Burnout: Recognizing the Signs and Finding Your Way Back.

 

Posted by ADAM CARTER on FEB 17, 2025

Burnout: Recognizing the Signs and Finding Your Way Back.

(Approx 2 minute 30 second read)

Even for those who are passionate about the martial arts, especially for those who teach, training can reach a point where it becomes overwhelming. Many times we show up to class simply out of habit, when truthfully our minds or hearts are elsewhere.

While the martial arts requires dedication and commitment, the body can only handle so much; build-up of minor injuries, or difficulty in recovering from them, can be a sign that physical burnout has set in.

Harder to treat can be the mental and emotional fatigue that sets in, that no one wants to admit, especially for those who are really passionate for what they do.

It’s important to remember that the study of the martial arts is a marathon, not a sprint. Slow and steady leads to long term progress and retention of knowledge and skill.

For instructors burnout is often not a result of training, but specifically teaching. Leading a class, the planning and preparation of lessons, figuring out how to best explain and demonstrate the material, as well as dealing with people, can be exhausting.

Personally, I have trouble giving myself a day off; if there is a class, I feel like I should be there, and unless I am physically incapable of training due to injury, I feel guilty for missing class or for missing my own training.

We are not machines. It’s okay to skip a workout or a practice when mind and body are not going to be “in” the process. This is a slippery slope though; it’s important that rest is the exception, and doesn’t become the rule. But once in a while, you just need a day off.

If you are really dedicated, you will likely reach a point where you experience these feelings. The important thing is to recognize they are occurring and have a strategy to address them. Admitting that you are exhausted is not a weakness, provided that you have an effective method to recover. If you do, you can get back to training with passion and enthusiasm as soon as possible.

If it’s not the rest you need then knowing when to stop teaching or training is hard.

Do you “quit while you’re ahead” and ultimately give up doing what you once loved, or do you stick at it, hoping the situation will improve?

Your time is the most valuable resource you have, so it’s really important to enjoy what you do.

Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s a natural response to pushing both the body and mind over extended periods. But acknowledging it doesn’t mean giving up – it means giving yourself permission to step back, rest, and recharge. Whether it’s taking a day off or reevaluating your approach to training or teaching, the key is to find balance.

Remember, the martial arts are not just about physical strength or skill – it’s also about understanding yourself, and knowing when to listen to your body and mind. The journey may sometimes feel like a sprint, but in reality, it’s the long, steady pace that leads to proficiency and understanding.

Ultimately, your time and well-being are your most valuable resources. Train hard, but also take the time to rest, reflect, and rekindle your passion for what you do.

Don’t let burnout rob you of the very thing you love most. Find the balance, and keep moving forward with clarity and strength.

Written by Adam Carter