The movie Creed, a spin-off of the iconic Rocky franchise, has captivated audiences with its gripping storytelling and inspiring characters. While the movies primarily revolve around the world of boxing, they offer valuable lessons that resonate with practitioners of martial arts like Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai.
These lessons go beyond physical combat and delve into the mental and philosophical aspects that are essential in any martial art journey. In this blog post, we will explore five powerful lessons from the Creed series that can benefit students of Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai.
What’s Creed about?
Released in 2015, “Creed” is a sports drama film directed by Ryan Coogler and is a part of the iconic Rocky franchise. The movie stars Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed, the son of Apollo Creed, a legendary boxer from earlier Rocky films. Sylvester Stallone reprises his iconic role as Rocky Balboa, serving as a mentor to Adonis Creed.
The film was met with critical acclaim and was a commercial success, grossing over $173 million worldwide. It received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Sylvester Stallone, marking his return to the role that made him a household name.
The film’s synopsis revolves around Adonis Creed’s journey to prove himself as a boxer, despite the shadow of his famous father’s legacy. Seeking guidance from Rocky Balboa, he undergoes rigorous training and confronts personal demons to step into the ring and create his own legacy in the world of boxing. This compelling narrative and standout performances by the cast contributed to the film’s widespread recognition and acclaim.
And like all classical stories, Creed is full of lessons we can all apply on the mat and in our lives.
The Importance of Mentorship
In the Creed movies, we witness the crucial role that mentorship plays in the development of the protagonist, Adonis Creed. Rocky Balboa serves as both a mentor and a father figure, guiding Adonis not only in boxing techniques but also in life’s values and principles. In Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, having a skilled and experienced instructor is paramount. They provide the guidance needed to refine your techniques, instill discipline, and impart the wisdom that goes beyond the mats. Just as Adonis learns from Rocky, martial artists should seek out mentors who can help them grow not just as fighters but as individuals.
The Mindset of a Champion
Throughout the Creed series, Adonis demonstrates the unyielding mindset of a champion. He faces numerous challenges and setbacks but never gives up. This unwavering determination is a fundamental trait in martial arts. Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai practitioners often encounter tough opponents and adversity in training. It’s essential to cultivate mental resilience, self-belief, and the ability to overcome obstacles. Like Adonis, martial artists must keep their eyes on the ultimate goal and push through the toughest moments.
Adaptation and Versatility
Adonis Creed’s journey involves adapting to different opponents and fighting styles. He learns to evolve and diversify his techniques to become a more versatile fighter. This adaptability is equally relevant in Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. Being a one-trick pony won’t take you far. In martial arts, you must constantly evolve and expand your skill set, learning to adapt to various opponents and situations. Being well-rounded and flexible in your approach is the key to success.
Respect for Tradition and Legacy
The Creed movies pay homage to the legacy of the Rocky franchise while carving out their own path. This respect for tradition and the willingness to build upon it is vital in martial arts. Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai have rich histories and traditions, and students should honor and respect those who came before them. At the same time, they should also seek to contribute to the evolution of these martial arts, adding their own unique perspectives and techniques to the legacy.
Balancing Humility and Confidence
Adonis Creed starts his journey with an abundance of confidence, but he also learns humility along the way. This balance between confidence and humility is essential in martial arts. While it’s crucial to believe in your abilities, it’s equally important to remain humble and open to learning from others. In Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai, there is always something new to discover, and the best fighters are those who combine confidence in their skills with a constant hunger for improvement.
Bring those lessons to the mat!
The Creed movie series serves as a source of inspiration for martial artists, offering valuable lessons in mentorship, mindset, adaptation, respect, and humility. These lessons are not confined to the boxing ring but can be applied to the disciplines of Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. As you continue your martial arts journey, remember the wisdom imparted by Adonis Creed and strive to embody these lessons both on and off the mats. Just as he fought to create his legacy, you too can create a legacy in the world of martial arts by embracing these principles.