is packed with striking, grappling, weaponry, and deep martial philosophy. It’s not just about refining techniques but understanding how each system connects and enhances the others, forming a well-rounded, adaptable martial artist.
Training with Guro Dan is not just about learning new techniques—it’s about expanding your mindset and seeing martial arts from a new perspective. His humility, openness to learning, and constant evolution are potent reminders that the journey in martial arts is never-ending. Every time I leave one of his camps, I’m inspired.
One of his points this week was not to limit your training or thinking around any single system. Don’t limit your training or thinking to just one system. His philosophy is to invest the time to research, explore, and study multiple forms of martial arts and information. This approach broadens your perspective and deepens your understanding of the craft.
I’ve always been a firm believer in this philosophy, and it’s something I’ve applied throughout my entire life. My journey in martial arts has been built on the foundation of cross-training and learning from a wide variety of systems, teachers, and disciplines. Whether Filipino Kali, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Wing Chun, or any other art, each brings something unique to the table and enhances the other.
Yes, it takes more time, energy, and dedication to pursue multiple paths, but the rewards are immense. It gives you a much broader, more well-rounded view of the topic you’re involved in, whether martial arts or any other area of life. When you diversify your learning, you’re not confined by the limitations of any single system—you’re free to adapt, evolve, and grow as a martial artist and as a person.
By taking this approach, I’ve built a more adaptable skill set and a deeper understanding of the principles that unite all martial arts. It’s not just about collecting techniques; it’s about seeing the bigger picture and applying those principles in any situation. This mindset has fueled my passion for continual learning, a philosophy I hope to pass on to my students.
This mindset is essential not just for martial arts but also as a life skill that can be applied to any area of your life. The ability to step back, set aside your biases and opinions, and truly engage in learning is essential for growth. It’s easy to get stuck in our own way of thinking, locking in on our ego or personal beliefs. But when we do that, we freeze in place—we stop evolving, and the learning cycle comes to a halt.
So many people, whether in their personal lives or professional careers, allow their egos to block their progress. They become unwilling to shift their perspective or entertain new ideas. In my experience, this unwillingness is one of the greatest obstacles to growth. When you hold onto a fixed mindset, you cut yourself off from the potential for change, for learning new things, and for discovering better ways of doing something.
As a lifelong self-educator, I’ve found that staying open to new information and ideas is absolutely crucial. In martial arts, as in life, there’s always something more to learn, and there’s always someone with a different perspective who can teach you something valuable. By embracing this mindset of continuous learning, you remain adaptable. You become better equipped to handle challenges, make informed decisions, and ultimately, expand in every area of your life.
Whether it’s in your relationships, business, or personal development, being willing to look beyond your current understanding and explore new possibilities is what drives progress. The more you actively seek out new information and perspectives, the more you grow—not just in skill but in wisdom, awareness, and capability. And that’s a mindset that will benefit you not only in martial arts but in everything you do.
Bruce Lee’s quote, “Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, add what is uniquely your own,” reflects a philosophy of adaptability and openness. Lee was known for his belief in cross-training and taking elements from multiple disciplines to form a complete system, which aligns with the idea of exploring different perspectives. This mindset encourages learners to take in knowledge from various sources but with critical thinking to let go of what doesn’t serve their purpose. Thisdoesn’t just apply to martial arts techniques but can also be applied to life’s challenges—gathering wisdom from different experiences and using what’s relevant to our journey while discarding the rest. It’s an active, ongoing process of refinement that keeps us adaptable, flexible, and evolving.
Similarly, Socrates’ well-known quote, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing,” speaks to the importance of humility in learning. This idea encourages us to approach every situation with an open mind, recognizing that there is always more to learn and explore. Socrates reminds us that ego, or the belief that we’ve mastered a subject, is the enemy of growth. By embracing the fact that we “know nothing,” we remain in a state of openness, ready to receive new ideas, challenge old ones, and continue expanding our understanding. This humility is essential in both martial arts and life—without it, we risk becoming stagnant, locked into rigid thinking, and unable to grow.
Both of these quotes emphasize that learning is an ongoing journey, one that requires a mindset of openness, humility, and flexibility. Bruce Lee challenges us to seek out and integrate new knowledge, making it our own, while Socrates teaches us that the first step to wisdom is admitting that we have more to learn. These lessons are crucial in martial arts training and navigating life’s challenges, where growth comes from continually expanding our understanding and being willing to adapt.
Let’s examine the challenge of self-education in more detail and consider how we can refine or add this critical perspective tool to our thinking and learning process.
The process of self-education is, by nature, one that requires constant reflection and adaptation. The tools we use to learn, grow, and expand our knowledge should not remain static; they need to evolve just as we do. So, I challenge you to ask yourself: Am I actively applying this perspective tool—the mindset of openness and adaptability—to my learning process?
If you already embrace this approach, ask yourself: How can I improve it?
One way to improve is by seeking out information and experiences outside your comfort zone. This could mean studying a completely new discipline or exposing yourself to viewpoints you don’t initially agree with. Growth often happens when we confront ideas that challenge our current understanding. Another method is to integrate structured reflection into your self-education process. After learning something new, take time to analyze it: What was useful? What wasn’t? How can you personalize this knowledge to make it uniquely yours? This reflection process will keep you from passively absorbing information and instead help you consciously shape it into something that aligns with your goals.
If you don’t yet have this mindset tool, then it’s time to ask: How do I add it to my learning process?
First, it starts with a willingness to acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers and that knowledge is infinite. By embracing humility, as Socrates suggested, we open ourselves up to new perspectives and methods. Begin by actively seeking out diverse sources of information—whether through books, courses, or conversations with people who challenge your thinking. Gradually incorporate the habit of reflecting on what you learn, questioning not only the material but also your own biases and assumptions.
By taking the time to assess your self-education process, you develop an essential life skill—one that allows you to adapt and grow continuously, not just in your field of expertise but in every area of your life. This mindset prevents you from stagnating and keeps you moving forward with purpose. The real challenge isn’t just adding this tool; it’s learning how to wield it effectively, using it to refine and elevate your thinking continuously.
Shift Your Perspective, Take the Action, Transform Your World.
~ Sifu Alan
Alan Baker is renowned for his dual expertise in crafting tailored Defensive Tactics Programs and high-performance coaching. Catering specifically to law enforcement agencies, military organizations, and security firms, Alan designs training regimens that emphasize practical techniques, real-world adaptability, and scenario-based training. His approach enhances the capabilities and readiness of personnel in intense situations. Explore Alan’s tailored programs here.
Beyond mere tactics, Alan stands out as the paramount “Self Leadership” coach, adept at unlocking the vast potential within individuals. With a deep passion for mentoring professionals, entrepreneurs, and those on personal growth odysseys, he focuses on nurturing a mindset of excellence. Alan’s coaching hinges on practical strategies that bolster mental resilience, focus, and drive. Teaming up with Alan means embarking on a transformative path where mental barriers are dismantled, inherent strengths come to the fore, and your goals become within clear sight. His profound insights enhance performance and sculpt a mindset tailored for triumphant success.
To delve deeper into Alan’s mindset philosophy, peruse his enlightening collection of books And if you’re ready to amplify your journey under Alan’s tutelage, connect through his official website.