If you are a martial artist and have not seen the movie “A History of Violence”, you should.

In fact, I’m surprised it didn’t get more recognition at the Academy Awards.

There are many movies that have been recommended to me to demonstrate various aspects of bravery and positive values. They include “Braveheart”, “The Last Samurai”, “Rob Roy” and “Gladiator”.

But none of these really delve into the NEED and INTIMACY of violence the way “History” does.

Tom Stall, the main character, owns a small cafe in a secluded town in Indiana. This is the kind of place where you have to say “Hello” or “Hello” to people passing by. I’ve lived in a very similar Hoosier shelter, and this film captures the vibe very well.

One night, two bad certificates enter the cafe at closing time and Stall tries to dissuade them, but relents and serves them coffee. The situation quickly deteriorates and Stall is the last man standing, having displayed killer moves he didn’t think he was capable of.

His answer puts him on the evening news, seemingly everywhere. More bad guys come to his cafe, intimidate his family and put him in a “fight or flight” situation.

There is a central mystery in the film that I will not discuss, because that would reveal the essentials of the plot.

But here are some of the key points I take from this movie that I think are applicable to all martial artists:

(1) Some fights cannot be avoided. Be prepared for them, always, and do what you must, without hesitation or remorse. It’s “right to fight” more often than you’ve been taught.

(2) A famous philosopher said: “Strength is the ultimate virtue.” Is it more important than love? Can love find a home without the strength to protect and shelter it?

(3) The battles are often not between good and evil, but between extreme evils and lesser evils. They are not the same. A trace of virtue is better than none at all, and may be entirely defensible.

(4) Personal transformation is possible and desirable, but the dead hand of the past will still reach us, so be careful. Your past will find you, and no matter how you interpret it, today, others will have a competing vision that they will refuse to let go of. We will always be confronted with who we were, or at least who others think we were.

I’ve seen this movie twice, and will probably watch another dozen times, getting more nuance with each viewing.

I think it will be worth watching with some fellow martial artists. Her physical appearance will get her attention, but much later, the issues she brings up will really impress him and possibly change him.

And you’ll probably walk away asking, “How much do I look like Tom Stall?”