Practice in art and karate

Karate concepts in my life

I think about karate a lot. Definitely more than 5 years ago when I rediscovered it. Initially, my aspiration was merely to enhance my fitness and well-being. However, as I delved deeper into training, I began to discern its profound impact on facets beyond the dojo. Physical transformations accompanied mental shifts; improved health bolstered my self-assurance while fostering a sense of tranquility and measured responses. Through diligent practice, I uncovered the invaluable lessons karate imparted, transcending its domain into my everyday life. The ethos of a beginner's mind, advocating continuous learning, openness, and empathy, emerged as a cornerstone. This newfound perspective seeped into my professional realm, softening my adherence to sometimes rigid rules when teaching graphic design and prompting a more exploratory approach. The ethos of nin tai, embracing progress over perfection, became my guiding principle. Consistent effort, I realized, breeds proficiency and ease over time. Embracing this philosophy eased my struggle with imposter syndrome, offering a comforting reminder of my personal journey and accomplishments. Karate,
for me, isn't a competitive pursuit but rather a personal odyssey of growth and self-mastery. The essence lies not in outdoing others but in surpassing oneself—each session a triumph in dedication and resilience. This mindset has enriched my martial arts journey and instilled a profound sense of peace and contentment within.

The (Martial) Art

“ Living life as an artist is a practice.
You are either engaging in the practice,
or you’re not…

We tend to think of the artist’s work as the output.
The real work of the artist
is a way of being in the world.”
—Rick Rubin

Rick Rubin's book, “The Creative Act: A Way of Being,” sparked a profound shift in how I view both karate and art. Despite not focusing on martial arts, the parallels between the creative process in art (visual or audible) and the practice of karate became strikingly evident. Like in art, karate is about relishing the practice rather than fixating on outcomes. Improvement in artistry emerges naturally through dedicated practice, independent of external validation or recognition. An artist's journey is akin to a continuous evolution, where each creation holds its unique allure. The thrill lies not only in mastering new skills but also in the ongoing exploration of artistic expression. When approached with sincerity and an unwavering passion for creation, the process becomes the purpose, transcending transient successes or accolades. While commercial success may come and go, the commitment to self-improvement through practice remains timeless and infinitely fulfilling.

Whether it’s a rock band, an art collective, or a group of martial artists in the dojo, the collective effort of each member significantly impacts the overall outcome. When everyone brings their best to the table, the group becomes a wellspring of shared energy and inspiration, greater than the mere sum of its parts. In this collaborative environment, whether among musicians or martial artists, everyone’s dedication and passion ignite a cycle of mutual inspiration, lifting everyone to new heights while benefiting the collective whole. Despite the challenges of rigorous training, the sense of fulfillment and self-assurance generated creates a ripple effect of positivity, casting a halo of optimism that extends to our surroundings and community. The more we cultivate these fields of positivity, the richer and more impactful our shared journey becomes.

For each rank promotion, we ask students to reflect on what karate means to them. This essay was submitted by Mr. Šabach on the occasion of his sho dan (first degree black belt) test.