We’re thrilled to have you all on this incredible journey of self-improvement and personal growth. Today, we want to discuss an essential concept at the heart of your karate training:
“Progress is progress, no matter how small.”
The Power of Small Steps: In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to become fixated on grand achievements and overlook the beauty of the small victories along the way. But here’s a secret: the accumulation of those tiny triumphs ultimately leads to significant progress. Whether refining a technique, increasing flexibility, or mastering a kata, every small step brings you closer to your goals.
Karate is not just about physical prowess; it is a discipline that extends beyond the dojo. One often overlooked aspect of karate is the profound impact of our words. Effective communication plays a pivotal role in shaping our karate journey and life. Let’s explore the significance of …
“choosing our words wisely.”
Self-Talk: Shaping Mindset and Success
The words we use when speaking to ourselves directly influence our mindset and overall performance. Positive self-talk can ignite confidence, motivation, and resilience. By focusing on our abilities and growth instead of limitations, we can cultivate a mindset that propels us forward. Embracing empowering phrases such as “I am capable,” “I am determined,” or “I am making progress” can transform our karate practice and any other endeavour we pursue in life.
I think that there are five things that every beginner martial artist should know and if you can wrap your head around those five things, I think you’re going to have a GREAT experience!
In the midst of our karate journey, we encounter challenges and obstacles that test our resilience and determination. It’s essential to remember that no matter how overwhelming or insurmountable they may seem…
“Nothing is permanent, not even our troubles.”
The Nature of Impermanence: Impermanence is a fundamental truth of life. Everything, including our troubles, is in a constant state of change. While difficulties may arise and consume our thoughts and emotions, it is crucial to remind ourselves that they, too, shall pass. Like the ebb and flow of the tides, troubles have their season, but they do not define us or determine our ultimate fate.
Cultivating Resilience: Understanding the impermanence of troubles can empower us to cultivate resilience. Just as the passing storm makes way for clear skies, our challenges eventually give way to new opportunities and growth. By embracing impermanence, we develop the strength to endure hardships and persevere, knowing that brighter days lie ahead. With each setback, we learn valuable lessons that fuel our personal and martial arts growth.
Living in the Present Moment: Impermanence encourages us to live in the present moment and appreciate the beauty and richness of each experience. When faced with troubles, we can choose to embrace them as temporary visitors rather than allowing them to consume our thoughts and rob us of the joys of the present. By focusing on the here and now, we can find solace, clarity, and the strength to face our challenges head-on.
The Power of Adaptation: Impermanence invites us to adapt and evolve. Troubles, just like our karate techniques, require adjustment and refinement. As we train, we develop the flexibility to adapt our strategies and approaches to meet the ever-changing circumstances. By embracing impermanence, we unleash our potential for creative problem-solving, discovering new pathways to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
In the realm of karate and life, troubles may seem overwhelming and eternal at times. However, by embracing the concept of impermanence, we unlock a profound sense of strength and resilience. Remember that troubles are merely transient visitors, and they do not define us. With each challenge, we have the opportunity to grow, adapt, and emerge stronger than before. Embrace the impermanence of troubles, and let it be a reminder that you are capable of overcoming anything that comes your way. Stay focused, persevere, and trust that brighter days are on the horizon.
As a karate student, you are constantly pushing yourself to be better, stronger, and more disciplined. And one of the most important lessons you can learn along the way is the power of having “strong convictions, loosely held.”
What does that mean exactly? It means firmly believing in your values, goals, and principles but being open to new ideas, perspectives, and experiences. It means being confident in your convictions but also being willing to adjust them if new evidence or insights arise.
People often ask me about the ways karate develops discipline. Having taught martial arts for nearly 20 years I’ve spoken with thousands of people about why they’re beginning to train. What I’ve learned from that is that confidence, focus, discipline, and fitness are EASILY the four most popular reasons why people start.
Now, before I go any further, I have a couple of disclaimers. First, I don’t think that the style matters. You can get any and all of these benefits from Karate, Judo, Kung-fu, Tae Kwon Do, boxing or any other style that you study. The key to getting the benefits comes from enjoying your training and doing it for a long time. That can only happen if you like your school and teachers. If you can find a school that you enjoy training at, over time, you will definitely gain benefit from your training.
Consistency is one of the keys to success in any endeavour, which also holds true for karate. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, the only way to improve your skills is through consistent effort. Consistent effort leads to consistent results, which all karate students need to keep in mind.
For example, if you want to improve your kicking technique, you need to practice it consistently. You can’t expect to become a master of kicks overnight. It takes time, practice, and effort to perfect your technique. If you consistently work on your kicks every day, you will eventually see improvement in your form, power, and accuracy.
As a member of WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations), we are a part of a sports organization that is recognized by the Province of Ontario (PSO – Provincial Sports Organization). As a member of a PSO, we are now allowed to start making contact during our training.
We will begin reintroducing some drills that involve contact during the next few weeks, including self-defence, bags drills, partner work, and sparring. Initially, all these drills will be of low intensity as we reacquaint ourselves with working with a partner.
I want to share an important message with all of you about being a good finder. A little while ago, a close friend of mine was presented with an incredible opportunity. It was something truly amazing, but instead of embracing it wholeheartedly, they doubted whether they deserved it. This got me thinking about how often we tend to focus on our flaws and overlook our achievements. That’s why I want to emphasize the concept of being a good finder and how it can positively impact our training and our lives.
Inevitably, as we progress in our karate journey, we will encounter obstacles and challenges along the way. When faced with such roadblocks, we are faced with a choice: to see them as either positive or negative experiences. The beauty of this choice is that it lies solely within our control.
