This is a powerful statement that emphasizes the importance of perseverance and determination in the face of challenges. It implies that when we encounter obstacles, we should not give up but instead, we should push ourselves harder to overcome them.
My wife often says to me “Pick your battles”. Last week my daughter and I were clashing heads. This tends to happen because we’re similar personalities. If you’re a parent, you can certainly relate to this. If you’re not a parent, you still can because I don’t know anyone who has gone through life and not disagreed with someone. Eventually, my wife gave me the signal to drop the fight and move on. When she did that, that got me thinking about my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training and a basic principle that we have in it. That’s what this week’s message of the week is all about.
If you’ve been with us for any length of time, you know what a big part of the dojo Heather is. She’s taught here forever, coached the Demo Team, Tournament Team, run Power Weekend and, MUCH MORE. Certainly, without her, the dojo and all of us would be a little less.
Karate is not just a physical art form; it’s a journey of self-discovery, perseverance, and personal growth. As beginners, we often find ourselves in awe of the Black Belts, viewing them as extraordinary beings who have accomplished the impossible. But what if we asked ourselves a simple question:
“Why not me?”
By embracing this mindset, we can transform our martial arts experience into an enjoyable and fulfilling endeavour, paving the way towards becoming Black Belts ourselves.
Inevitably, every martial artist at one point asks…Why is this so hard? Why is training so hard? Why am I not getting better? Why is earning a Black Belt so hard?
One of the things that I think holds most martial artists back is trying to work on too many things at once. They’re trying to learn too many skills, practicing too many drills and running in too many different directions at once and because of that their training becomes muddled. When that happens, they don’t get better…just more confused.
“All Sport One Day” is a new multi-sport event that lets people of all ages and skill levels try a new sports in a ‘playful’ environment with trained instructors from different Sport Aurora organizations.
Imagine yourself standing in the dojo, surrounded by fellow warriors, a palpable aura of determination in the air. As martial artists, we know that true growth and achievement are born from the willingness to push beyond our limits. Today, we delve into a question that holds the key to unlocking your full potential:
What are you willing to do to achieve your goals?
Embrace the Power of Sacrifice: Success rarely comes without sacrifice. It requires a fierce commitment to your goals, a dedication to pushing through obstacles and limitations. Are you willing to trade a night out with friends for extra practice? Can you resist the allure of distractions and prioritize your training? Remember, greatness is forged in the crucible of sacrifice.
Embody Perseverance and Resilience: Every warrior faces setbacks and challenges. It’s how we respond that defines us. Will you rise above the frustrations and disappointments? Can you pick yourself up after a defeat and push harder? Embrace the indomitable spirit of perseverance, for it is the fuel that propels us towards victory.
Step Beyond Your Comfort Zone: Growth occurs when we dare to venture beyond the familiar. Break free from the limitations that bind you. Challenge yourself to try new techniques, face opponents who test your skills, and venture into uncharted territories. Only by stepping outside your comfort zone can you unlock untapped potential and truly flourish.
Harness the Power of Goal Setting: Goals provide a roadmap to success, a guiding light in the darkest moments. Define your goals with clarity and specificity. Do you want to earn your black belt? Compete in tournaments? Achieve mastery in a particular technique? Set your intentions, break them into achievable milestones, and watch as your actions align with your ambitions.
Seek Guidance and Mentorship: Even the most formidable warriors require guidance on their journey. Surround yourself with mentors, coaches, and fellow practitioners who inspire and push you to new heights. Seek wisdom from those who have walked the path before you, and absorb their knowledge like a sponge. Together, we can achieve far more than we ever could alone.
Remember that the pursuit of greatness is not for the faint of heart. It requires discipline, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to your goals. Embrace the challenges, setbacks, and sacrifices along the way, for they are the stepping stones to your success. As you embark on your journey, always keep the question in your heart: What are you willing to do to achieve your goals? Let your answer be a resounding battle cry that echoes through the dojo, igniting the warrior spirit within you.
I have some simple advice…stop picking fights you can’t win.
If you’re fighting a fight that can’t be won, you’re wasting time. You should be spending time on fights that you can win. One of the things that you quickly learn in martial arts is which fights you should or shouldn’t be fighting.
How to do I become a great martial artist? That’s a big question that I’ve been asked more than once. It’s hard to answer, but there is one skill that I’ve realized every successful martial artist has. If you can master it, not only will you be a great martial artist, you’ll be great at everything you try. That’s what this week’s message of the week is all about.
The one skill that every successful martial artist needs is flexibility and I’m not talking about touching your toes. I’m talking about being able to adapt and adjust to new situations and events. Rarely does something go smoothy and you get it on the first try so you need to be flexible.
Have you ever found yourself hesitating to try something new because you’re not sure if you can do it? Maybe you’re afraid of failing or making a mistake, or perhaps you just feel more comfortable sticking with what you know. If so, it’s time to remind yourself of a powerful truth:
“You never know what you can do until you try, and very few people are willing to try unless they have to.”