We had the good fortune of connecting with Matt K Ward and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Matt K, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think it’s important to distinguish between risk and consequence. We must understand both in order to think about them appropriately. Consequence, in most cases and specifically in mountaineering, caving, and martial arts, can be defined as the result of failure in the given situation. This is dynamic and changes based on the situation. Risk, is the probability of that failure. So, we can take more risk when there are low consequences, but should take less risk or engage measures to mitigate risk when dealing with situations of high consequence. We must evaluate the consequence first, and then determine the level of risk that we are willing to take. In mountaineering, the summit is not the end of the expedition. The end of the expedition is when you arrive safely home to your family. We should not avoid risk- rather, we should prepare ourselves for the task at hand in order to lower the risk. We make these preparations by creating simulated experiences with low consequences. This is why martial artists practice on mats, this is why climbers use ropes, and it’s why soldiers train in the safety of a home base.
Risk has aways been an aspect of my life and career because I have, from an early age, chosen to lean into difficulty. Most people in our culture avoid it, but when things are hard we must lean into it. Expect failure, it’s part of the journey.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My life’s work is about building and cultivating community. I’ve entertained many forms of employment to earn income along the way. From serving in the US Navy as an Intelligence Specialist to working as a tradesman. I’ve made income through the medical field and I have worked in business and logistics.
My life’s work is not about money though, these are just ways to earn and contribute to society so that we can continue to put food on the table.
My true work is rooted in the tribal mindset of growth and evolution in my community.
Martial arts and mountaineering are the cathedrals in which I practice that calling.
Through martial arts, we have the opportunity to look at ourselves in a metaphorical mirror. Our technique and all the flaws of that technique reflect to us what we must work on in our life. If our technique is sloppy, it’s likely that we have become slothful in life. If our technique is to fast paced, it is likely we are rushing through life and must slow down. The community of the martial arts class is one of accountability and camaraderie. We hold each other to a higher standard and encourage each other through it- often exposing ourselves in our weakest moments to our trusted classmates. We lay down our bodies to each other and experience controlled pain so that we may learn. This creates a brotherhood/sisterhood familiarity and relationship between classmates. It creates a family.
In mountaineering, there is no greater trust than the person who is controlling the rope that your life depends on. The difficulty, the simplicity, and the intensity of the environment instills a trust and connection in the team attempting a climb that is unlike any others. Achieving something difficult and beautiful together creates a bond that bleeds over to everything else in life.
In our evolutionary history, humans are tribal creatures. We are designed to live and operate in a tribe mindset. We hunt, gather, and celebrate as a community. We overcame difficulty, worked as a team, and our efforts benefited the tribe, rather than the individual. Now, while the technology we have today has opened incredible and advantageous opportunities for sharing knowledge and traveling and communications, it has also caused us to lose a lot of the adversity and challenge that initiates growth and community.
Physical and mental growth comes from adversity. Spiritual growth comes from community. Community, true community, comes from shared adversity and working together towards a common goal. So my work has been focused on creating opportunities for controlled adversity, opening doors for people to work together towards a common goal. Be that a mountain to climb, or a technique to master; it requires discipline, focus, work, and most importantly, reliance on each other.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would highlight three main features of the town. The mountains, the riverwalk, and the night life. We’d start out with a hike or climb in the mountains, most likely along Sunset Trail- a beautiful cliff side that overlooks the valley and river. The cliff face has established climbing routes, well maintained trails, and beautiful views.
After enjoying the sunset views, we’d hit the town for the nightlife including crafty social spots like Southside Social and unique speak-easy bars. The town’s infrastructure is built around art and fitness, allowing for a bright experience as we meander the streets.
The following day, we’d go for a paddle on the river, launching from Coolidge Park and visiting the islands nearby by either paddle board or kayak.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Jessica, my fiancée, and trusted partner.
Joseph Lumpkin, my martial arts instructor & mentor. Joseph Lumpkin is a world-renowned martial artist, best-selling author, and entrepreneur. His popularity and success do not take away from how down to earth and centered he is. Through martial arts, he not only taught me the art of war and combat, preparing me to defend myself and my family; but he also taught me Zen; the internal balance of self; emphasizing self-awareness, meditation, and intuition. He has acted as a business mentor, an instructor, a confidante, a disciplinarian, and always a friend. Those who know ‘of’ him would say he teaches martial arts. However, his students will tell you, he teaches us life, self-awareness, faith, honor, courage, and tenacity; he uses martial arts as the platform to do so. Joseph has dedicated his life to sharing his work with others, ensuring the knowledge is accessible to those who would seek it out. Through publishing ancient theological, historical, and religious texts, to founding and cultivating an entire martial arts system combining techniques from the world’s greatest martial arts styles, Joseph has put in the work to open the doors for those who would be willing to learn. In doing so, he showed me what it truly looked like to pursue purpose. Our purpose is that which we love doing, have developed or can develop skill at, and can use to serve the world. As I’ve mentioned before, for me; this is the inspiration and cultivation of community.
Website: www.mattkward.com
Instagram: www.Instagram.com/mattkward
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wardmattk