“The empty cup can be filled. The full cup spills. I will keep my cup empty.” In traditional martial arts, this saying is more than poetic imagery — it is a reminder of the mental state required for true progress. Like many martial aphorisms, it draws on both Eastern philosophy and the lived experience of generations of practitioners.

In the world of Japanese martial arts, we often talk about powerful strikes, perfect stances, and the relentless push to improve. But one concept that quietly underpins all of this — and often gets overlooked — is Heijōshin (平常心). Translated as “everyday mind” or “ordinary heart”, Heijōshin is the ability to maintain a calm, steady mental state no matter the circumstances.

Azlimmi Sensei's article published in the April 2011 edition of the Seni Beladiri (Martial Arts) Magazine in Bahasa Malaysia.

Last Wednesday (6th of May, 2009) the pro-tem committee members (representing arts such as taekwondo, karate, silat, armed forces unarmed...