The word “martial arts” mean a lot of different fight ways. Most times, people think of Asian fight ways, but it include fight ways from all over the world. Some U.S. Leaders, called Commanders-in-Chief, have used martial arts to get stronger, more disciplined, and tougher. Wrestling is very popular among them, but some leaders tried Asian fight ways too, showing how much they care for personal growth and staying fit.
George Washington: Getting Good at Defense Against Bullies
George Washington didn’t like to lose, even when he was 15. To protect himself from school bullies, he got good at an old Irish folk wrestling called “collar and elbow.” This martial art use a mix of kicks, throws, trips, pins, chokes, and locks. Washington’s early love for this skill showed his strength and stubbornness, characters that would later make his leadership strong.
Lincoln: The Bully Fighter
Before he was a president, Lincoln was known for his big body and strong. He also liked collar and elbow wrestling, and once beat a well-known town bully in Illinois because the locals asked. The fight was quick and Lincoln won. Even as a politician, Lincoln didn’t like seeing bullying. During a speech, he once stopped to help a fan, throwing the mean person 10-12 feet away before he calmly kept on talking.
Ulysses S. Grant: The Fun Wrestler
Ulysses S. Grant liked wrestling not just for self-defense but for fun too. His love for the sport even touched his job life. At the famous surrender at Appomattox, Grant said sorry to General Robert E. Lee for the mess in his camp, saying that some soldiers had joined him for a night of wrestling the night before.
Theodore Roosevelt: Trying Judo
Theodore Roosevelt liked adventures and staying fit. As a kid, he did a lot of exercise to help with his asthma and other health troubles. On his travels, Roosevelt saw Judo and liked it right away. He worked hard to learn the art, and got to be 3rd Brown Belt, showing his love for discipline and learning new things.
Barack Obama: Doing Taekwondo
Before he became president, Barack Obama learned Taekwondo while he was a professor and part-time state senator in Chicago, IL. His teacher, David Posner, helped him work hard and stay disciplined, and Obama got a green belt. In 2009, during his time as president, South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak gave him a black belt as a honor, showing he respects and appreciates martial arts.
Martial arts made a big difference in the life and toughness of some U.S. Presidents. Whether it was through wrestling, Judo, or Taekwondo, these ways taught them important lessons in strength, discipline, and leading a country.