Today is International Men’s Day. This year, we are highlighting stories from men in the KUGB who can talk about how Karate has supported their mental health. Adam Willsmore is a KUGB Disability Champion and shares his experiences below:
Finding Strength in the Dojo: Adam’s Story of Resilience, Mental Health, and Karate
“Karate saved me more times than I can count.” For Adam, karate has been a vital force in his life, offering a refuge and a foundation through the highs and lows of his journey. Living with both physical and mental disabilities, Adam’s story isn’t just about a sport; it’s about resilience, community, and finding strength within. As a mental health advocate and disability champion, Adam has faced challenges that many can relate to, yet few discuss openly. His journey has been filled with setbacks, from severe physical injuries to the emotional weight of personal loss. But he shares his story because he believes others—especially men—need to know they’re not alone.
Breaking the Silence on Men’s Mental Health
Adam has seen firsthand the impact of silence. He lost his twin brother to suicide, a tragedy that brought the reality of men’s mental health struggles sharply into focus. “Losing my brother shattered me,” Adam recalls. “He kept everything bottled up, thinking it was weak to talk about his struggles. But real strength isn’t about staying silent—it’s about reaching out.”
This November, during Men’s Mental Health Month, Adam is on a mission to breakdown the stigma surrounding men’s mental health. He wants other men to understand that vulnerability is part of being human, not a flaw. Whether it’s talking to a friend or family member, or finding a supportive community like a dojo, expressing how you feel can make all the difference.
How Karate Became Adam’s Anchor
For Adam, karate isn’t just a hobby; it’s a sanctuary. Even during the hardest times, when injuries prevented him from training fully, he still found himself at the dojo, watching from the sidelines. “Just being there, among friends and Sensei’s, reminded me I was part of something bigger. It was a chance to take a break from everything, to focus and feel grounded.” Karate has taught Adam discipline and patience—qualities he’s had to apply to his own body, especially after injuries. Adapting his training to accommodate physical limitations, Adam knows that progress is progress, no matter how small. “I can’t always keep up with everyone else. Some days, I’m just doing a few reps or practicing katas at my own pace. But I’m still here, still moving forward, and that’s what matters.”
A Lesson in Resilience: Finding the Balance
Recovery, both mental and physical, requires patience—a lesson Adam learned the hard way. There were times he pushed too hard, only to be reminded by pain that he needed to listen to his body. “Karate helped me find that balance,” Adam says. “In the dojo, every move, every kata, reminds you that control is essential. You don’t rush; you take your time. And that’s how I try to approach everything now.” He has also learned how powerful small goals can be. “In recovery, even doing five push-ups can feel like a victory. It’s about taking those small steps, focusing on what you can do rather than what you can’t. And in karate, every small improvement builds confidence and resilience.”
Coping with Grief Through Martial Arts
Adam has had to cope with grief more than once, from losing his twin to more recent losses in his life. “Grief is like a shadow—it’s always there,” he shares. “But karate helps me stay grounded. Even if I’m just there to watch, it’s something to look forward to, something that gets me out of the house and keeps my mind engaged.” The support of his karate family has been invaluable. “In the dojo, there’s no judgment, just understanding. We all support each other. Sometimes, it’s just a smile or a nod from a friend, and that’s enough to remind me I’m not alone.”
Finding Purpose in Helping Others
Today, Adam’s goal is not only to heal but also to support others facing similar struggles. Whether he’s cheering on younger members or sharing his story with new students, he is a source of strength and inspiration in his community. “If I can help even one person see that they’re not alone, then it’s worth it,” he says. Adam’s journey reminds us that resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about finding the courage to stand back up, time and time again. His story is a powerful reminder that strength is often found in the most unexpected places—in the quiet moments, in the support of a community, and in the discipline of a practiced kata.
This November: Embracing Strength in Vulnerability
This Men’s Mental Health Month, Adam encourages everyone to reach out, ask for help, and find a community—whether it’s a dojo, a group of friends, or a support network. Vulnerability is a part of strength, and sharing our struggles brings us closer to each other and ourselves. Karate has taught Adam to be patient with himself, to focus on what he can control, and to find strength in community. “We all have our battles,” he says, “but we don’t have to face them alone.”
If you or someone you know is struggling, remember that support is available, including through our free, confidential mental health support collaboration with the Zachary Geddis Break the Silence Trust. Let’s break the silence and stand together for mental health. Further information on our partnership with the ZGBTST can be read here: https://kugb.org/mental-health/mental-health-collaboration/
