Do martial arts actually teach humility? I know we talk a lot about being humble in the context of martial arts. We value it. We discuss it at the dojo. We emphasize its importance at belt tests and tournaments. But… is there anything inherent in the training itself that actually teaches humility? Or [...]
That martial arts tournament or belt test you’ve worked so hard for is now finished. Apart from taking some time for rest and recovery, now is a great time to review your performance and set some goals for your training. What I find really helpful is a self-reflection exercise called “glows and grows.” [...]
Maybe you have an upcoming tournament or belt test. Or perhaps you’re getting back into martial arts again after a period of time off. Or maybe you're brand new to martial arts or are switching to a new style. Chances are, if you’re in any of these situations, you’re feeling at least a [...]
I was 10 when my dad was killed. My mom came running into my room, frantic that my dad hadn’t woken me up for school. She and I had both overslept. My dad hadn’t come home from his early morning walk with our dog. My mom and I sat at the living room window, [...]
Why do we fear obsession? We worry that becoming obsessed with something will take over our lives, make us crazy, make us stand out, make us different, and earn us disapproval from others. But obsession is a requirement of greatness. To be successful in martial arts, you really do need to dedicate all [...]
I used to hate my body. For years I used exercise as a means to either look a certain way, or to punish myself for not fitting some magazine-worthy ideal. Starting karate changed all of that. Training in a space where everyone wore the same uniform and where body composition wasn’t [...]
Almost every teacher and coach I’ve ever had has been more concerned with having power over their students and being admired for their expertise than with building rapport and trust with their students. The small minority of teachers who weren’t like this were by far the best teachers I’ve ever had. Why? Because [...]
There is tremendous value in not quitting when things get tough. But “tough” for one person is not necessarily equivalent to “tough” for another. For some, pushing through might mean overcoming low motivation or inertia. For others, not quitting might be impossible given their environment and life circumstances. We really cannot know the [...]
For the past 18 months or so I’ve wanted to start a podcast, but I’ve been plagued with a slew of doubts. Am I good enough? Will anyone listen to me? Will I get judged? Self-doubt morphed into procrastination which led to even more self-doubt and paralysis. Until last week. I [...]
The ideal martial arts warrior. Never falters, fears, or doubts. Trains vigorously, pure-spiritedly, without fatigue or fail. We don’t want the flawed human, gored in battle or exhausted in the ring. We want the myth, the inspiration, and the spectacle. When we compare ourselves to this impossible legend, we [...]