Opportunities in Setbacks

Coping with injury is the most common challenge a martial artist must learn to face. Unfortunately, or perhaps fortunately, it often is the most difficult.

Injury is inevitable. If I am not injured,  it is usually because I am not pushing myself. As a martial artist, I am always nursing some ailment or another. A big portion of my day revolves around managing inflammation and rehabilitation.

Injuries affect us physically and mentally. The physical aspect of the injury is comparatively simple to address. Rehab and/or rest is pretty much all that is required to help our body’s natural tendency to heal. The mental aspect of the injury is much more difficult, and important, to address. Fortifying mental resolve is imperative if you want to be successful in the martial arts.

Every setback creates an associated opportunity for growth. My first knee reconstruction forced me to expand my repertoire of techniques beyond the acrobatic kicks I was so fond of and famous for. The year I spent rehabilitating my knee is the foundation upon which my black belt was earned. Without that knee injury I would have continued to rely upon my kicks for my fighting success and I doubt if I ever would have felt compelled to round out the rest of my skill set.

After five knee surgeries and various bone fractures, I have developed a lot of experience and strategies to help me heal and recover. What I have learned from those setbacks continues to serve me and it has prepared me for the inevitable setbacks that come with aging. I may be getting older but I am always getting better.

The next time you experience a setback, do not let doubt and frustration derail your resolve. Instead recognize the opportunity you have in front of you and proceed boldly. There are no setbacks — only lessons and opportunities to strengthen the foundation of your success.

Jeff Brinker