Often when you watch a karate tournament you will notice in the sparring segments that the competitors with the superior techniques are not always the ones who win the matches. A competitor who receives a minor injury during a match, for example, will suddenly become hesitant to attack, and, in spite of possessing superior skills, may lose even if the physical effects of the injury were negligible. Similarly, an exceptionally aggressive competitor can win more than his or her fair share of matches just relying on this trait alone.
This illustrates how matches can often be won or lost even before the competitors enter the ring. We are all aware of the importance of training hard and practicing our techniques before competition, but we sometimes forget a crucial aspect of our preparation: motivation, or the will to win.
The importance of motivation in preparing for any activity is illustrated by the Japanese word yoi, which means “ready.” The first ideogram, yo, means “use” or “utilize,” while the second, i, means “will” or “motivation.” To be prepared is to be motivated.
There is a well-known aspect of karate training in which the proper preparation of your will and motivation are crucial for success. Success does, however, require firm belief that your chosen goal is attainable. A shred of doubt will keep you from success, but if you firmly grasp an unshakable belief that you can do it, then you will reach your goals.
- Adapted from "The Empty Hand: A Karate Workbook" by Rui Umezawa
