Learning and the Development of Character, Intelligence, Control, and Discipline You may notice that the third line of our student’s oath references Character, Intelligence, Control, and Discipline. The word Character is listed first, leading the other three. This order is intentional and reflects my understanding of what character truly means.
Learning is not merely the accumulation of knowledge or the acquisition of skill. It is a lifelong process of shaping one’s character, sharpening the mind, mastering self-control, and cultivating discipline. These four elements are inseparable and deeply interconnected, yet they are not equal in weight or importance.
Before examining them individually, their order of priority must be clearly established.
Character stands above all else. We can lose our possessions, our status, and even our health—and many of us already have lost some of these. But if we lose our character, we lose everything. Character is the foundation upon which all other qualities rest. Without it, intelligence becomes manipulation, control turns into oppression, and discipline hardens into rigidity without purpose.
Intelligence, control, and discipline serve supportive roles. Intelligence allows us to understand the world and ourselves with clarity. Control enables us to govern our emotions, impulses, and reactions rather than be ruled by them. Discipline provides the structure and consistency required to sustain growth over time. Yet none of these qualities can stand independently; they must be guided by character to serve a higher purpose.
When considering the most effective way to cultivate these qualities, I am drawn to the example of many martial arts masters who withdrew from society to train in solitude—deep in forests, mountains, or remote places. This withdrawal was not an escape from life, but an immersion into it at its most essential level.
Isolation, in this sense, is not primarily about physical conditioning or technical mastery. Rather, it is a means of deep self-examination. Removed from distraction, validation, and noise, one is forced to confront oneself honestly—strengths and weaknesses, fear and ego, attachment and illusion. In solitude, there is no audience, no role to perform, and no one to blame. What remains is truth.
Through this inward journey, character is refined, intelligence matures into wisdom, control arises naturally from understanding, and discipline is no longer imposed but consciously chosen. Solitude becomes a mirror, and training transforms from mere self-improvement into genuine self-discovery.
Ultimately, the goal is not isolation for its own sake, but clarity. Whether alone or among others, the individual who places character first carries stability, humility, and integrity wherever they go. In this way, learning becomes not simply something we do, but something we become.
For many practitioners, complete withdrawal is neither practical nor necessary. However, small and consistent practices can achieve similar effects over time. A brief daily meditation, a quiet personal workout in one’s backyard, or even a solitary drive into the countryside can restore perspective and deepen self-awareness. These modest acts of intentional solitude serve as meaningful compromises—gentle reminders of the inner work that sustains the outer path.
Most importantly, our students must be taught to preserve their character under all circumstances. Skill may falter, strength may fade, and situations may test one’s limits, but character must remain intact. This is the true measure of learning, the true outcome of training, and the shared responsibility of both teacher and student on the martial arts path. I remain, Master Thinh
December 26, 2025
Houston, Texas
