For me, the martial arts have more to offer than just physical fighting skills. They should also be able to enhance life as well as preserve it. And of course the martial arts can mean different things to different people; culture, fighting, fitness, personal development, self-defense, or sport etc.
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The martial arts should teach you about life too. Gichin Funakoshi’s 10th precept is; “Put karate into your everyday life and you will find its subtle secrets.”
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Throughout our lives, we face various challenges and obstacles that test our strength and resilience. These challenges can come in many forms, and in the face of these challenges, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless, as if there is nothing we can do to overcome them. However, according to Marcus Aurelius, there is a source of strength within each of us that can help us navigate even the toughest of situations.
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“Look well into thyself; there is a source of strength which will always spring up if thou wilt always look.”
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Aurelius suggests that this source of strength lies within us, waiting to be discovered. However, in order to tap into this strength, we must first look deeply into ourselves. This means taking the time to reflect on our thoughts, feelings, and actions, gaining a deeper understanding of our own strengths and weaknesses. By doing so, we can identify the internal resources we need to face whatever challenges come our way.
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It’s important to note that the source of strength within us may not be immediately apparent. It may take time and effort to uncover, especially if we have been struggling for a long time. But according to Aurelius, it is always there, waiting for us to discover. By looking within ourselves, we can tap into this source of strength and use it to overcome whatever obstacles we face.
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There are lessons that we learn in the dojo that we can apply to everyday life. Anyone with even a moderate amount of training should have become aware of this. They can be easily overlooked of course, but they are there in plain sight in any well run dojo. But that does not mean that they are basic or any less potent for their obviousness.
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Improvement takes time and effort, any growth is often difficult and uncomfortable, but the rewards are worth it. Failure is always just around the corner, but having the resilience to give it your all, or not give up, is sometimes a difficult journey.
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This process of looking within ourselves requires self-awareness and introspection. We must be willing to confront our own shortcomings and vulnerabilities, as well as our strengths and successes. This can be a difficult process, as it can be painful to confront our own flaws and mistakes. However, it is also an empowering process, as it allows us to take control of our own lives and navigate our own paths.
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Once we have identified our own source of strength, it’s up to us to cultivate it and use it to overcome the challenges we face. This may involve developing new skills, or simply changing our perspective on a situation, looking for a deeper understanding.
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You may find a sense of courage that enables you to face your fears and take risks. You may also uncover a sense of determination that drives you to persevere in the face of obstacles.
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Whatever the case may be, the key is to trust in your own abilities and to rely on the internal resources you have discovered within yourselves.
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If you get knocked down, you learn, you get up, and you go again. Learning how to take the hits in the Dojo, gives you the ability to take the hits in life.
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