What is the definition of an athlete?

So, what is your definition of an athlete?

I have asked several people recently and each time have received a different response. Some of them are:

Someone who plays professional sports
Someone who is athletic


A search on google provided these:

Someone whose idea of a workout doesn't involve a playstation or xbox
An athlete practices even when it's not fun, because they want to get better.

The dictionary defines it as:

: a person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina

I bring this up because I have never considered myself an athlete. I have always thought of an athlete as someone who was in shape and very athletic having endurance and strength. However, in class last week Soke told me, “Lisa you’re an athlete, trust yourself, your ukemi and your technique.” I have pondered those words since. Of course, he was absolutely correct (he usually is…lol). I was holding back and not trusting myself. But his comment that I was an athlete really stunned me. Me, a mom of 5 kids, someone who never did any sport prior to martial arts, an athlete? It was a very foreign concept.

But as I have given it more thought, I’ve wondered, “Am I an athlete?” As I reviewed what I have accomplished to date I realized, I have changed my endurance and strength but I needed to change my perception of myself to move forward. I needed to update the mental aspect as well. Isn’t part of being an athlete the mental part of what you perceive?

Yes, you do need strength, endurance, and stamina but you also need the mental endurance, perseverance, and diligence to be an athlete and you need to think of yourself as an athlete.

I don’t have all the words to describe how that thought made me feel. Just mentally thinking of myself as an athlete made me feel empowered, strong and confidant. It made me realize that I can continue moving forward in my goal towards becoming a black belt. (I was feeling rather intimidated. The advanced classes are a whole different world.) However, I believe it is possible because I have become an athlete as well as a martial artist.

It also made me think, “If I’m an athlete do I really need that piece of chocolate? Do I really want to miss that work out?” hmmm, interesting thoughts.


What about you? Are you an athlete? Are you working you way toward becoming one?

I hope so, because if I can do it so can you.

Keep training,
Lisa