"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step"
Monday 06 March 2023
Tao Te Ching by Laozi
This philosophical statement teaches us that even the longest and most difficult ventures have a starting point which begins with a first step. In martial arts, that's represented sometimes with a white belt or even no belt at all
It always seems that a vast chasm of ignorance is in front of you, and many give up before taking that first step, or after a very few steps. It's very easy to be defeated by your own imagination. Yet, as they say, 'the only thing to fear is fear itself'. Think about it for a moment. Each step is a step forward. You have emerged from a cave and you've begun a journey. A positive journey. It may be tempting to scurry back to the safety of the cave. But look ahead, not behind. In the distance is a milestone. That's your next belt or coloured stripe. There are regular milestones all along your journey. Each one of them is like a fan, applauding you as you approach and pass them.
Remember, a black belt is simply a white belt that kept walking, taking each step at a time, passing each milestone, and moving on.
You never reach the end of your journey, of course. There is always the next milestone. So a black belt 4th Dan is simply a 3rd Dan on that journey. But what you discover is that you grow as a person. Not just in stamina, strength, speed and skill, but in terms of mental strength, resolve, confidence, humility, understanding, and a peaceful relationship with the world and the people in it.
One day, everything becomes effortless. You will flow like water. Bigger opponents are no longer bigger or even opponents. They are simply obstacles you know how to get around and deal with. This is not an impossible dream. It's a state of mind. And it starts with that first step.