Black Belt for Hire

Martial artists seeking new hires will automatically consider another martial artist for the job.

This is for those that see the words "black belt" on a resume without ever training in martial arts before. Let's explore the good and the bad.

When I used to job hunt; I added to my education and achievements on the old resume that I was a black belt. Additionally when I earned it and that I still trained. To be honest I'm sure I got more attention for that over being an Eagle Scout for the BSA.

I've even written letters of recommendation for students going to college and entering the workforce themselves.

So let's begin where our minds automatically take us when we think of the fighting arts, the human body. When meeting a potential new hire right from the start we can get a sense of their physical fitness. Keep in mind; someone who looks fit can still have a bad back likewise someone who looks overweight could carry themselves well. Knowing they're a martial artists is simply a good indicator that they invest in their physical well being and have an acute understanding of their body and how it functions.

Feel relief knowing they're more likely to adhere to the safety regulations of your business.

Also in a trade environment you can trust they'll have the strength, lifting strategies and knowledge of their own limitations to get the job done without injury.

Now let's step into the office environment. I know, how can martial arts help you behind the desk?

Well, to continue in line with fitness; sitting all day behind a desk is terrible for your back and hips. The martial artist knows those are the top priorities to maintain in the human body. So sitting properly and setting the monitor to an appropriate level will help reflect that. Knowing when to get up and move so fatigue doesn't set in is also a useful trait.

All ready we can see the benefits of hiring a martial artist. They're typically healthy and more physically fit. Therefore you'll be less concerned about medical leave and poor health slowing them down.

But it goes deeper than this. This is where you should inquire where they train because that can have an effect on this next portion.

Attitude; it's said motivation gets us to start doing, discipline keeps us doing it, and attitude determines how well we do it. If the school they train in focuses on combative fighting and competition; a word of caution. Though it's not true of all schools like this but that type of environment can create hyper competitive and aggressive individuals. Perhaps the job you need done requires that, I'm simply pointing out the possibility.

Now on the other hand. If you look up their school and see groups of people in unison and people of different ranks working together. Then that school has a focus on self control and personal development. A classical or traditional school focuses on process over progress.

Don't let that daunt you! I sense your confused expression, and I hear your business oriented mindset asking how process supersedes progress.

Process does grow; naturally, adaptively, it's on going because it evolves. The goal is an illusion because it's evolving. To focus on progress is more common in American karate, for kids especially.

I ask my students how long it takes the average person to earn a black belt? The answer is that the average person doesn't. Most join a school, make it to mid ranks, then get bored or lose interest. Few get to black belt then they stop, they progressed to their goal and it's on to the next thing. Fewer realize their training is a lifestyle, therefore the process of improvement continues or the goal changes from progress to process (It's difficult to explain).

Competition is fun for martial artists. But it's not the purpose. We grow, we get good, we age, then less good; but we never stop. That's the process; we go over again and again, refining. Someone who always looks ahead everyday. Progress is embedded in the process.

I'm a welder. Every weld I lay I want to make better than the last. Every task I repeat needs to be more efficient. Martial artists care about being lean. We know in a fight conserving our energy is crucial for victory. The one who wastes most typically loses. This is the positive attitude we foster; simple, effective, reduce.

What comes with an attitude like this is a

Level head. Someone who knows what degree of stress they can handle and know when and how to step back and just breathe.

This is how being a martial artist can be helpful in the service industry. Keeping a calm demeanor while working directly with customers over having aggressive behavior is essential for business. Dealing directly with the public comes with its own risks too. Crazy customers, criminals, unexpected accidents.

Those who take their training to heart are likely doing so because they want to know they can protect themselves and those close to them. Should anything happen while a martial artist is on the clock they will prioritize safety of the public and staff. The well trained rearly hesitate to act and are less susceptible to shock. Whether it's handling a crazed customer without injury or getting people to safety in a fire, we aren't afraid to take charge.

Now that you have a little understanding in the mindset of a martial artist. The next time you see black belt on a resume I hope your brow raises as you nod your head. Because that is a person who cares about wellness, and as the saying goes "Costumer's don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."