What Goju Ryu Karate is teaching me about writing
At some point in my writing journey, I hit a wall and veered off course. When you’re stuck in a ditch, it’s time to recalibrate: but how do I lift myself out and get back on the road? The wall hits us all at some point, whether in our careers, training or other pursuits. So, continuing the driving metaphor, there are two choices: call roadside recovery or find a way to get yourself moving again.
Initiating the Course Correct
I’ve been writing for years and, whilst my wife might disagree, my driving is better because I never hit walls or rarely go off course. My writing, however, is a different story. Something in my practice has created a block that’s hampering my productivity. How do I course-correct?
Sometimes recalibrating means stepping back and reflecting. The answer isn’t an epiphany or another productivity hack. It needs a return to the fundamentals. Do I go back to school or sign up for an online refresher? I’ve chosen a third option: explore my writing practice through the system of Goju Ryu Karate.
Hard and Soft
Before the ‘Karate Kid’ jokes follow, no, there will be no crane kicks or strikes followed by a loud yell. Understanding Karate, a system built around the study of technique, mechanics and flow, might help me discover how I write. In developing this process, my aim is to document my journey and build a writing system from familiar roots: a map for the next time I get lost. Perhaps I’ll even share it with you.
For now, I’m calling this ‘Goju Writing’, using six main elements, from Kihon (basics) to Randori (free practice), alongside principles that will sit at the philosophical centre of my writing: Go (hard) and Ju (soft).
Ready to Learn
My blog will be the dojo: a structured environment where I can safely study, practise and develop. In many Japanese martial arts, senseis and their students often start class by saying ‘Onegaishimasu’. One of its many translations is ‘let’s train together’, signifying a readiness to learn.
I’m stepping into the Writer’s Dojo, taking a bow and ready to learn.
What about you?
Have you ever been lost and had to go back to basics to get back on track? What helped you course-correct?
Leave a comment and tell me about it. I’d be particularly interested to hear from other writers, artists, creatives, generally anyone who’s had to find their way back after hitting a wall.
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