Fit for life. This is the phrase I most often use to describe Xen-Do and what we do. Repeat this phrase several times and reflect on it. What does it mean to you? Does the enormity of these three words sink in?

Physical

It’s easy to think of fitness at an immediate, physical level and here the benefits of training with Xen-Do are easily seen, improved stamina, flexibility, strength and cardio performance. When we talk about life and relate that to our whole life, then fitness is even more significant if we are to remain active and literally ‘fit for life’ especially as we enter our 50’s and beyond.

Psychological

Let’s now look at mental fitness where again the immediate release of adrenaline and endorphins create a feel good factor. It’s when we look at mental fitness at a higher, longer term level that we begin to appreciate the contribution to our whole life outlook.

Parents bring their children to Xen-Do to improve their behaviour and performance at school, many Xen-Do members have demanding careers and find the release from stress a major benefit. However it is in our improved resilience to and enjoyment of life over the years that really counts: the determination to succeed in exams, career, interests and dreams. Fit for life and emotionally fulfilled.

Fear

Increasingly, I hear ‘self defence’ given as a reason to take up martial arts and here I want to throw light on the delusion that proficiency on the dojo prepares you fully to face the street. Of course, to an extent it does – the playground bully is deflated, Xen-Do’s 3A approach to personal safety equips you to anticipate and avoid conflict and our techniques can give you the edge to gain time in an attack in order to run.

There is a misconception of both the scale and source of threat we face and this stifles our free spirit – ‘I would if I could’, ‘If only…’, ‘I wish’; we are, in reality, living in safer times than ever before yet our perception of risk varies from the naive ‘it couldn’t happen to me’ to the over cautious phobia, both detract from our wellbeing and ability to fulfil our aspirations. Start using Xen-Do’s 3A to reduce your fear of violence and channel your adrenalin and endorphins released on the dojo to boost your inner confidence and increase your willpower.

Respect fear, hone your intuition to recognise, respect and repel that which impedes your aims and together with us at Xen-Do focus on becoming increasingly fitter for life on the whole.

This article is based on opinion:
– the author is not a qualified doctor or anyone who can dispense medical advice.
– any opinions stated are just that and people should consult a doctor before making any dietary changes or changes of any nature prompted by the articles published by or on behalf of Xen-Do.
– under 16’s please obtain parental permission before posting anything online.