“Be water” is that use full and practical?

There’s an old story you may have heard: a student sits before a master, eager to learn. The master pours tea into the student’s cup, but doesn’t stop when the cup is full. The tea spills over, making a mess.

The confused student asks, “Why are you still pouring?”

The master replies, “You are like this cup—so full that nothing new can be added. How can I teach you if your cup is already full?”

This simple parable isn’t just about humility—it’s a lesson in adaptability, a cornerstone of effective self-defense and personal growth. It’s a reminder that no matter how much you think you know, there’s always more to learn.

The Philosophy Behind Self-Defense

In self-defense training(and in daily life), emptying your cup means letting go of preconceived notions. It’s not about rigid techniques or proving loyalty to a style; it’s about understanding what works in real-life situations.

In the classes I teach, the emphasis isn’t on memorizing countless moves or mastering traditional forms. Instead, it’s on developing a mindset and a skill set that adapt to the realities of danger. Life doesn’t hand you perfect scenarios, and neither will an attacker.

Self-defense is about simplicity and effectiveness:

- Does it work?

- Is it practical?

- Can you apply it under stress?

If the answer to any of these is "no," it’s time to reevaluate.

Letting Go of Rigidity

Many people enter self-defense classes holding onto assumptions—“This is how I’ve always done it” or “This technique worked for someone else, so it will work for me.” But true growth requires the courage to let go of old habits and be open to new ways of thinking.

This doesn’t mean discarding everything you’ve learned. Instead, it’s about refining, evolving, and questioning. Self-defense is a journey, not a destination.

But how to Keep Your Cup Empty ?

1. Be Honest with Yourself

- Ask yourself: Are there techniques, beliefs, or habits you cling to that no longer serve you? Growth only happens when you’re willing to leave your comfort zone.

2. Stay Open to New Ideas

- Even if they challenge what you think you know. The most effective fighters are those who embrace change and innovation.

3. Focus on the Fundamentals

- Mastering the basics—like situational awareness, effective movement, and decisive action—is far more valuable than chasing flashy techniques.

4. Commit to Continuous Learning

- Self-defense isn’t just about what happens in a fight; it’s a lifelong practice of resilience, adaptability, and self-awareness.

"Be Like Water"

Bruce Lee famously said, “Be like water.” Water doesn’t resist—it adapts. It flows around obstacles, finds its way through cracks, and takes the shape of its container. This is the mindset I encourage my students to adopt.

In self-defense, being like water means being flexible, calm under pressure, and ready to adjust to whatever comes your way. In life, it means embracing challenges and using them as opportunities to grow stronger.

The Choice is Yours

Are you ready to empty your cup? To let go of what holds you back and embrace a path of growth, simplicity, and resilience?

If you're ready to take the first step, The journey starts with one decision: showing up and being open to change.

Your safety, your growth, and your empowerment are in your hands.

Let’s start together.

Ron M.