What Would It Take??

[sensei8]

Is there anything that you can think of that would cause you to walk away from the MA forever???

[Archimoto]

Wow !!!

A heavier question there never was !!!

The martial arts for me started off as a personal endeavor and over time began to influence and inspire the way I think, the way I eat, the way I LIVE and that I'll always take with me. In this regard I think it's possible to walk away from the MA and still remain a Martial Artist. Life often presents battles outside of the ring where our training and mental preparation can be most valuable and is most needed.

As for me, the most important thing in the universe is my family. I dare not conjure a scenario for walking away from MA but my family is everything to me and there isn't anything I wouldn't walk away from, or run through, for them. Of course, it goes without saying that I believe I would always remain a martial artist !!!

Great question Sensei8 !!!

I can't wait to read your view and others on this !

Edited August 3, 2014 by Archimoto

[Wado Heretic]

Losing the ability to walk; which is not me making light of paralysis by the way. I have a back condition I have to regulate (weight control, certain exercises each day, ect.) and in the long run it will probably effect my ability walk, but hopefully not until later life. If I couldn't walk any more, then I probably would stop being involved in Martial Arts. I wouldn't want to enjoy them vicariously by still being involved in the auxiliary activities involved beyond training.

[cheesefrysamurai]

I very much like Archimotos answer.

I would like to add that sometimes in face of a life changing crisis priorities change. I can imagine what would it would take to make me give up but in those circumstances, it wouldn't be as simple as something else displacing karate, rather karate being rendered unimportant because my life has completely changed so radically.

[andym]

NO !

[Harkon72]

Martial Arts have made me and saved me, I will always practice them to some degree. But if I ever abused them or made a shameful act because of them, I would drastically change my attitude towards them. I have little value for the material things in life, I don't chase fame or wealth; but if Martial Arts made me lose the focus of my being, of my very journey in this life; I would leave them to whatever betrayed them in my eyes.

[Spartacus Maximus]

It is difficult for me to imagine what or where I would be without martial arts. I can recall several occasions where being involved into martial arts kept me focussed on something else and out of potentially serious trouble.

I will probably continue as long as I can move and the only thing that would force me to stop would be a very serious injury causing permanent disability or loss of limb. Other than that I cannot think of anything else that would stop me from doing the thing I love most.

[Archimoto]

I very much like Archimotos answer.

I would like to add that sometimes in face of a life changing crisis priorities change. I can imagine what would it would take to make me give up but in those circumstances, it wouldn't be as simple as something else displacing karate, rather karate being rendered unimportant because my life has completely changed so radically.

Thanks CheeseFrySamurai !!

By the way I completely agree with your characterization of radical change rather than displacement under certain circumstances. Sums it up perfectly.

[bushido_man96]

I think the only way is if I just fall apart physically, and can't do them anymore. Even if that ever happened, I would still keep coming here to fulfill my Martial Arts needs.

[Lordy]

Great thread.

Up to a few months ago I would probably have said no. However, things change. Life changes.

Two months ago I suffered a heart attack, which has left a lot of damage to one side of the heart. When I first left hospital I was just glad to still be alive. Then once I had settled down I began thinking about working towards getting back to Karate, which I love. It also gave me something to focus on, and I also truly believe that all my training in the MA had also equipped me with a positive mental attitude in which to confront what has been a life changing situation for me.

However, as time goes on and I go to see my consultant and crack on with rehab, I begin to see that the ship may have sailed. I know my consultant doesn't want me going back to it. Plus I realise that there are more important things. Family, friends and watching my children grow up.

So I say all that to say this. Things can change. Never in a million years did I ever think I would consider walking away, but sometimes things happen. I may be back, or I may not, but I'll try my best to make it back.

Great post Sensei, and I would also like to thank you for your feedback and advice since I joined this forum. Much appreciated.

Take care all and have a good day.