Become your own sensei

It is often said that martial arts build character. What you may not realise is that they do this by breaking that character down. At least breaking down all that is false… that’s all the untruths and any negative beliefs that sometimes creep in and affect life. 

It doesn’t matter if you have ever set foot in a Dojo or ever plan to take up a martial art in the future, you should find that the classes in this week’s cluster are fun, functional and fulfilling!

“How do martial arts relate to me”, you might ask

Well, I believe we all have an innate knowing and ancestry that lives within us on some level and this can show up our actions, movement and intuition. 

As you may know from our healthy eating write ups, I am a big fan of eating whole foods that are ancestrally consistent (so not modern processed foods that have a long list of ingredients).

Another part of primal living would have been the physical side of survival and a typical month would have seen hunting, foraging, climbing, sprinting, lifting, throwing and physical conflict with others and animals.

So, I believe aspects of martial qualities lie within us all and it maybe that by following some Dojiva principles you will further develop this disciplined and instinctive self. 

You might get glimpses of this during dynamic exercise or sport. It’s when ego self and true self meet… ego steps back, mind becomes silent and flow ensues. These are moments when you are guided and inspired from inside. Ultimately, you become your own wise teacher…

‘you become your own sensei’

A rising of respect starts when you enter the Dojo

Dojo has a lovely translation; it means ‘place of the way’. Each time you enter or leave, you bow to the room/space. But you could apply the same reverence to a home workout in your spare room or garage. 

And, ultimately you are bowing to (and maybe calling upon) your highest and most truthful self. Who is it that bows? Yes, it’s the ego that you leave at the entrance with your shoes! In fact, in karate if you don’t leave your ego by the door, it will soon end up strewn across the walls and mats!

The very core of Dojiva stems from TE AT SU karate

It forms the heart of why I do what I do and it has been a personal guide for 42 years! It’s a mixed martial art that started in 1970. Although the original founder (Shihan Dave Parker) passed away in 1996, his two protégées (sensei Tony Newman 6th Dan and Sensei Steve Gilbert 6th Dan) are still teaching today. In fact, sensei Tony runs a Dojo in South London that has mixed martial arts classes serving hundreds of kids and adults everyday!

Here is great line that is so true with many aspects of life:

Consistency is more important than intensity

I want you to nurture self discipline and commitment to show up for regular exercise sessions and that you give it your best in that moment. Sometimes it’s a breeze and other times very testing. Either way, keep your rhythm, be patient enjoy it! Aim for three challenging classes per week.

Summary

So, whether it be a martial art class, a session in the gym, yoga in the local village hall or a Dojiva HIIT class at home, at times you need a willingness to commit to dynamic movement and when appropriate, to also push yourself. This approach I believe will bounce back and give you more energy, more flow and more ‘get - up - and - go’ for life.

And, the scared (bowing) side of being present and finding your limits really can filter into everyday life and your regular classes. Please take many opportunities to bow this week.

And be sure to join in with as many of this week’s classes as you can.

Thanks for reading

Take care

Danny

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