Never Give Up! How to Re-Spark Your Drive When Martial Arts Gets Hard

Every martial artist encounters challenging phases. Perhaps you’re feeling stuck, your body aches more than usual, or life outside the dojo is draining your energy. Whatever the reason, it’s easy to lose motivation when the journey stops feeling like consistent progress.

But the truth is, these challenging phases are precisely where real growth happens – if you can keep going. In Shorinji Kempo, we see these difficulties as integral to building resilience, embodying the principle of gōjū ittai (hard and soft forming one whole). The tough days are just as important as the easy ones, for they build the mental toughness crucial for true mastery.

Here are five ways to navigate those tough times and keep your motivation strong:

1. Remember Why You Started: Think back to your very first class. What was that initial spark? Was it curiosity, self-defence, fitness, or a desire for confidence? That initial motivation is still there; you just need to reconnect with it. In Shorinji Kempo, a core philosophy is to “live half for your own happiness, half for the happiness of others”. Even when you’re tired, remembering that your training benefits not just you, but also empowers you to stand up for those in need and improve the world around you, can be a powerful motivator.
   
2. Break It Into Smaller Goals: Sometimes, the big picture (like achieving a black belt) can feel overwhelming. Instead, focus on more immediate, achievable steps. For instance, tell yourself, “I want to improve my footwork this month” or “I want to perfect that one throw.” In the dojo, this approach mirrors our structured grading system: you master one set of skills before moving to the next, building confidence with each step.
   
3. Train With Others: When motivation dips, your training partners can provide invaluable support and help carry you through. Commit to showing up for them, even when you don’t feel like showing up for yourself. In Shorinji Kempo, paired practice (kumi embu) is central to learning and essential for applying techniques in a dynamic environment. You can’t truly develop your skills alone, and that sense of responsibility and camaraderie within the community keeps you engaged and accountable.
   
4. Embrace the Plateaus: Progress in martial arts is rarely a straight line. There will be periods, sometimes months, where nothing seems to improve. This is completely normal. Often, your body and mind are consolidating skills during these times, even if you don’t feel a breakthrough. Instead of constantly chasing immediate improvements, learn to value simply showing up and consistently doing the work – the progress will undoubtedly come with perseverance.
   
5. Change Your Perspective on “Tough”: Difficulty isn’t a sign you’re failing; it’s a sign you’re pushing into new territory and growing. As mentioned, the Shorinji Kempo principle of gōjū ittai (hard and soft together) reminds us that challenges are an inherent part of the balance in training. The tough days are just as important as the easy ones because they actively build your resilience and mental toughness. These are the days that truly count the most.

The Bottom Line: Motivation will naturally ebb and flow throughout your martial arts journey. The key is to keep turning up, even when you don’t feel like it, because those are the days that forge your discipline and character. If you’re going through a hard phase in training, remember: you’re not alone, and you’re still moving forward. And when you’re ready to push past it, you know where to find us.