The Commitment to Karate: Mind, Body, and the Power of Showing Up.

 

Posted by ADAM CARTER on MAY 14, 2024

The Commitment to Karate: Mind, Body, and the Power of Showing Up.

 

(Approx 1 minute 55 second read)

Karate isn’t just about physical strength and being the best. It’s a journey that trains both your body and your mind.

A key part of this mental training is self-discipline, the ability to push through and do what’s necessary, even when it’s tough.

Let’s face it, most people can only manage a few training sessions a week. It all boils down to priorities, right?

When I started karate five decades ago, I made a commitment, and that commitment continues to this day.

As I walked through the door to the dojo for the very first time, I was asked if I could commit to training by a very stern looking Japanese instructor. If I had hesitated in any way, I would not have got in (there were so many people queuing to sign-up back then), the place was packed.

My instructor’s message was clear from the beginning: true karate proficiency comes down to consistent training. Show up, train regularly, week in and week out – and be open to learning. That’s all you need to do. And that’s exactly what I did.

The question is, how badly do you want it? Are you truly committed, or just going through the motions?

Most people enjoy getting better at things. I certainly do. There’s a thrill in understanding a new skill, overcoming challenges, and achieving a higher level of performance.

The truth is, becoming proficient at karate (or anything) requires thousands of repetitions. Drills, techniques, kata – these are the building blocks that shape you as a martial artist, all while developing the right mindset.

But learning can be uncomfortable for some. The road to any kind of proficiency is paved with periods of feeling lost, frustrated, and even incompetent. Many people shy away from this discomfort.

The problem is self-doubt. We convince ourselves we can’t do it. But if you truly want to excel, be realistic about the effort required – it really does take commitment and dedication – and you have to believe in yourself.

We all have the same 24 hours each day. It’s what we do with that time that matters. Even today, I still get a sense of excitement and anticipation when I put on my karate-gi.

The dedication fostered in the dojo doesn’t stay confined to its walls. The self-discipline you cultivate on the mat, translates to all aspects of your life. It equips you to tackle challenges with focus and grit, to chip away at seemingly insurmountable goals, and to find deep satisfaction in the journey of just trying hard to improve day after day.

Life rarely grants us extra hours, but with each step you take on the mat, you learn to make the most of the ones you have. Is it time to invest in yourself?