Internal fortitude …most people can’t pin point exactly what it is. In this article I will do my best to throw at you my two cents and my understanding.
I have been involved in the Eastern Martial Arts for over 22 years, both as a student and instructor. Over the last 12 years I have had the honor of working as a team leader for a High Risk Dignitary Force Protection Unit operating in extreme hostile environments. I have graduated and received instructor certifications from around the globe. I am the founder and Chief Instructor for kokorocombatives.com, my span covers teaching Law Enforcement, Military, Dignitary Protection and Black Ops teams operating today overseas and the U.S. Currently I also work the streets of one of the most violent cities in the United States as a Law Enforcement Officer. The reason I bring this brief over view of my background is not to impress you, but to impress upon you the fact that I have been there when the shit hits the fan.
So internal fortitude is fortitude that comes from within, right? Or simply stated strength that develops from inside your soul/spirit? I will give you my take, here we go…
One of the first things I was told by my Sifu (Chinese for teacher) when I walked in the door as a disciple was the following: “To look inside of you is where you will find your limits, to feel inside of you is where you will find no limits. When you cannot go any further and you feel like giving up empty your mind and feel the strength inside. Feel it with your spirit.” Keep in mind I was 14 years old. I still remember his words like it was yesterday.
We have so much strength inside that we have never tapped into. Many say, we do not know how to. Others say, it is bullshit. I say, give me a little time with you and I will introduce you, face first to what internal fortitude is. Unfortunately the world we live in has become complacent. Most are out to make a quick buck. Qualification courses are toned down so more people will pass. It is all about speed and politics. How fast can we get this completed? Forget the about the quality or pride of anything we do.
Internal fortitude is about quality, not speed. It is not developed through a” become a master in 3 weeks course”. Internal fortitude is developed through consistent exposure to elements that push your imaginary limits on a constant basis. It is also referred to as forging the spirit. Ultimately internal fortitude is not just about the physical aspect, it constitutes the confidence to trust yourself. The first time I felt like I had experienced a forging of the spirit was when I was testing for my 2nd degree black sash in Gung –Fu. I fell to my knees in agony after being struck by three blows in my outer thigh from three different students. My right knee buckled and was swollen like an apple. I knew right then and there that something bad had happened. I could not stand up and if I could I would have to stay on one leg ala…The Karate Kid! I dug deep, deep inside and with a vengeance I leaned on my side on the floor and was able to bring down two of the three students with a leg lock. I placed both students into a spider lock for a full minute. They were struggling and attempting to get out of it for what seemed like an eternity. Throughout that time I continued to feel a sense of strength and control, until Sifu called it off. For those of you who have been part of traditional Martial Arts know what an ass kicking these tests are.
Now you may say that was a controlled environment. True, however that is where you start. That was the first time recognizing it for me, at 18 years old. From there I can count 100’s of times where internal fortitude has pushed me through hell, including being in multiple engagements with shots fired, high risk hostage rescue, car chases, decision making, takedowns, foot pursuits etc. ,you get my point. I do believe the ultimate test for internal fortitude is the real world. You must get to that point by training in a controlled environment. Train hard and push yourself beyond your limits little by little.
Many do not want to take the time to develop such an important quality. We have a misconception that only elite teams need this type of training. I couldn’t disagree more. I believe every cop, soldier, security agent and operator should implement and allocate time for training to build Internal Fortitude. In the next article I will go over some of the tactical training that I have used to build Internal Fortitude.
R. Conde is the Founder and Chief Instructor of Kokoro Combatives. His no nonsense and dynamic approach to teaching has made him one of the premiere CQC instructors. He is renowned throughout the globe conducting seminars in the U.S. , Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, Israel and the UK. His company teaches close quarter combat and small arms tactics to the Military, Law Enforcement and Protection Agents throughout world. Mr. Conde is a Law Enforcement Officer assigned to one of the most violent cities in the United States.
Contact R. Conde at taccop@gmail.com or visit kokorocombatives.com
