Martial Arts as a Way of Life: What Keeps Me Motivated After 40+ Years
Posted: February 20, 2025
Martial arts has been a part of my life for over four decades. When people hear that, they often ask me, “How do you stay motivated for so long?” It’s a fair question, and one I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on. The truth is, my motivation doesn’t come from some superhuman willpower or a need to prove something to anyone else. It comes from the fact that martial arts isn’t just something I do—it’s who I am.
You see, martial arts stopped being an “activity” for me a long time ago. Activities are something you can quit when they get hard or when life gets busy. But when martial arts becomes a way of life, quitting is no longer an option—it’s part of who you are. You don’t quit life.
But let me explain what keeps me motivated, day after day, year after year, and why I believe martial arts can be a lifelong journey for anyone willing to embrace it.
1. Remembering What It’s Like to Be a Beginner
One of the things that keeps me going is watching beginners step onto the mat for the first time. I see the nervousness in their eyes, the uncertainty in their movements, and the spark of excitement when they learn something new.
That spark takes me back to when I was a beginner. I still remember what it was like to tie my white belt for the first time, feeling awkward, unsure, and completely out of my element. But that’s where the magic begins.
I try to keep the “beginner’s mind” alive in my own training. No matter how many years I’ve trained, there’s always something new to learn, something to improve upon. Martial arts is like an endless well—you can keep drawing from it, and it never runs dry. That beginner’s mindset keeps the journey fresh and exciting for me.
2. Martial Arts Is Never Boring
One of the greatest things about martial arts is that it’s impossible to get bored. It’s an art, a science, a philosophy, and even a history lesson, all rolled into one.
There’s always a new technique to learn, a deeper principle to understand, or a historical context to explore. Martial arts isn’t just about throwing punches and kicks—it’s about understanding why you’re doing it, the philosophy behind it, and how it applies to your life.
Yes, it’s hard. But it’s never boring. And that’s what makes it so rewarding.
3. Progress You Can See and Feel
Another thing I love about martial arts is how easy it is to see your own progress. Whether it’s nailing a technique you’ve struggled with for weeks, earning a new belt, or just feeling stronger and more confident, the results are tangible.
Life doesn’t always give us clear markers of success, but martial arts does. It’s a discipline that rewards consistency and effort, and that’s incredibly motivating.
4. The Support of the Martial Arts Community
The people I train with are some of the most supportive and motivating individuals I’ve ever met. Martial arts isn’t like other competitive sports where you’re constantly trying to outdo someone else. It’s non-competitive—except with yourself.
Everyone in the dojo is there to help each other grow. Whether it’s a high-five after a hard class, words of encouragement from an instructor, or watching a fellow student achieve a breakthrough, the sense of community is unmatched.
This camaraderie reminds me that martial arts isn’t just about individual growth—it’s about growing together.
5. Discipline Through Discipline
Martial arts teaches discipline by being a discipline. It’s not something you can master overnight. It requires you to show up, put in the work, and stay consistent. Over time, this practice of discipline spills over into every aspect of your life—your work, your relationships, your mindset.
Discipline isn’t just a skill—it’s a way of living. And martial arts is one of the best teachers of that lesson.
6. Finding Yourself Through Training
At its core, martial arts is about self-discovery. It pushes you to look deep within yourself, to confront your fears, your limits, and your doubts. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
When you train hard, you don’t just find strength—you find yourself. You discover what you’re truly capable of, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.
A Lifelong Journey
Martial arts isn’t something I do to stay fit or pass the time. It’s my way of life. It’s what keeps me grounded, motivated, and always striving to be better.
So if you’re wondering what keeps me going after 40+ years, it’s simple: martial arts has given me more than I could ever give back. It’s not just kicks and punches—it’s a journey of growth, discipline, and self-discovery.
And the best part? It’s a journey anyone can start, at any time, at any age.