By Scott Campsall
There’s a German word “schadenfreude” that means taking pleasure in someone else’s misfortune. While it might seem harmless, especially when it comes in the form of a laugh at someone tripping or failing, it has no place in martial arts or fitness.
Why? Because progress demands focus, humility, and courage. When we spend time mocking others whether it’s a student’s mistake in a grading, someone struggling with technique, or a newcomer out of breath in their first class we’re not just being unkind. We’re wasting valuable energy that could be fueling our own growth.
Martial arts teach us to fall and repeatedly get back up again. It teaches us to embrace failure as a necessary step on the path to mastery. That mindset doesn’t leave room for judgment. It focuses only on encouragement.
In fitness, the same truth applies. Everyone is fighting their own battle against habits, self-doubt, pain, or fear. Choosing to train, sweat, and show up takes courage. When you’re surrounded by a team that lifts you up rather than tears you down, everything changes.
Supporting others doesn’t just help them. It helps you. Encouraging someone else floods your system with serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin which are all proven to improve mood, reduce stress, and lower inflammation. We don’t need a cleanse to feel better. Maybe we just need to be kinder.
At Okami Kai, we live by the truth that we are Stronger Together. We don’t climb by stepping on others. We rise by lifting them.
So, this month, catch yourself if you start to revel in someone else’s stumble. Then refocus, train harder, and cheer louder. Be the kind of person others want in their corner.
That’s where real strength begins.