“Many young today will train extremely hard for a little while and then stop. This is not good. You must train little bit, but you must train often. Consistency is what creates a great martial artist, not brute strength. Karate is not for a rank, glory or for revenge. It is a way of life: A way to protect yourself, a way to build health, and a way to bring people together.” – Minoru Higa 10th dan Shorin-ryu Kyudokan
.
With so many people these days leading hectic, over-stimulated, and sleep-deprived lives, it’s no wonder that worry and anxiety are at an all time high. Our brains are hard wired to be on the lookout for threats and reasons to worry, despite whether they are real or imagined.
.
There’s little doubt that if you are laying awake at night worrying about things that you can’t change or deal with right now, or you are anxious around finances, relationships, work, or anything at all, then heading to the dojo may be one way that can help.
.
Talk to any seasoned martial artist, and you’ll discover that their training has toughened him/her up, both physically and mentally. This is because, like in life, training also comes with obstacles and challenges, so it boils down to how you choose to handle them.
.
If you’re someone who tends to focus on the negative aspect of things, getting along to the dojo, could be just what you need to turn this weakness into a strength. Once you get stronger and learn to see the glass as half full, rather than half empty, there’s no doubt you will be able to look on the bright side of life – even outside of the dojo.
.
Working hard for something we don’t care about is called ‘stress’. Working hard for something we love is called ‘passion’.
.
There are lessons that are learnt in the dojo that we can apply to the challenges faced in everyday life. It is the journey that is important. What we do with ourselves, our responses to times that are hard and exacting upon us. Whatever it is you want to achieve, it is going to require effort and time. Make that effort.
.
So there you have it. The Dojo…A brief vacation from your problems. 
.
“Kyudomugen (there is no end to the way of martial arts). There is no goal to this. There is only self training to be done forever.” – Minoru Higa
.
.
 Photo Credit: Dragon Associates
.