Something I hadn’t realised before my first lesson was the cultural enrichment that was on offer as well as the practical art. At first it added to the mental difficulty – more to remember. But I really like this aspect of the training.

The use of Japanese and the careful observance of ritual gave the sessions extra depth. When adopting Seiza (kneeling position), it doesn’t just feel like a piece of arbitrary ritual, it evokes a sense of respect and makes me ready to receive knowledge.

I find myself wanting to adopt Seiza for as long as is necessary and not slip down in a crossed-legged position. It feels important and that makes me believe what I’m doing is important.

Furthermore, the strong ties to the warrior traditions of the samurai (a culture and period of history that has always fascinated me) ­– particularly evident in the positioning of the arms as simulacra for a katana (Japanese sword) – provokes a deep sense of history that for me at least, gave the whole experience weight beyond the learning of the art itself.

The use of ‘spirit’, i.e. the war cry and responses to Sensei are incredibly cathartic. It feels really good to let out a wholly positive ‘Hai!’ or a deep and respectful ‘ Osu’. That way I feel totally committed to what I’m doing and mentally focused.

Finally, the idea of always going forward and acting from a position of strength (the centre) contains a powerful and positive life message and despite the inevitable aches, pains and tiredness that I feel sometimes, I do seem to be ‘lighter’ in both demeanour and outlook.

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