I still remember my first karate class, five decades ago. Feeling awkward and intimidated, I went through the motions, just like most people do.
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It was meant to be an eight week course, but as I started putting in more effort, showing up consistently, and practicing outside of class, it became clear that karate was a much longer journey, and the rewards would be directly proportional to the effort I put in.
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No one can put knowledge or skill inside your head and hands; you gain from it what you invest in it.
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What still amazes me is how many people haven’t taken their training very far. They show up to class, do what they’re told, and then leave. I’m not sure how much they think about karate outside the dojo walls. It’s as if they hope that merely showing up will allow them to absorb everything like a sponge and one day do what the instructor does.
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I understand that there are varying degrees of interest in karate and the martial arts in general, and that’s perfectly fine. If it’s just a “nice way to spend an evening” kind of hobby, great. My concern is what people expect from that level of commitment. I personally spend a lot of time on this, and I still don’t consider myself anything close to mastering anything.
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Even if you’re looking for something beyond self-defense, competition, or just a bit of sparring, what are you really getting out of just showing up? Is it the health benefits? The philosophical insights? Those benefits still require homework, study time, and sacrifices.
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One of the most rewarding aspects of being a teacher is witnessing a student’s ‘aha!’ moment. That sudden flash of understanding where everything clicks. But here’s the secret: those moments wouldn’t exist without the groundwork laid beforehand.
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That epiphany was possible because of all your prior training. Without that context, you wouldn’t have had that lightbulb moment. You can teach someone something, but often they have to ‘feel’ it for themselves.
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Wherever you are in your training, there is always another step. Sometimes it’s a difficult step, sometimes it just takes time. But remember, ‘It is better to travel well than to arrive’.
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It’s a process, a lifelong journey of growth. It’s not about the belt, the trophy, or rushing. It’s about becoming a better version of yourself, both physically and mentally.
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“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” – Jimmy Johnson
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