The Journey is the Reward

Every year, as we approach Black Belt Grading, candidates are asked to write an essay on the impact the study of martial arts has had on their life. "How long does it have to be?" is often asked. "Write from your heart," is the response, "you might be surprised."

Over the years many such essays have been written, and every Sensei finds it rewarding and gratifying to read just what the journey has meant to their students.

Every martial arts class is filled with students of different ages, backgrounds, learning styles, challenges, and experiences. All who take that first step through the dojo doors are looking for something different:

• to get in shape
• to try something different; to take a step outside their comfort zone
• to gain confidence
• to improve focus
• to gain discipline
• to learn self-defence
• to meet new people

Every reason is valid and, as individual as the reason for starting, so the answers are as individual as the student as well. Students usually find, when they put thought to word, that they don't write about the skill of martial arts at all but rather about life, self-discovery, character, strength, perseverance, community, and family.

They write about lessons in:

• life balance
• respect
• sacrifice and appreciation
• humility and grace
• encouragement, both giving and receiving
• responsibility and accountability
• friendships
• joy in shared good times
• support and comfort in shared sad times

They write about opportunities:

• to grow as a family when the journey is shared with those you love. Fathers training with daughters, mothers with sons, entire families training together. Parents see not only personal growth but get to watch their children grow, mature, thrive, and learn lessons that will follow them for their lives.
• to compete — for parents and for children — something they never thought they would experience, in places they never thought they would visit, and in doing so, to learn the true meaning of worldwide team support and spirit.
• to learn that students don't compete against one another; students support and empower one another.
• to learn that you never age out of your dreams.

Among many over the years, one such essay stands out. Written by a young person, now an adult, it was simple but powerful, with the kind of message that confirms that what you do matters, how you act matters, your words and deeds matter — often in ways you don't realize at the time — and impact someone's life in ways more important and long-lasting than a well-executed kick or punch.

This young person had joined their dojo as a child and so had been a member for many years. Their essay had nothing at all to do with the skill of martial arts. Instead, it was about how belonging to their dojo had helped them through some of the toughest periods of their life. It was about fun childhood memories of summer camps and friendships made. How their dojo had been a lifeline that had allowed them to negotiate some of life's traumas because they knew that when they walked through their dojo doors they were walking into someplace where they belonged. Somewhere they felt safe. Somewhere from which they could draw strength. They were walking into a place that allowed them to find their centre and clear their mind in performing their kata together with fellow students; all focusing on themselves but finding strength in unison. Somewhere they felt they could weather their storm and find and keep some peace. These simple yet powerful words spoke of life, community, and family — the one you have and the one you make along the way.

Because life, community, and family are at the very heart of a dojo. It's why if you ask any martial arts student about their Sensei, even years past their last class, they will always smile and remember something their Sensei said that had an impact on their life. It's why if you ask any Sensei about their student, even years past their last class, they will always smile with remembrance and genuine affection. You are not just another student; you are someone. You are seen and you matter. Yes, you are judged — but not by skill. You are judged by character and attitude, strength, courage, and perseverance.

These are the things that set the study of martial arts apart from other sports. Yes, there are skills to be learned, but it's the lessons in life that are the rock upon which we build our dojo.

So, wherever you are in your journey, think about what brought you through your dojo doors that first day. Think about why you stayed. Think about what you have learned about martial arts and yourself. Because, in the end, the Journey is the Reward.

Maureen Clarke

Douvris Martial Arts Orléans