The Power of Now

This week in class, we’re talking about the power of now, which is the ability to take action in real time without second-guessing yourself.

In both karate and life, getting started can often be the hardest part, as people tend to overthink, imagining all the possible problems before they even begin. This analysis paralysis creates hesitation, fuels doubt and prevents progress before it ever starts.

When you come to karate class, there’s no time to overthink. Sensei lines everyone up, calls out “Attention!” and before you know it, you’re responding with energy and focus, “Good, sir!” That instant action builds momentum, and it’s this same kind of real-time response that leads to success not just in the dojo, but in every area of life, including home, school, and work.

So, this week, we’re challenging you to do it right away whenever you face a task, whether it’s as simple as brushing snow off the car or shovelling the driveway. Don’t delay or make excuses because the longer you wait, the more room doubt will have to creep in, and that doubt is what we call the silent killer. This silent killer can stop dreams, kill motivation, and keep people from ever really getting started on the important things in life.

On a personal note, I’ll never forget when we had to move our classes online five years ago. The world seemed to be falling apart, and everyone was panicking, and uncertainty was everywhere. Within two days, we took swift action, and we were up and running virtual classes for our students at a time when everyone was hitting the pause button

At the same time, I remember my daughter’s dance school and even her regular school hitting pause as they cancelled classes; when they eventually did start, it was treated as the new norm (remember that one lol), which quickly became casual as kids blacked out their screens not even knowing if they were in the lesson. We made no exceptions; in virtual karate class, kids had to be in uniform, respectful and always give their best effort, and it restored that sense of normalcy they were all craving.

Many of our students who trained through those early virtual classes are still here today, and some are now Black Belts. If you ask them, they will tell you that taking quick action back then made all the difference, even when things were so uncertain.

So next time you are struggling and start to feel a little doubt creep in, remember the saying “Kick doubt out, act it out, because that’s what being a Black Belt is all about!”

Sensei Chris