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One day you are a humble white belt getting your ass kicked mentally, spiritually and physically. Ten years later (🤞in my case) you are a black belt, equipped with so much mental fortitude and serenity you can lead a group of 15 hyperactive children down the same path.
Life can be beautiful.
Jan 23, 2024
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this might sound cliché, but learning kendo helps me overcome my fear of failure. ngl i still feel intimidated every time i'm at the dojo, because the training is very intense, lots of shouting and stomping, but i know i'm not gonna learn anything if i let fear control me. "fear is the mind killer." i may look stupid as i try to keep up with the senseis and senpais, but all i care about is learning. having someone scream and charge at you with a bamboo sword is fucking terrifying, but you have no choice but to face them and strike back. everyone gets hit anyway, so just do it. even the most seasoned senseis have failed countless times before. failure is part of success.
maintaining that mindset helps me in other aspects of my life. ever since i started learning kendo 2 years ago, i've stepped outside of my comfort zone more. trying new things, taking on challenges more. sometimes i fail, but that's okay, the point is to try and learn.
so yeah, i highly recommend taking up martial arts or combat sports. not only is it good for physical fitness, it builds determination and confidence.
Apr 6, 2025
🥊
Find a legit gym and have the most fun you've ever had in your life. Not only does it teach you how to be a badass but it also teaches you that you're not as badass as you thought you were. It orients you more objectively than lifting weights and flexing in the mirror does. Plus you don't have to use your words anymore
May 22, 2024
There’s something quite surreal about standing there exchanging blows, kicks, knees and elbows with an utterly complete stranger on a random weekday evening.
I’ve found muay thai useful for keeping my mind in check, even though it sometimes makes your body feel like it's been in a minor car crash.
Jan 17, 2025
Top Recs from @appraiser
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Start with the classics, move to Alanis Obomsawin's work, and fall deep in the rabbit hole of Canada's incredible filmmaking legacy.
Feb 6, 2024
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I'm biased, but c'mon, try and tell me it doesn't hit the spot EVERY time.
Simplicity wins when the utmost respect is given to humble ingredients.
Sahten habibi!
Jan 24, 2024
My love for this man’s filmmaking is so profound it could bring me to tears.
Garlic Is As Good As Ten Mothers (1980) gave me more validation than I knew a film could. So much so I made my family sit down and watch it recently. My brother promptly ordered me the books mentioned in the doc. Feeling seen is never overrated.
Special mention to Innocents Abroad (1991) and Always for Pleasure (1978).
Jan 30, 2024