Have you ever felt stuck, unsure why you’re off balance or struggling? The concept of "sanchin" — meaning "three battles" — offers a powerful tool to help you find clarity.
I discovered this idea while studying Goju Ryu style karate, but its lessons extend far beyond martial arts. Sanchin reveals two universal truths: we strive to unify body, mind, and spirit, and we constantly navigate battles with self, others, and our environment. Once you understand these battles, you can take control and move forward with purpose.
During my most intense training days, I saw these three battles play out in real time:
My late karate Sifu Cheung Shiu-kwong and me at the Hong Kong University dojo.
The Battle with Self: Some days, I was my own worst enemy. My body felt tired or injured, or my mind became my saboteur. Whether it was a lack of confidence, distractions from work, or personal struggles, I often found myself fighting against my own limitations. The broader question is: how often do we let our own motivation, discipline, or mindset hold us back?
The Battle with Others: On other days, my opponent became the greatest challenge. Even when my body was strong and my mind focused, the sheer skill or intensity of my sparring partner tested me. This mirrors life’s challenging relationships—whether it’s conflict, competition, or collaboration, other people can become our hardest battles.
The Battle with Environment: Then there were days when the environment was the real adversary. Training in a sweltering, non-air-conditioned room for hours pushed me to my limits. It wasn’t about winning or losing; it was about enduring. In life, our environment can either lift us up or drag us down. Is the space too noisy, quiet, toxic, or limiting? Are we surrounded by negativity or restrictive beliefs?
Sanchin isn’t just a martial arts practice; it’s a framework for life. When you feel off balance, ask yourself: Which battle am I facing? Is it with myself, someone else, or my surroundings? This simple question can guide you to the root of the problem and set you on the path to resolution.
The beauty of sanchin is its clarity and applicability. It reminds us that challenges are inevitable, but with the right mindset, we can face them with strength and purpose. By unifying your body, mind, and spirit, and identifying the battles you’re fighting, you’ll find the resilience and clarity to move forward.