A digest - reflecting on the Martial Way
This journey started some time ago and, that said, you'd think I'm an expert by now. To the contrary, I'm finding my feet every day. One thing I can say for certain is that the Martial Arts journey has no end in sight. Once you make your peace with that fact, the road becomes one of growth and understanding for the body and the mind.
I started with Karate when I was around six years old (somewhere in 1990). My folks considered it a good platform for self-defense, self-discipline, and being a part of something bigger than myself. They ended up being right and, for this (amongst many other things) I will be forever in their debt.
I started doing Goju-Ryu Karate-Do with Sensei Bakkies Laubscher. Like most, I experienced some seasons of change in my life, and by the age of thirteen (1997), I ended up doing different things and exploring different interests. Something, though, was tugging at my heart or summoning my spirit. In the years that followed I would train at home doing some modest weights, boxing and other bag-work and keeping myself fit through general exercising, playing squash, and running (something I've also been doing throughout my life since I was 13 years old).
Eventually, somewhere around 2003, I attempted to venture back into the world of martial arts. My attempt to do so was, however, derailed by some necessary priority shifting (both practically and financially). Over the years that followed I periodically explored some other avenues but could never quite find that, seemingly, unattainable world - a world of discipline, knowledge and character.
Finally, in 2010, my journey came full circle. I was lucky enough to rejoin Sensei Bakkies Laubscher at his Traditional Okinawan Gojo Ryu Karate - the dojo just outside of Stellenbosch, South Africa. To this day, I still practice Goju Ryu karate with, most likely, one of the greatest masters of his art.
Through the years and my attempts to settle into this way of life, I have come to gain (and resign myself) to some insights:
1. Firstly, your journey is your own - no single person's journey is the same.
2. Goals matter, but not without the actions to attain them.
3. Consistency & balance matter (more-so than periodic peaks).
4. Many things define you - your actions, thoughts, your own expectations - more-so, what you do in the face of evil. Good men should never do nothing.
5. Invest your energy in those who appreciate it and are willing to invest back in you (but try to see the best in people the first time around).
6. Be honest with yourself and others - it is more often appreciated than not.
7. Learn to listen - whether it be to people, nature or the universe - but think for yourself.
8. Every "today" will seem like the first day, but always endeavour to be a better version of yourself tomorrow.