The Distinction Between Doing and Being: A Journey of Identity and Empowerment
- Self Defense Academy COS
- Apr 27
- 5 min read
What does it mean to be something versus simply doing something? This question isn’t just philosophical—it’s a lens through which we can understand our passions, our growth, and our purpose. At its core, the distinction lies in identity. When you do something, it’s an action, a moment in time. When you are something, it becomes part of who you are, woven into your values, your mindset, and your way of life. Let’s explore this idea through the inspiring story of Flip, the head instructor at Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs, and connect it to the transformative power of jiu-jitsu and the welcoming community at the academy.
Flip’s Journey: From Mountain Biker to a Person Who Rides
Years ago, Flip was tearing up trails as a competitive mountain bike racer. The wind in his face, the burn in his legs, the thrill of navigating rocky descents—it was more than a hobby; it was who he was. If you asked him back then, he’d have said, “I’m a mountain biker.” That identity shaped his days: training rides, race weekends, tinkering with his bike, and bonding with the cycling community. Being a mountain biker wasn’t just about riding; it was about embracing the grit, the discipline, and the camaraderie of the sport.
Fast forward to today, and Flip’s life has evolved. He still loves hitting the trails around Colorado Springs when time allows, but the intensity of racing has faded into the background. Now, he describes himself as “a person who rides a mountain bike.” The shift is subtle but profound. Riding is something he does—an activity he enjoys—but it no longer defines him. Instead, his identity has grown to encompass new passions, particularly his role as a jujutsu instructor at Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs.
This transition highlights the difference between doing and being. When Flip was a mountain biker, it was his core identity, influencing how he saw himself and how others saw him. Now, mountain biking is an enjoyable part of his life, but his sense of self is rooted in something deeper: empowering others through jujutsu, fostering confidence, and building a community dedicated to personal growth.
Jiu-Jitsu: From Doing to Being at Self Defense Academy
At Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs, Flip embodies this same philosophy in his teaching. When someone first steps onto the mats, they’re often just doing jujutsu—trying out a new workout, learning a few techniques, or seeking a practical self-defense skill. But as they train, something shifts. They begin to become a jujutsu practitioner. It’s not just about mastering an armbar or escaping a choke; it’s about embracing the mindset of resilience, adaptability, and respect that jujutsu cultivates.
Flip, following the Valente Brothers Method, guides students to see jiu-jitsu as more than a set of moves. It’s a way of life that builds inner courage and outer strength. The academy’s mission is clear: to inspire physical confidence and overall wellness in a safe, positive environment. Whether you’re a beginner nervously tying your white belt or an advanced student refining your game, the journey is about becoming someone who carries the principles of jujutsu into every aspect of life.
Think about it: when you do jujutsu, you show up for class, sweat, and go home. When you are a jujutsu practitioner, you approach challenges—on and off the mat—with patience, strategy, and a willingness to learn from setbacks. That’s the transformation Flip fosters at Self Defense Academy, and it’s why students don’t just train—they grow.
Other Examples: Doing vs. Being Across Life
This distinction between doing and being isn’t unique to Flip or jujutsu. Consider a musician. Someone who plays guitar for fun might say, “I play guitar.” But a musician who lives and breathes their craft, who sees music as an extension of their soul, says, “I’m a guitarist.” The identity shapes their choices, from how they spend their time to the sacrifices they’re willing to make.
Or take a parent. Anyone can do parenting—changing diapers, packing lunches, driving to Jujutsu practice. But being a parent means embodying love, patience, and guidance in every interaction, even when the tasks are done. It’s an identity that transcends the to-do list.
Even in the workplace, this dynamic plays out. A person who does their job shows up, clocks in, and gets the work done. Someone who is a leader, a creator, or a problem-solver brings passion and purpose to their role, inspiring others along the way.
Why This Matters for You
So, why does this matter? Because understanding the difference between doing and being can unlock a deeper sense of purpose. Maybe you’ve been curious about jujutsu but hesitant to try it. Perhaps you’re worried you’re not “athletic enough” or that you won’t fit in. Here’s the truth: you don’t have to be anything to start. You just have to show up and do it. The beauty of Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs is that it’s a place where doing transforms into being.
Imagine walking into the academy for your first class. You’re nervous, but Flip greets you with a warm smile and introduces you to a group of students who were once in your shoes. You learn a basic technique, maybe a way to escape from a grab, and you feel a spark of confidence. That’s doing jujutsu. Over time, as you train, you notice changes. You’re calmer under pressure. You’re stronger, physically and mentally. You’re part of a community that lifts you up. That’s when you realize you’re not just doing jujutsu—you’re becoming a jujutsu practitioner.
Step Onto the Mat: Your Invitation to Self Defense Academy
Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs isn’t a gym; it’s a place where transformations happen. Flip’s journey—from a mountain biker defined by the trails to a jujutsu instructor shaping lives—mirrors the path available to every student. Whether you’re drawn to jujutsu for self-defense, fitness, or personal growth, the academy offers a supportive environment to explore who you can become.
Here’s what makes the academy special:
Expert Instruction: Flip and the team follow the Valente Brothers Method, ensuring techniques are practical, effective, and tailored to all levels.
Empowering Environment: From youth to adults, beginners to advanced, everyone is welcomed and encouraged to grow at their own pace.
Holistic Growth: Jujutsu at the academy isn’t just about physical skills—it’s about building confidence, resilience, and community.
If you’re in Colorado Springs, why not take the first step? You don’t need to be a martial artist to start. You don’t need to be anything at all. Just come as you are, ready to do jiu-jitsu, and let the journey shape who you’ll become. Visit Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs at 525 North Cascade Ave, or check out the website to sign up for a class. Your transformation is waiting—step onto the mat and discover the difference between doing and being. YOU Are Worth Defending!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Thought of the Moment: “In jujutsu, we don’t just learn to defend ourselves; we learn to define ourselves.”—Inspired by the philosophy of Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs
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