Coming back to Karate training came with a sense of positivity and apprehension. My Senseis gave me clear instructions: take it easy and stay within my limits. The groin strain had finally healed — though I could still feel that faint line of tightness running from my abdomen to upper thigh — a subtle reminder not to push too hard, too soon.

I started the session sensibly tailoring the warm-up and mobility but after watching me run through my kata, the senior Sensei offered some insight that completely shifted my focus: she told me to let go of the tension, to stop relying on strength, and to move with more ease.

At first, it felt strange to soften as I had associated Karate with power and precision. Yet as I slowed things down, my technique actually improved. There was more control, more awareness, and, interestingly, more connection.

It reminded me of a story from The Zen of Martial Arts, where the author described his own frustration trying to master certain movements and overcome an opponent. His breakthrough came only when his teacher showed him the simplicity of moving like water — fluid, natural, and unforced.

That idea of flow keeps coming up, whether in martial arts, Yoga, or life in general. Some regard it as more than just a state of mind and more of i a way of being. For me, it’s become a gentle reminder to bring a sense of ease into my Karate training and particularly a style of Yoga practice I also aim to progress with… aptly known as Vnyasa flow.