Toughness

The typical definitions of toughness revolve around strength and durability. For us, being tough is not about being physically strong. Toughness is doing the things you need to do, no matter what you are feeling inside. It is being in situations where you are challenged or inconvenienced, but you go ahead and do it anyway. It is blocking out the “noise” and taking that forward step.

Mental and emotional toughness is used everyday for looking after family, doing your school work and homework, doing the things at work you do not want to do, and the list goes on. Sometimes, you just have to do what you have to do.

This is where the martial arts can be a great canvas for life. You do not know what is planned when you step foot inside the dojo. You do not know who you will be teamed up with. However, when you go ahead and perform anyway, even when you are physically and mentally fatigued, that breeds toughness. And when you know you are tough in any situation, it starts breeding a genuine expectation of winning. You know you will be successful with anything, as you are willing to pay the price. What a great and positive way to live your life.