DISQUS

Positively Present · 7 months ago

Very interesting post! I've never tried martial arts, but I've always wanted to. This post has inspired me!!

Nathalie Lussier · 7 months ago

That's awesome! I don't want to be preachy and say that everyone should be in martial arts, but I am grateful for everything martial arts have done for me. :)

Henri J · 7 months ago

I've done jujutsu when I was 16, I then had a break and I am currently doing Aikido and Jujutsu which I really like, I don't know why but martial arts just pull me in.

I've found the same thing as you, it really does help you to overcome perceptions, sharpen your discipline and probably a lot more ;)

Nathalie Lussier · 7 months ago

That's awesome Henri! I think it's great that you were also able to go back to it after your break. For me, it took a lot to overcome my inertia and come back... and essentially not to freak out about "the time I lost". :)

Lance · 7 months ago

Hi Nathalie,
I love your story of how martial arts indirectly brought on confidence! What a great place to get to.

For me, it's been the sport of triathlon. I started this about four or five years ago. And I remember being unsure of myself, and especially of my abilities in comparison to the mix of competition at the event. And what I found is that people genuinely want to see you succeed. And in events that are difficult (swimming!) - I could dig a little deeper within myself to push through this (and not drown!). And when I was tired and didn't think I could go any further, I didn't stop, I found a little more strength to continue on. And while it was great to finish the triathlon - that feeling of "I can do this" even when it seemed like I was out of everything - reminds me yet today that, in life, all is possible - and it's just how important it is to me. And that's been a great lesson.

Kudos to you, Nathalie, for picking this back up. I know it will only make you better (and not only in Tae Know Do...).

Nathalie Lussier · 7 months ago

Hi Lance,

Wow! Triathlons sound grueling, but I'm sure they were very beneficial for you. I know what you mean about having to find something within you that helps you get through it.

Thank you for sharing Lance, you always put a smile on my face! :)

Henri J · 7 months ago

Wow Lance, triathlons sound oooof... I just got sleepy :)

It was interesting actually, I read the book "The Art of Learning" by Josh Waitzkin I think and he talks about learning chess and tai chi and I felt myself pulled back to martial arts.

Oh... I forgot to mention that in the past few months it has really humbled me in a good way. I always tend to think I am the best, but I am realizing that even I have to put in a lot of work to learn how it is done.

Cheerio!

Sharon Saw · 1 month ago

Interesting article! i have not done martial arts but i have been learning about Buddhism, which is totally about changing our perceptions.

It's intriguing that you are so enamoured with Chinese /Asian culture - do you believe in reincarnation?