Teaching Beyond Words

By Mike Stone

The path of a true master evolves from mastering an opponent to the deeper challenge of mastering the self. After decades of practice, Mike Stone has synthesized a lifetime of experience—from the intensity of the tournament floor to the quiet contemplation of writing—into his role as a philosopher and wellness mentor.



Spiritual Intelligence: The Body Already Knows

True communication goes far beyond words. While instructions can be helpful, in the pursuit of mastery, they are often the last things that matter. Everyone receives truth differently:

• Some learn through hearing, absorbing the rhythm and cadence of instruction.
• Others need to analyze and connect movements to a logical structure.
• Some must feel through emotion and instinct.
• Others must experience it physically to feel the force of a technique.

A true teacher doesn't just speak to a student; they feel them. They sense where a student's understanding lies by how they move, react, and absorb energy.

The Two Guardians: Instinct and Intuition

To walk this path, one must awaken two internal guardians:

1. Instinct: The body's natural language. It is not learned, but awakened. In conflict, instinct reacts and anticipates before the mind can even form a sentence. Martial training refines this, stripping away hesitation and mental clutter.
2. Intuition: The soul's inner compass. While instinct is the body's guardian, intuition is the soul's guide. It allows us to see what is invisible and hear what isn't being said.

The Temple of Knowing

The dojo or place of practice is more than a gym; it is a temple of awareness. In this space, practitioners are not just learning combat, but relearning how to trust themselves. Real teaching occurs in the rhythm of breath, the quality of presence, and the silence between techniques.

The Essential Truth: Remembering Who You Are

A great misconception is that life is a school where we are sent to learn lessons. The deeper truth is that your soul already knows everything. You are not here to acquire knowledge, but to remember it. Through every interaction and choice, you have the chance to remember who you truly are: love and light.

Practical Exercises for Daily Life

To develop this philosophy, Stone provides five practical drills:

1. The Language Beyond Words (Partner Sensitivity Drill): A partner places a hand lightly on your shoulder and thinks of a direction for three seconds before applying pressure. The receiver must quiet their mind to feel the subtle shift in energy before the motion begins.
2. Soft Eyes Scan (Awakening Instinct): Instead of focusing intensely on one point, "soften" your gaze to allow your peripheral vision to expand. Sense everything in the room—floor, ceiling, and subtle shifts in light—simultaneously.
3. Intuitive Stillness (Honoring Intuition): Sit in quiet contemplation (Mokuso) after a long day. Simply observe the rhythm of your breath without trying to change it, creating an empty space for your intuition to "land".
4. The Threshold Bow (Creating Sacred Space): Every time you step onto your mat or into your office, pause and perform a deliberate standing bow (Ritsurei). This is a declaration to yourself: "I am here, now. I am present. I am open".
5. The 'Hara' Affirmation (The Act of Remembering): Place one hand over your heart and the other over your hara (center of gravity). State aloud: "I am not here to learn. I am here to remember".

About the Author

Mike Stone is a world-renowned martial artist, philosopher, and wellness mentor. Inducted into the Black Belt Hall of Fame in 2024, his journey includes a legendary career as one of the "greatest kickers" and training alongside icons like Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee, and Bob Wall.