Remember that time you “just couldn’t make class”?
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But here’s the thing: in the world of martial arts, excuses are the enemy of progress. And trust me, I’ve faced them all – work, family, illness, weather, the allure of my comfy couch. But let me tell you, walking through those dojo doors five decades ago, I made a commitment, and it’s a commitment I haven’t wavered from.
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You see, the martial arts isn’t just about sparring, kata, hitting the makiwara and pummeling the heavy bag. It’s a crucible for the mind, a forge where discipline is hammered into shape. And the first test? Showing up. Every time. No excuses.
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Remember that newbie feeling, stepping into the dojo for the first time? I do. My sensei, a man with eyes sharp enough to cut glass, asked me one simple question: “Can you commit?” There were so many others wanting to learn karate at the time, that if I had hesitated, I wouldn’t be here, sharing my (slightly bruised) wisdom.
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So, I ask you: do you REALLY want it? Or are you just playing dress-up in a white keiko-gi?
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I see it all the time: students with eyes on the prize, then suddenly, life throws a curveball (or maybe just a Netflix binge). The 80/20 rule reigns supreme: The 20% mindset isn’t about perfection; it’s about the unwavering commitment to show up, even when tired, even when doubting, and put in the work. It’s about making time, not finding excuses.
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But here’s the secret: true mastery lies not in perfect sessions, but in consistent practice.
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Think of it like building muscle. You wouldn’t lift weights once a month and expect huge biceps, would you?
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So, how do you become a martial arts maestro? Thousands and thousands of repetitions, my friend. Each “block”, each kick, each kata – a brick in the foundation of your skill. And with every step, you build more than muscle memory, you build the right mindset.
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Stop the excuses. We all get 24 hours in a day. It’s what we do with them that matters. The truth is, having or not having time is a choice.
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Can’t make the Saturday class? Train on Tuesday. Can’t skip work? Wake up earlier. The dojo doors are always open, but only for those who truly want to walk through them.
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So, next time the excuses whisper their sweet nothings, remember this: the 20% – the ones who show up, sweat, and push through – they’re the ones who conquer. They’re the ones who build a life, not just a skill. They’re the ones who, years down the line, look back with pride, knowing they never let the excuses win.
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Now, get out there, conquer your excuses, and conquer the path ahead. You know where the dojo is!
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“Learn, unlearn, relearn: Growth is a journey, embrace change, step beyond your comfort zone, evolve your understanding.”
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