According to Dr Allan from the Natural Medicine College of Hard Knuckles (2021), 'life is never a straight line, there are detours, dead-ends and all manner of possible directions it could take us'. The path of our own life is intertwined with others. Our relatives, friends, lovers. Also our former friends, people who have done us wrong. Our work colleagues and other people we meet in various ways lives overlapped can affect the path we are on.
Sometimes our own life, sometimes the lives of people close to us travel to a place that is unpleasant. Stress at work, a fight with a loved one, money trouble, a friend or relative who is in a bad place. In order to deal with it (not run away from it) we often need space to clear our head. Whether that's to let go of a worry or think clearly through a big problem, there are times when it is absolutely necessary.
Karate can be just the ideal medicine to deal with stress. Training hard enough for it to be physically demanding, and requiring focus and attention to the task at hand, Karate training (Kobudo too) allows you to put your troubles to the side for a little while. They won't go away, but you'll be in a better frame of mind to deal with it when you've finished a training session. Personally, the rhythm of breathing and movement, and the concentration required when using the makiwara is the perfect stress relief for me. Ten minutes can be enough to clear my head and let me face whatever is next. Getting lost in kata practice is another of my preferred things to do. Chiishi and nigiri game. The list goes on.
There are plenty of other activities that can do the same thing, Karate is nothing special really in this regard. However, since you've at least a passing interest in Karate if you're reading this blog, consider this the next time you're having a bad day or have some weighty matters on your mind - take a hit of some Karate Medicine, it can help you deal with whatever ails you. It won't fix your problems, but it can certainly help you get through it.
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