Show Up: The Mat’s Here for You, But You Walk Your Own Path.

 

Posted by ADAM CARTER on JUN 23, 2025

Show Up: The Mat’s Here for You, But You Walk Your Own Path.

(Approx 2 minute 5 second read)

There comes a point in teaching where you stop chasing people. You realize that the ones who want it will turn up, and the ones who don’t – won’t. That’s not harsh. It’s just how it is.

I’ve had students disappear for months, then return expecting to pick up where they left off. Others train hard for a while, then vanish without a word. Years ago, that used to bother me. I’d wonder what I could have done differently. I don’t anymore.

These days, I teach whoever turns up. I give them everything I’ve got while they’re here. I just focus on the ones who are here. That way, I can teach them my best, instead of getting sidetracked by people who aren’t really committed. But I don’t carry their excuses, and I don’t chase them down.

You’re welcome on the mat. But it’s not my job to carry you there.

Every now and then, someone reminds you why you do this.

Years ago, I had a young student – about ten years old. Quiet. Diligent. His parents told me they never had to push him – he didn’t want to miss a single class. He worked harder than many of the adults. Always early, always asking questions before anyone else arrived. Last to leave, helping to clear the dojo. He always offered to clean the floor before class – something we still do to this day. His effort showed in everything he did.

Normally, I didn’t allow anyone under sixteen to join my kobudo classes. But after several years, he asked if he could come and watch. I said yes. After the class, he quietly approached me and asked, politely, if there was any way he could join in. I didn’t hesitate.

At the next session, he was there – early as always. We started with the bo – a six-foot staff – but he was still quite short for his age. So I cut down one of my own to suit him. The look on his face said everything. The gratitude he showed was humbling, and he took to kobudo like a duck to water. He trained with me for many years until he left for university.

He never asked for shortcuts. He never needed to. His commitment was steady, quiet, and genuine. And it shone through.

That’s what happens when you show up for the right reasons.

So yes, I’ll welcome you every time you walk through the door. But if you’re not there – I’m not chasing. The mat’s always waiting. The choice is yours.

Because that’s how life works, too. No one can walk your path for you. No one else can do the work, face the doubt, or push through when it gets hard.

But when you do – when you show up for yourself – something shifts. You start to become the person you were hoping to be.

Not because someone carried you. But because you learned to carry yourself.

Written by Adam Carter

Inspired by Steve Rowe Shikon International