Many of us are familiar with the moral principles that have guided martial arts since their inception: honor, respect, courtesy, self-control, and perseverance. We see these values portrayed in movies about warriors and samurai, and we often hear them emphasized in traditional martial arts schools.
However, the fullness of these virtues can be found in what are known as the Cardinal Virtues, first articulated by Aristotle and later expanded upon by great thinkers such as St. Thomas Aquinas.
These virtues are what make men and women truly strong. In fact, the Latin root of the word virtue is associated with strength and excellence. When it comes to martial arts, these virtues naturally go hand in hand with training, as I will explain in this post.
1 Prudence
When I was in high school, people who seemed overly cautious or reserved were sometimes called “prudes” in a negative way. The truth is that prudence is the virtue that governs our decision-making.
This becomes very evident when sparring because making an imprudent decision often leads to getting hit. Just as in the moral life, being prudent means considering the facts of a situation before acting. It is the ability to make wise decisions based on reality rather than impulse.
A prudent fighter learns when to attack, when to defend, and when to be patient. Likewise, a prudent person learns to think before acting.
2 Justice
Justice is the virtue of rendering to others what is due to them. It is essential for a functioning society. Without justice, people could do whatever they wanted without consequences.
Similarly, in a martial arts gym, justice plays an important role. Students owe their coaches punctuality, effort, and respect. Coaches, in turn, owe their students honest instruction and a genuine commitment to helping them improve.
A healthy gym culture depends on both sides fulfilling their responsibilities.
3 Fortitude
Fortitude is firmness in difficulty and perseverance in the pursuit of what is good. Seeking constant comfort is the opposite of fortitude.
Many people misunderstand the term *effeminacy* and assume it simply means being feminine. Historically, however, it referred to a tendency to avoid difficulty in favor of comfort and ease.
And the world desperately needs the virtue of fortitude.
Fortitude gives us the strength to endure hardship and keep pursuing excellence even when it is difficult. For martial artists, this means showing up to train when you do not feel like it, pushing through a challenging workout, or stepping into a sparring round with that one person who always gives you a hard time.
(Note: I’m not talking about sparring dangerous or reckless people. You should avoid those situations. I’m talking about the training partner who consistently exposes your weaknesses and forces you to improve.)
4 Temperance
Temperance is the virtue of controlling one’s appetites and desires. Pleasure itself is not bad, but it must be moderated.
Excessive eating can lead to weight gain and poor health, while undereating can also be harmful. Even practices like fasting—which can be incredibly beneficial both spiritually and physically—must be approached with balance and wisdom rather than excess.
Temperance teaches us how to live in moderation.
In martial arts, temperance may mean improving your eating habits, cutting weight responsibly, getting enough sleep, or avoiding unhealthy habits that interfere with your performance and recovery.
When these virtues are cultivated together, a person becomes truly virtuous. If you are pursuing something greater than money, pleasure, or material possessions, the Cardinal Virtues offer a path to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Martial arts can be an excellent training ground for developing these virtues—not just in the gym, but in every area of life.
Until next time,
Coach Kelley