My Unwavering Passion for Martial Arts
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How my unwavering passion of martial arts transformed my life. I still remember the very first time I stepped into a dojo, I was just a teenager and felt a mixture of both uncertainty and excitement. It was a pivotal moment that changed my life. Even though over the years I have trained in variety of martial arts. When I became an assistant instructor in karate, it was like something in me clicked .
I had this desire to keep improving, learning, building a connections with other practitioners and to fight harder than ever to chase my dreams. This is the moment that my blog Women Aware Defence started to become a dream. Unfortunately I never felt confident enough to put my dream into action, until after my narcissistic/verbal abuser had passed away. This is when I decided that I was not going to be a victim and I finally felt truly free. Once I realised this, it sparked a passion in me that still to this day continues to grow.
FINDING MYSELF
Over the years the dojo became like my 2nd family to me. It gave me the courage, resilience and mindset to fight my fears, become the best version of myself internally and externally. I have always loved how the whole martial arts community has each other’s backs, respects and show our admiration for one another. Everybody who takes that incredible path towards their own martial arts journey should always feel supported and welcomed.
My martial arts achievements continue in the life I live every day. I started out not confident, lacking trust, and a survivor of abuse. Now all these years later I’m confident, outgoing and have a strong desire to work hard, to educate and empower women around the world. Just like I learned that there is light at the end of the tunnel, after a traumatic event. There is also no expiration date in the pursuit of becoming the best version of yourself. But also in your martial arts journey, as they say “martial arts is a way of life”. Am I perfect? Absolutely not, and I never will be. The success I have achieved so far has been empowering . All I need to do now is to see what another success lies on the horizon and what awaits on the rest of both my martial arts and life journey.
WHAT I DISCOVERED ON MY UNWAVERING PASSION FOR MARTIAL ARTS
I first began my martial art journey when I was in my teens focusing on the grappling arts and a little boxing. Eventually rediscovering my martial arts journey later on in life. This time focusing on shotokon karate that was over 5 years ago, this was due to one of my kids getting bullied in primary school.
So, I decided we would take on a united front to start training together. My martial arts started to become an outlet for life’s little frustrations, but soon became a path of self-discovery and transformation. As a result, I became more driven and wanted to learn more and more.
I took it upon myself to learn even more skills outside of the dojo, so I could become more multi skilled with my training. Like many women out there I have experience attempted attacks, sexual harassment in the streets and emotional/verbal abuse. Even though I have gone through a lot in my life, I feel like I have come out so much stronger on the other side.
The Physical and Mental Benefits of Martial Arts Training
Enhanced Physical Fitness
Training in martial arts has significantly improved my overall fitness. According to the CDC, regular physical activity helps lower the risk of heart disease and improves strength. Here’s how it has helped me:
- Cardiovascular Health: Martial arts workouts get the heart pumping, increasing endurance and stamina.
- Strength and Flexibility: Techniques and forms build muscle and enhance flexibility, helping your body become agile and strong.
- Endurance: With consistent training, you’ll notice an increase in your ability to perform physically demanding tasks.
Scientific studies show that engaging in martial arts can lead to a 20% improvement in fitness levels when done consistently for several months. This improvement isn’t just physical; it also enhances mental clarity.
Sharpened Mental Focus and Discipline
Beyond physical fitness, martial arts instills a sense of discipline. It trains the mind to focus, which leads to better concentration and resilience. Research indicates that martial arts practitioners often experience significant cognitive improvement. This has been true in my own life, as I’ve noticed sharper focus during tasks at work. But also my life in general .
Through daily practice, I learned to channel my energy positively. This newfound mental strength became evident when I tackled complex problems that had once overwhelmed me.
Self-Defense and Empowerment Through Martial Arts
Building Confidence
Learning self-defence techniques has been a confidence booster. Each new skill mastered feels like a small victory. It creates a sense of security that fundamentally alters how you carry yourself.
