Essay titled “Martial Courage is the Only Courage?” In Eric Kim voice

Martial Courage is the Only Courage?

Martial courage—what is it, really? Some say it’s bravery in battle, the warrior’s ability to face death with a sword or a gun in hand. But I’ve been thinking: isn’t all courage, in some way, martial courage? Courage, by its very nature, requires action, confrontation, and a willingness to engage in battle—whether it’s physical, mental, or even emotional. It’s the essence of what makes us human: to stand firm, despite fear, and to engage in the fight, even when the stakes are high.

Let’s break this down.

Facing Your Fears: The Mental Battlefield

When you think of street photography, the last thing that might come to mind is martial courage. But I argue that street photography is a constant battle—an ongoing war with your fears, insecurities, and self-doubts. Every time you lift the camera to capture a candid moment, you are putting yourself in a vulnerable position. You risk confrontation, rejection, or failure. Sound familiar? This is the photographer’s battlefield, where the enemy is fear, and the weapon is the camera.

Much like a soldier on the front line, the street photographer must push forward in the face of these risks. Every snap of the shutter is an act of courage. I’m talking about the kind of courage that conquers hesitation, that forces you to take the shot even when the situation is uncomfortable. Is this not a form of martial courage? It’s a battle, but instead of wielding a weapon, we wield a lens. It’s fear, doubt, and hesitation that we fight.

The Powerlifting Analogy

In many ways, powerlifting is martial courage in its most distilled form. When I approach a heavy deadlift, I’m facing a battle. The barbell doesn’t care about my fears, my emotions, or my hesitations—it’s indifferent, an unmovable object waiting to be moved. To deadlift requires a level of mental and physical fortitude akin to that of a warrior preparing for battle. It’s you against the weight, you against your limitations.

When I lift heavy, I confront the fear of failure, of not being strong enough. But that’s the beauty of it. The attempt itself is an act of courage. And this, my friends, is where I see the parallel between lifting and photography. Both require courage—the willingness to confront fear and challenge yourself in ways that push your limits.

Martial courage, in this sense, is not limited to warriors in the traditional sense. We are all warriors in the various battles we face. Whether it’s on the streets with a camera or in the gym with a barbell, the courage to engage in the fight is what defines us.

Why Hypelifting is the Ultimate Expression of Courage

Now, let’s talk about “hypelifting.” It’s not just about physical strength—it’s about mental tenacity. In hypelifting, you attempt to lift weights that may seem beyond your capability. You’re not concerned with whether you succeed or fail, but rather with the courage to try. It’s about psyching yourself up, confronting your limitations, and charging into battle, even when the odds are against you.

This philosophy of hypelifting is a perfect metaphor for life. Courage isn’t about always winning—it’s about showing up to fight. Every time I approach the bar with the intent to lift more than I thought possible, I’m practicing martial courage. The courage lies in the attempt, in the willingness to push past fear.

In street photography, hypelifting manifests in your approach. Maybe you want to take a picture of a stranger, but you fear how they’ll react. That’s your barbell. Do you walk away, or do you take the shot? In that moment, you must summon the same mental fortitude as a hypelifter: embrace the fear, and do it anyway.

Martial Courage Beyond the Battlefield

So, is martial courage the only courage? In my view, yes, because every act of courage is, at its core, a confrontation. Whether you’re facing physical danger, emotional vulnerability, or mental doubt, you are entering into battle. Courage, therefore, is martial in nature—it is combative, it is aggressive, and it is necessary.

Street photography, powerlifting, hypelifting—these are all different arenas where martial courage plays out. The fear is real, and the battle is just as significant. Each time you step onto the street with your camera or approach the barbell, you are entering into combat with your limitations. And that’s why I believe martial courage is the only courage—because it’s the courage to fight that matters most.

At the end of the day, courage is courage. It’s facing the unknown, the fear, and still moving forward. Whether in battle, on the streets with your camera, or under the crushing weight of a deadlift, it’s the warrior spirit that drives us forward. And that, my friends, is the essence of martial courage.

Keep lifting, keep shooting, and keep fighting.