The techniques we learn in martial arts carry over into our daily lives. In life, when we face challenges, our natural reactions are to fight, flee, or freeze. As martial artists, we learn to shift and pivot—first on the dojo floor, then through the issues we encounter each day.
Life throws its own punches at us: a rude comment on social media, stress from work or relationships, verbal abuse. We’ve faced worse in the dojo. Sure, words may not bruise like fists, but if we’re unprepared, they can hurt just as much.
In my style of Cha Sin Do, I teach energy preservation. Many martial arts have similar concepts. The idea is simple: let your opponent waste their energy while you conserve yours. Beginners start with basic blocks. After their first belt promotion, they learn techniques like V-slips and dodges—ways to shift and pivot around an incoming strike. When done well, the opponent’s energy misses us completely, leaving them off balance and vulnerable to a counterattack.
As a Sensei, I emphasize de-escalation—avoiding the fight before it begins. Verbal threats, though harmful, are only as powerful as the energy we give them. Like a physical attack, they stem from emotional imbalance. I teach students to recognize this. An attack—verbal or physical—is rarely personal.
Recently, I taught these shifting and pivoting techniques in a class focused on both physical and verbal scenarios. I broke it down into four simple steps:
- Recognize the attack and understand it’s not personal.
- Breathe.
- Shift your thoughts to preserve energy.
- Respond.
These steps help students stay grounded, manage their emotions, breathe through the moment, and respond intentionally rather than reactively.
One student in particular stands out. Naturally shy and raised to be passive, he initially froze when I presented a mock verbal attack. Over time, in a supportive environment, he learned to shift and stay focused. His go-to response became, “Are you having a bad day?” It gets me every time. I can’t help but smile as his Sensei. That line, simple as it is, will serve him well when he encounters real-world aggression.
These techniques also help us handle our internal battles. As we age, our harshest critic is often ourselves. Doubt, fear, and self-sabotage creep in. But the same skills apply: shift your perspective, preserve your energy, and respond with clarity. Trusted people around us can also help anchor us when we falter.
At a recent martial arts retreat, I met a remarkable young woman named Layla. She was enthusiastic and eager to train but admitted that she “runs on nervousness.” During practice, her focus wavered. I offered a simple reframing: “Nervousness shows you care.” Her entire demeanor changed. Her breathing steadied, her eyes focused, and she lit up the rest of the retreat with her precision and passion. I learned a lot from her.
In conclusion, the dojo teaches us more than martial techniques—it offers life tools. Shifting and pivoting is one such foundational skill, helping us navigate both external and internal challenges. The more we practice, the stronger and more balanced we become—not just as martial artists, but as human beings.
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Love this! As a Krav Maga practitioner I couldn’t agree more. Lessons on the mat go far beyond physical strength and balance. Thank you for sharing your insights.
My pleasure to share. Than you for sharing the joy
Wonderfully said. Great inspiration and thoughtfulness