Developing Situational Awareness (My Unwavering Passion For Martial Arts)
Martial arts training heightens awareness of surroundings. It teaches you to notice details that can lead to safer choices in everyday situations. My own experience has shown me the value of this awareness. I’ve avoided potential dangers simply by being alert.
Real-world Example
I remember an instance I was about 16 or 17 years old and was going over to my friends house. Walking down a road I have been on many times before without an issue. It was also in a nice neighborhood; this road does have a few car yards where they sold new cars so it was not uncommon to see a car parked outside one.
I think I would have been about 10 meters or so until I had reached my destination but as I got closer to this white car, I started to get a bad feeling. Even though from the back of the car I couldn’t see any movement or if anyone was in there. My instinct told me not to go near this car and that it was dangerous.
I started to think about what to do and how I was going to get out of this situation.
Option 1 – was to turn around heading back in the opposite direction
Option 2 – to wait until there was a break in the traffic and sprint across the road to the other side
Weighing up my options I thought if I turned around and started heading back the way I came that I could be chased on foot and I don’t know if or how many there are in the car. So, I went for the 2nd option which I felt would be the safest. I started quickly glancing from the car to the traffic and back again until I got the break I needed. As I sprinted across the road and had got to the middle island, I could hear movement from that vehicle I turned around briefly and saw that 3 guys had jumped out of this car all glaring at me then they quickly jumped back in and drove off.
Even though I had put distance between us, I still knew that these guys might head further down the road and make a u turn and come back. So, I crossed quickly back over to the other side and got to the safety of my boyfriend’s house where I was able to contact police, I could give a description of the car, brief description of occupants and registration number.
The Camaraderie and Community Aspect of Martial Arts
Building Strong Bonds
The supportive community within a martial arts dojo is unlike any other. I have forged friendships with people who share my passion, and the bonds we’ve built are invaluable.
Learning from Experienced Practitioners
Mentorship plays a crucial role within martial arts. Learning from seasoned instructors offers guidance that accelerates skill development. Their insights have often inspired me.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Personal Growth
Persistence and Resilience
Every practitioner faces challenges. I remember struggling with a difficult technique that seemed impossible. Through persistence, I eventually mastered it. This experience taught me that setbacks are just stepping stones to success.
One of my favourite quotes is:
“If we overcome those enemies that attack us from within, we can attain a true victory over any attack from without.”
— Morihei Ueshiba.
Goal Setting and Achievement (My Unwavering Passion For Martial Arts)
Setting realistic goals in martial arts helps track progress. I learned to break down larger goals into manageable steps, leading to a sense of accomplishment as I achieved each one.
Actionable Tip
Consider setting a goal to learn a new technique each month. Celebrate small victories along the way to maintain motivation.
Martial Arts as a Lifelong Pursuit
Continuous Learning and Development
Martial arts is a journey of continuous learning. There’s always something new to explore, which keeps it exciting.
Adaptability and Growth Mindset
The nature of martial arts encourages a growth mindset. Challenges become opportunities to adapt and learn, fostering resilience in life’s uncertainties.
Actionable Tip
Join workshops or seminars outside your regular practice to expand your skills and knowledge. This commitment will deepen your understanding.
Final Thoughts On My Unwavering Passion For Martial Arts
Without learning martial arts, I would not have had the courage to break out of my comfort zone and have started this blog to make a difference. By empowering women with techniques that could potentially help save their lives.
Martial arts has taught me that a better life exists just outside of your comfort zone. Getting “comfortable with the uncomfortable”, and most of all has helped me in accepting the truth. Lately I have grown more focused, and goal oriented.
I am who I am today because of martial arts and embracing growing into the person I believe I am supposed to be because of this.
Now I encourage you to explore martial arts for yourself. You may find the same profound benefits and life-changing experiences that have shaped my journey. Embrace the challenge, and you might just ignite your own passion for this powerful art form.
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