In martial arts, as in life, one of the most difficult concepts for students of all ages to grasp is the undeniable fact that all learning begins with a setback, albeit of a temporary nature. Facing adversity is an inevitable part of the learning process. Rather than indicating failure, it is evidence that the martial artist is making progress.

Martial Artists experience adversity in a number of ways, Situational Adversity, Isolated Technical Adversity or Routine Adversity.

Identifying the source of adversity affecting your game can help the martial artist to further understand and move through these blocks.

It is important to note the difference between adversity and free failure. Adversity is a temporary condition. Absolute failure is a finite state. The real difference between the two is choice. Adversity is not a bad thing. It is an opportunity for each of us to prove our true capabilities.

Remember: Victory is reserved for those who show up.

SITUATIONAL ADVERSITY: This is the feeling of discomfort or intimidation that a martial artist may feel, typically in a new situation. Many martial artists experience situational adversity when beginning a lesson program (new sensei, different environment, a new dojo) training in a group with significantly more advanced practitioners.

Catch yourself before the negative self-talk starts: give yourself a pep talk, square your shoulders, smile and keep your focus.

Remember: When you face fear, the death of fear is inevitable.

ISOLATED, TECHNICAL ADVERSITY: Many martial artists experience isolated, technical adversity on the mat, and it is the simplest type of adversity to overcome, but not by hanging up your belt and taking up hockey! The majority of technical difficulty comes from going too fast and “making it up as you go”. If the same problem gets you every time, and the tips from your spouse, neighbor or training partner clearly aren’t working…. Ask your local JJBC Teaching Professional and get your game back on track. NO excuses.

Remember: Even a broken watch is right twice a day!

ROUTINE ADVERSITY: Routine adversity can be the toughest type to battle. It is seen when the martial artist has set long term goals for his or her game and it can be addressed by looking at whether the student is either under-training or over-training. If the student is not working hard enough, there are two choices: train harder or adjust the goals to be more compatible with what the student is willing to do to make it work.

Over-training is more complex. If the difficulty is physical injury, your sensei can help adjust your short term goals based on the recommendations from your doctor or physiotherapist.

Remember: Adversity is a temporary state and will be overcome as long as the martial artist keeps his or her big picture goal in mind.

Isaac Brule