Martial arts is much more than a fight between two opponents. Rather than showcasing one’s strength and fighting skills, it can be a vehicle to achieve self-development. No wonder, a DOJO, the arena where we practise martial arts, means a place for learning,or meditation or a place of enlightenment.

When I first came to the Dojo one morning in Nov 2017, I wasn’t ready for a big surprise on the first day itself. I was warmly welcomed and introduced to Hanshi. After some exchange of greetings, I was told to start practising. I had some background in other martial arts from school days and was following what I had learned years ago.
During the break, Hanshi Dev Anand, who observed my mistakes and shortcomings, came to me and said I needed to unlearn many things first to do the things the right way. To start with, he showed me how to stand firm with complete control of your body. Till that moment, I was unaware that there was another better way for a simple act like standing still. This was an awakening for me.

Be open to things
Hanshi’s words have stayed with me ever since. Now I am more open in accepting my shortcomings with a slime and open to let go things to accept new ones.

Respect for others
Most of the practitioners at the Dojo were much younger to me when I joined; but they were all seniors to me and they were my masters there. I would bow to them, take instruction from them, and even face criticism at times. But all this was fun. Later I realised our opponents are our best teachers. The training and fights with partners who were stronger, more skillful and much younger than me lowered my ego and anger and helped make me a better student. These changes gradually extended to our daily life at home and office, too.
With the practice of martial arts, I now approach even my adversaries with empathy and respect, and surprisingly this has helped me gain control of situations with much ease.

Discipline and self control
Dojo is an arena where we learn combat techniques and develop a winner mindset. The discipline and self control that we develop help us understand ourselves better and help us in daily life. The way I react to many situations changed after I joined the Dojo and trained under the guidance of Hanshi. I personally feel the spirit and teachings of martial arts help us handle our conflicts and adversaries with much ease and greater confidence.


A tougher physique and mind
There is no doubt that the sessions are tough and physically demanding, but not without their benefits. The spirit to win a fight and not to quit easily gradually extends to our daily life, too. Moreover, the pace and the intensity of the fights require high levels of concentration and teaches you to be present at that moment. At a time when we are surrounded with so many distractions today, the practice to control our thoughts and stay focussed during the exercises and fights develops a much needed strength.