DEFINING THE SOUL
“Man, when perfected, is the best of animals, but when separated from law and justice, he is the worst of all." -Aristotle
The athlete today is viewed by many as a metaphor of hope for mankind. The outcome of how we play, the moves we make and the score of the game has the power to make many have a good or bad day. It is imperative that we understand this power that we as athletes have and respect it or it can destroy us, and many who surround us. As we empower our body with strength, speed, desire, will, courage and power, we must assure that we empower our spirit even more. I warn that the more powerful we become as an athlete or what I define as a modern warrior, the more that temptations and influences will claw at our skin to drag us straight to hell! This is nothing new and neither have I made this up or been the first to acknowledge it. We should feel proud that we are so valuable that good and evil want to battle over us as we spit in the face of that which we know is not morally correct.
As an athlete, this battle is the biggest battle of our careers and life. Many codes of honor exist that we can choose to study and even follow to aid us in our battle against the unjust. These codes were created during times of war when men, women and even children suffered to find peace and happiness. Therefore, they are extremely valuable & unflawed. I will share a few of them with you beginning with the code that I personally used most to guide my commitment.
BUSHIDO Japanese Samurai Warrior -stressing unquestioning loyalty and obedience and valuing honor above life.
This code allowed me to dedicate myself to my training and fight career without question. It fortuned me to crush any and all distractions while offering everything that I had to my trainers, fans and mission without fear, betrayal or neglect.
DE OPPRESSO LIBER United States Special Forces -to free the oppressed To be oppressed is to be held down or enslaved.
In today’s society many of us enslave ourselves with limited thinking and bad habits. Athletes bring hope to the world of what man can accomplish and open the mind of viewers. This code reminds us as athletes that we aren’t just playing a game. We are bringing hope, happiness and freedom to others through our actions.
CODE OF CHIVALRY Medieval Europe Knights -bravery, courtesy, honor, and gallantry toward women.
This code can aid us in taming the wild beast inside that we cultivate daily for competition. It offers us a prideful reason to be gentle and compassionate towards others especially when we are a viciously powerful athlete.
NATIVE AMERICAN WARRIOR -A true Warrior will sacrifice His Heart upon the altar of life for the survival of the People. He may be wounded or killed a thousand times in battle, but the spirit cannot be destroyed for the spirit of a true warrior is eternal as the stars. An Indian Warrior lives by a code of honor...beyond the reach of most mortals.
This code empowers us with unfathomable courage that allows us not to be intimidated or persuaded by the mortal unjust. It allows us the power to stand strong and righteous against powerful men of evil persuasion and intent.
The understanding and commitment of a great code of honor will empower you with a light that will excite the righteous and tremble the unfair. You will be respected and admired by those who have true heart and spirit. As an athlete, this is the prize that you should cherish before payment and even glory. Your adherence to a code will protect others and you. Follow a code of honor and you will become more than a man, more than a champion and even more than a legend. You will become an inspiration!
(chapter from "I.C.E. Inner Calm & Explosiveness" by Jermaine Andre'
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