Being small in stature often comes with its own set of challenges. From struggling to reach the top shelf to feeling overlooked in a crowd, the world can sometimes feel like it’s built for taller, stronger individuals. However, in the realm of martial arts, being small doesn’t mean being weak. In fact, it can be the very source of your strength.
At Shorinji Kempo, we embrace individuals of all shapes and sizes, recognising that each person brings unique strengths to the dojo. As a small person myself, I’ve encountered both difficulties and incredible benefits in my martial arts journey.
One of the biggest challenges is the initial intimidation factor. Walking into a dojo filled with larger, more muscular practitioners can be daunting. Doubts may creep in, questioning whether you have what it takes to excel in martial arts. However, as I soon discovered, size is not the sole determinant of skill or ability.
In Shorinji Kempo, technique triumphs over brute strength. By focusing on proper form, leverage, and timing, even the smallest practitioner can overcome larger opponents (within reason, anyway). In fact, being small means that you have to put extra effort into doing it right – where larger people can get away with brute strength for a while, us small people have to apply the principles correctly – which means we’re not developing bad habits. Through dedicated practice and perseverance, I’ve learned to harness my size to my advantage, using agility, speed, and precision to outmanoeuvre my opponents.
Moreover, martial arts isn’t just about physical combat; it’s a holistic journey of self-discovery and personal growth. As a small person, martial arts has empowered me in countless ways beyond the dojo. It has instilled confidence, discipline, and resilience, enabling me to navigate life’s challenges. When I first started Shorinji Kempo, I was the sort of person who would deliberately be late to a meeting of friends in a pub, because I didn’t want to be the first there and have to hang around looking awkward at the bar. Not any more!
So, to all my fellow petite individuals out there, don’t let size define your capabilities. Embrace your uniqueness, and step into the dojo with confidence. In Shorinji Kempo, you’ll find a supportive community that celebrates diversity and champions individuality. In our Bristol dojo you’ll find a teacher who understands your size and the challenges and rewards it brings.
Remember, being small doesn’t mean being weak—it means being agile, adaptable, and unstoppable in the face of adversity.
Bristol Shorinji Kempo 