There are many times in life where you must display a level of commitment. In a relationship, in in college or university, or when working towards achieving important goals. It’s true that one’s level of commitment does tend to vary from person to person. A primal way that one can be faced with multiple levels of commitment, is through martial arts. 

What Does Commitment Mean?

Commitment can be defined as being dedicated to an activity, cause, or end goal. Whether it be towards an activity like karate, or a cause like the Ten Oaks Project, commitment represents the energy, determination, and focus that one has towards one specific thing.

The neat thing about commitment is that it can be applied in so many different ways in life. It can also look different for every person. The most common though, for many, is through an activity. Martial arts is a great example of this. 

Commitment in Martial Arts

The beauty of martial arts is that good things come to those who wait. A concept taught by our senseis, and the senseis before them, success in karate and martial arts takes time. In other words, it takes commitment. One must spend time learning, trying and failing, and working to succeed. Those who are committed to martial arts understand that to truly succeed in the art, it can take many years.

Tips for Positive Commitment in Martial Arts

Commitment is typically not a word that is said lightly. It really does tend to refer to big things in one’s life. However, when committing to something big, it is very common for one to lose focus or get lost in the emotions of it. The key is staying positive throughout the process. Here are some helpful tips for you to consider and implement when you are committing to something big, both in the dojo and in life. 

• Remember that committing to something can invoke emotions along the way. Although your task may be physical, there are many emotional elements as well. First, it is important to understand that your feelings are valid, and just show how truly dedicated you are to your end goal. It’s okay to take breaks for reflection. Above all, actions will speak, and the more you commit, the closer you will become to your goals.

• Understand the why of you and your commitment. It’s important to always keep your end goal at top of mind. In times of struggle or defeat, continue to remind yourself what you are working towards, and how great it will feel inside and out when you achieve it.

• Do not compare yourself to others. This works both ways. We mentioned earlier that a level of commitment truly can vary from person to person. With that, it’s completely normal for people to achieve things at different paces. Do not be discouraged if your peer has achieved something that you are working towards before you. Instead, take it as a celebration for your peer, and as motivation for you to get there too.

• Set goals within your goal. It is true that some end goals can take years of commitment. Setting mini goals to achieve along the way and celebrating milestones is a great way to help you keep on track. 

Implementation of these four core tips can help one take a much more positive approach when it comes to committing to goals in their life.

Martial Arts at Douvris Martial Arts

Celebrating 40 years, we have proudly been offering our karate, kickboxing, and martial arts programs for decades. We are committed to our tried and proven model with a low student-to-teacher ratio, flexible schedule, and world-class instructors. Our programs are offered at 9 locations across the Ottawa and Gatineau Region. You can learn more here.

Final Notes:
Please be advised that this article is based on our own thoughts and opinions and have not been approved by a professional.