A lot more than just karate.

When I joined Arjun school of martial arts [ ASMA ] five and a half years ago, my view of it was that its just a simple school of karate, I will go there, learn a few punches and kicks and be done with it, Little did I know how lucky I was to be able to step foot in a vast ocean of knowledge. I used to be scared of my seniors, but I have reached so far because of the help and support they provided me along the way. My sensei, who believed in me; my body was not gifted, it was not built to do such physical activity. At no point of time did he let me feel that, he motivated me to improve not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. If it was not for ASMA, our sensei and seniors I would still be the same kid sitting in front of the TV on the couch, instead I am the kid who strives to improve and to live up to the expectations of my teachers and mentors. It would not be wrong to say that our sensei saved my life and brought me on the right track before it was too late. Every six months, we have ‘camps’ where we train beyond our dojos, there is no constraint of time for a few days. I have done eight such camps over these few years but time flies, does it not? I had so much fun where we all grew together, trained together, learned together and laughed together. Let me tell you about my experience of the most recent camp. We were at ‘Vasad aashram’ It is an aashram of art of living, by Sri Sri Ravishankar ji. As soon as I entered the aashram for my camp, I felt the positive energy hit me like a gust of cool wind. When we are at the camp, luxury does not matter, bed or no bed, no AC but I would never prefer a vacation in a five-star hotel instead of an ASMA camp. Why? Because here I learn to push my physical and mental limits, I learn to laugh and love with all my heart, I attain the precious knowledge given by sensei. These things are not easy to find. This time, we got to meditate in peace beside the Mahi River. No AC Hall can beat the fun I had there. When one of the saints there saw our training, he told us that this was not just training, it was a ‘Saadhna’ which means that it was not just physical or mental, but also spiritual. Another thing that really impacted me was when we went for a Satsang, and the person who was singing the bhajan so beautifully, told us that if one feels like dancing, one should put all ego aside and be a free spirit and dance to the melody of God. I felt so stupid, that till that day, I had never danced with all my heart, that day, even though I did not know how to dance, I saw so many smiling and happy faces, my body moved on its own. When I was giving my Karate exam, I saw that even though everyone was tired, they would not miss the chance to motivate those who felt weak, everyone was yelling “come on! You can do it!” on the top of their lungs. It felt like I was not part of a camp, an institute, but a family. I am usually very impatient unlike the meaning of my name, but during sensei’s knowledge sessions and the closing ceremony on the last day where everyone shared their experiences, I did not move, I did not wat to. I was totally engrossed in the discussions. I realized that serving people gives more happiness than serving yourself. Every day, I would reach the dining hall early to get the chance to serve the food to others, when I put food in their plates and the way they smiled at me and others who were serving with me, it gave us a deep sense of satisfaction. There were so many other activities we did and when we were resting in the rooms in the afternoon, we had a lot of fun together as well. The values I have learned in ASMA are rare and precious for me, I would love to share it with as many people as possible. Over the past few days I have bombarded so many people with the photos of my camp, I have not stopped talking with my family about It as well and I don’t think I can. I know one thing for sure, days will come and go, times will change. There is nothing that can stop ASMA from inspiring the youth and me being a part of it for life. Thank you ASMA!