(1 minute 49 second read)

What motivates you to practice karate, or any martial art?
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That’s a question that echoes in every dojo. Karate, as rewarding as it is, can often feel like a battle against your own comfort zone.
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The truth is, motivation isn’t some mystical gift bestowed upon a chosen few. It’s a muscle, one you need to actively train.
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Remember that lost, unsure version of yourself who first stepped through the door of the dojo?
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The transformation in to a capable practitioner doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. So, to keep that internal flame burning, you need to set small, achievable goals, and celebrate each milestone, no matter how seemingly insignificant.
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Every training session carves you into a stronger, more capable individual, ready to face challenges both on and off the dojo floor.
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But let’s be honest, even the most ardent karate-ka faces demons. The allure of a pizza and the guilt-free Netflix binge, that whispers promises of instant gratification.
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Yet, succumbing to that voice only leads you back to the place you started – the one you were desperately trying to escape..… the sofa.
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Instead, flip the script. When resistance rears its ugly head, don’t dwell on the aches and pains of training, or the challenging thought process of trying to remember the drills and kata. Focus on the elation of conquering a new principle, a new technique, the completion of that new kata, the surge of adrenaline in sparring, the quiet satisfaction of pushing your limits.
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Suddenly the stresses of the day start to melt away as you focus your mind entirely on the process.
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And when moments of discouragement arise, don’t let them drown out the bigger picture. Recall why you embarked on this journey in the first place.
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Was it the desire for self-defense? The pursuit of physical fitness? The yearning for personal growth?
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Reconnect with that initial spark, let it reignite your passion, and remind yourself of the incredible journey you’re undertaking.
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Karate is a journey, a marathon. There will be days when the road seems endless, the obstacles insurmountable. But remember, every step, every struggle, builds resilience, your focus, and shapes you into a better version of yourself.
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The true power of karate lies not just in mastering the physical techniques, but in the tranquility and clarity it brings to your mind. The mental fortitude, the unwavering spirit, the self-discipline and determination.
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So, step onto the mat, and remember the journey is the reward. A stronger body, and a calmer more resilient mind – is simply the icing on the cake.
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The rest, as they say, is karate.
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