(Approx 2 minute 10 second read)

Someone commented on one of my articles: “So many words for a simple answer”. When did reading take a step backward for so many people?
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I understand that times have changed. Many people today seem to prioritize instant gratification – no waiting, no reading, just give it to me now. We’re living in the age of YouTube, where information is condensed into bite-sized clips and answers come fast.
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For me, this shift says a lot about why martial arts are not as they used to be. Too many want results now. Some are unwilling to put in the hard work to learn in depth.
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But the martial arts, like any meaningful pursuit, is not about instant results. It’s about the journey, the process, and the understanding that happens along the way.
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The same can be said about reading – or learning anything deeply. It requires patience, attention, and a willingness to engage with the material, even when it’s challenging or not immediately rewarding.
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When did we stop valuing depth and start prioritizing shortcuts? When did “just give me the answer” replace “help me understand”?
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In the dojo and out of it, I see this shift in how some students and instructors approach training. Some want the techniques without the depth, the quick path to the next belt, or the most effective “trick” for self-defense. They focus on the result, not the effort required to create it, often looking for a video to find the answer, believing they have now mastered the subject.
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What’s often missed is that depth – the kind of understanding that only comes from investing time and energy – is where the real treasure lies. In the martial arts, that treasure is not just technical skill but the self-discipline, and resilience, developed through years of dedicated practice.
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It’s similar to the journey of a top athlete. Every athlete has a peak when their physical skills are at their best. Beyond those years, many are left with memories of their glory days.
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What separates those who truly thrive is not just their skill during their peak, but the lessons they cultivated along the way – qualities that endure long after physical prowess fades.
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Perhaps my articles are “too many words” for some. But for those willing to read, reflect, and engage, they’re an invitation to go deeper. To think about things beyond the surface. To challenge the notion that everything worth knowing can be condensed into a short clip.
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The martial arts have taught me that anything worthwhile takes time. And for those willing to put in the time, the rewards go far beyond what they initially sought.
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So, to the commenter, and anyone else thinking the same: take a breath, take your time, and dive in. My articles perhaps aren’t here to hand out answers but to encourage reflection and curiosity. Perhaps the questions I ask are rhetorical, inviting you to explore your own understanding.
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Take that deep dive. Look beyond the surface. You might be surprised by what you find. After all, it’s only a couple of minutes at most.
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Written by Adam Carter – Shuri Dojo