Okay, no one technically stops learning because life teaches you at every step of the way. However, most stop actively learning. This means they stop going out of their way to gain new knowledge. But I feel like that’s just a life wasted. In my opinion, learning new things is the single best way to improve your life and yourself. And there’s a special place to jump start this journey, it’s called a Dojo.
Dojo is a Japanese term which literally means ‘place of the way.’ It’s a place that not only teaches martial arts but also where people learn life lessons, and values in a social nurturing environment.
Learning martial arts will keep your body and mind young and sharp. Depending on what you decide to learn, you could be improving your memory, your perception, and especially your physical stature. While doing push-ups exercises your muscles, striking pads builds stamina, doing self defence drills boosts your self confidence… learning simply makes you feel better about yourself.
It doesn’t matter if you are 18 or 80, the brain seeks to learn more, so don’t deprive it. Learning keeps the brain healthy and can even help alleviate symptoms of depression. If you’re feeling down, try to challenge yourself by doing something new. It could be learning a language, doing pottery, picking up a musical instrument or becoming a martial artist.
Finally, it’s important to know that learning is not just about gaining new knowledge but also about creating meaning for yourself. It gives you the freedom to approach life with a more open mind and discover different perspectives. So don’t let fear of the unknown stop you from continuing your journey of growth – become a lifelong learner and continue to challenge yourself. Remember, every black belt is and was a passionate beginner. There is an important saying in martial arts – 初心者の心を保つ… Keep a beginner’s heart.