Martial Arts and Physical Wellbeing
What hinders physical wellbeing?
It is not uncommon to hear about someone getting a heart attack, having rapidly deteriorating bones, tearing ligaments, suffering from respiratory diseases, etc. Every other person has one or quite a few of the above. Less oxygen being supplied to the brain, vitamin deficiencies and hormonal imbalance are some of the health issues that most of the population suffers from and the odds seem to be set against us with factors like increasing pollution, adulterated food, lack of exercise, growing screen time and inadequate amount of sleep impeding on our quality of life.
What constitutes physical wellbeing?
Physical wellbeing is an integral part of our lives. ‘Health is Wealth’ is not only a proverb. If it wasn’t for our able-bodies, we would not be able to do half of the things we effortlessly do. However, body parts that are visible and their functions such as walking, running are not the only indicators of physical wellbeing. Breathing is a constant exercise but seldom are we aware of it until we get a cold. And our hearts never really make it into any conversation until God forbid, there is a growing ache in the chest.
How can we keep healthy?
Exercise of any kind is beneficial and as we grow older, exercise is recommended even to ensure better respiration, blood circulation, etc. Physical activities such as swimming, jogging, cycling, etc. are some of the means of keeping the blood flowing. Learning karate from Shihan Sachin Chavan is a gateway to just that. Fundamentally meant to aid in self-defence, karate promises greater flexibility, strength, endurance, confidence and above all – a robust spirit; the sole weapon against poor health.
How can karate help us?
To be a karateka training under Shihan Sachin Chavan is to understand oneself – his method of instruction is an integrated whole of physics, biology, nutrition and spirituality. From naming the muscles being worked on to teaching techniques accordingly so that they are significant to one’s health, he is responsible for fostering a champion’s spirit in his students.
His philosophy is that of self-improvement in every sphere of life. He educates his students on building immunity, eating well, resting adequately and growing in every way there is. For instance, students would not be tested on their performance of Bassai Dai in reverse but the Shihan instructs them to do so anyway to help refresh their memory, keep them on their toes while also inviting a bit of laughter and cheer in the dojo. Performing kata is then fun and sharpens cognitive capabilities as well.
Mind and body training with Shihan Sachin Chavan entails expanding one’s thought beyond the ‘aesthetic value’ of learning karate. The goal is rarely ever so to simply lose weight, build abs and have a lean and/or muscular physique, however, personal motives are not looked down upon but rather encouraged as they hint at a person being driven enough to achieve them although to train under his mentorship is mastering health and wellness; it is to cultivate a belief system so strong that all is thought to be and is achieved.
