Let It Go, Let It Flow

By Alec Rains

There’s a lot in life we can’t control — unexpected obstacles, unfinished plans, even the timing of change itself. But what we can control is how we respond to those changes. And in martial arts, that response often comes down to one thing: adaptability in martial arts. Sometimes the best way forward is to let go… and let it flow.

Be Like Water

Bruce Lee wasn’t just a martial artist — he was a philosopher. In one of his most famous interviews, he said:

“Be like water making its way through cracks. Do not be assertive, but adjust to the object, and you shall find a way around or through it. If nothing within you stays rigid, outward things will disclose themselves.”

That quote has guided me for years — both on and off the mat.

When we founded The Mat, we chose that name for a reason. The mat represents life itself — full of challenges, growth, repetition, and transformation. What we practice in the dojo prepares us for everything outside of it. And vice versa.

But life (and martial arts) rarely go exactly as planned. A technique practiced in ideal conditions may fall apart under pressure. A perfect plan may meet unexpected resistance. The solution? Adapt. Flow. Be like water.

Adaptability in Martial Arts: A High-Level Skill

In martial arts, we often hear phrases like:

• “Work smart, not hard.”
• “Go with the flow.”
• “Use your opponent’s energy against them.”

These aren’t just poetic — they’re strategic. Water doesn’t resist obstacles; it adjusts. It seeks the path of least resistance — not because it’s weak, but because it’s wise.

Adaptability in martial arts means training with awareness and fluidity, even when the path is unpredictable. It’s one of the highest-level skills a martial artist — or a human — can develop.

The Yin and the Yang

Traditional martial arts teach us to balance hard and soft, push and pull, assert and yield — the yin and yang of life.

Even water itself reflects this duality:

• Cold enough, it hardens into ice — solid, forceful, unmoving.
• Hot enough, it becomes steam — elusive, light, and nimble.

A strong martial artist doesn’t just master one side of the spectrum. They understand when to apply force and when to yield. When to stand firm and when to shift direction. That balance is key to effective self-defense — and to navigating life.

Fluidity in Action

Planning is important. Preparation is essential. But if we cling too tightly to how things should go, we risk breaking under pressure. Adaptability in martial arts reminds us that flexibility allows us to pivot, respond, and keep moving forward — even if the route changes.

It’s not about being passive. It’s about being intentional with your energy. To quote Judo’s founder, Jigoro Kano:

“When your opponent pushes, pull. When they pull, push.”

This principle — known as ju or “gentle” — teaches us to use an attacker’s force against them. But the real lesson? Adaptation is strength.

If you’re exploring how mindset affects skill development, check out our post on Why We Need Plateaus.

Keep the Water Flowing

If there’s one message to take away, it’s this:
The world will always present resistance. But resistance doesn’t always require force.

Sometimes, the smartest thing we can do is adjust.
Shift. Pivot. Flow.

Whether you’re navigating a challenge in training, business, or personal life, remember this: the goal isn’t to bulldoze through everything. It’s to keep moving with intention — and to stay standing, even if the path changes beneath you.

Be like water.