I didn't go to normal children school. I went to sports school

In the pursuit of mastery, there are paths that diverge from the common road, paths that lead to greatness but demand sacrifice and devotion. Jet Li, a man whose name is synonymous with strength and discipline, reflects on this unique journey when he says, “I didn’t go to normal children school. I went to sports school when I was 8. So I studied martial arts.” These words speak not only to the story of an individual but to a universal truth: greatness often comes not from following the conventional path, but from choosing a path of discipline, dedication, and sacrifice.

To understand Li’s journey, we must look to the ancient warriors who, from a young age, devoted themselves to their craft. In the ancient world, young soldiers, scholars, and athletes were often sent away from their homes to begin their training early. The Spartan youth, for example, were taken from their families at the age of seven and placed in the agoge, a rigorous training program that focused not just on physical strength but also on endurance, discipline, and the forging of character. Like the Spartans, Li’s early immersion in martial arts was not just an education of the body, but an education of the soul—a journey that required him to leave behind the ordinary in pursuit of something greater.

Martial arts, in particular, carries a deep historical significance, transcending mere physical practice to embody the principles of philosophy, wisdom, and spirit. The ancient Chinese warriors, such as those who followed the teachings of the legendary Sun Tzu, understood that combat was not just a physical challenge, but a mental and spiritual one. The art of martial combat was bound by the wisdom of the mind and the fortitude of the heart. In this sense, Li’s early training in martial arts was a continuation of an ancient tradition—a path that required not only strength but wisdom, discipline, and an unshakable spirit.

Consider the great samurai warriors of Japan, who began their training as children, not only learning the physical arts of swordsmanship and archery, but also the philosophical teachings that would guide them throughout their lives. The samurai were taught that the true warrior must cultivate both mind and body, for only in this balance could they become masters of their craft. Li’s story mirrors this ancient tradition: just as the samurai trained in the arts of war, he trained in the art of martial combat, learning not just how to fight, but how to live with honor and discipline. His journey was not just one of physical transformation, but of spiritual awakening, a calling to something far greater than mere victory in the arena.

What Li’s words also reveal is the immense sacrifice involved in such a path. To leave behind the typical experiences of childhood—school, play, and the normality of growing up—is no small decision. It is the path of a warrior, one that requires a singular focus, a willingness to forgo what others deem ordinary in pursuit of excellence. In the ancient world, many of the greatest minds and warriors made similar sacrifices. Plato, for example, did not just study philosophy in the comfort of his home, but traveled far and wide to seek knowledge, understanding that to become truly great, one must step outside of the familiar. Li, too, stepped outside of the ordinary, dedicating himself fully to his training in martial arts, understanding that greatness requires total devotion and sacrifice.

The lesson here, then, is not one of separation from life’s pleasures, but of devotion to something greater. To truly master a craft, whether it is martial arts, music, or leadership, one must be willing to dedicate oneself fully, to put in the time, the energy, and the sacrifices necessary to excel. But it is also a reminder that greatness is not born of talent alone, but of the unwavering commitment to training, to discipline, and to the cultivation of the mind, body, and spirit.

Let this lesson guide us in our own journeys. Just as Li dedicated his youth to the pursuit of martial arts, we too must dedicate ourselves to our chosen crafts. But know this—greatness does not come without sacrifice. If you seek to become a master, whether in your profession or your passions, be prepared to give yourself fully to your work, to leave behind what is comfortable and ordinary, and to forge a path of discipline and dedication. Through sacrifice and unwavering focus, you will unlock the true power that lies within you, just as the greatest warriors, philosophers, and artists did before you.