Where does the fire go when the flame goes out?
In a peaceful dojo filled with focused students, a teacher often heard the same kinds of questions: “Will I pass my yellow belt test?” “Do you think I’ll make it to black belt one day?”, “Will I win the tournament?”, “Can I get my school diploma too?” Instead of answering directly, the teacher would light a small candle... watch it flicker... and then gently blow it out. He would then ask a strange question: “Where does the fire go when the flame goes out?” The students were puzzled. Some said, “The fire disappears.” Others thought maybe the fire was hiding in the air.
No matter what they answered, the teacher simply shook his head and replied: “Keep thinking about the question. If you want to reach a higher level, the answer will help you get there.” The students began to worry. They couldn’t stop thinking about their goals the belts, the exams, the wins. They stressed, overthought, and began to lose focus. The teacher knew he couldn’t guarantee results, but he could offer something better: clarity of mind and motivation from within. One day, a few students whispered, “Maybe he doesn’t even know the answer himself...”
That evening, the teacher gathered the class and stood beside the same old candle. “This candle was once given to me by my own teacher,” he said. “He told me it held the wisdom of our martial art. It stood in the dojos of many masters. It has seen victories, defeats, sweat, tears... and truth. Today, it will speak to you.” He lit the candle and said:
“Ask it your questions. But listen carefully the flame will only speak while it burns.” The students stepped forward and asked:
– “Will I pass my belt exam?”
– “Will I ever be strong and fearless?”
– “Will I win the next competition?”
Then the oldest student stepped forward and asked:
“Where does the fire go when the flame goes out?” Everyone stared at the candle. The room grew silent. Then the teacher spoke, as if the flame itself had come to life:
The voice of the flame:
"At last, I burn again. It feels so good to shine and give warmth. I waited a long time very patiently. And now, my fire is back. See? Patience is always rewarded. But I don’t burn just for fun. When I burn, I want to help. I give light. I give warmth. I share it with all of you." "But be careful… my flame is strong. Sometimes too strong. I could burn everything around me if I’m not careful. That’s why your teacher helps you control your fire. They teach you when to shine bright and when to stay calm." "I want to burn brighter, reach further, touch everything. But I’ve learned: fire can be dangerous if it’s wild. That’s why your teacher gives you new techniques, challenges, exams, and kata. These are like little logs added to your fire. They help you grow.""But there’s something very important you must help too. You must keep practicing, stay curious, and never give up. If you stop trying, your flame will fade. That would be sad, because even a tiny flame can become something amazing.""Long ago, my master a wise old man lit me. When his flame went out, it stayed alive in me. Then I lit other teachers. And now those teachers help keep your flames burning." "One day, if someone blows me out… am I gone?" "No. My fire lives on in everyone I’ve helped. In memories. In the warmth and light I gave. And when someone needs me again… they’ll light me once more."
Food for thought
This story is about staying motivated, being patient, and working hard. Your teacher helps your flame grow, but you must also care for it. If you keep going, your fire will always shine!
What motivates you when your inner fire feels low?
A new technique, a kata you've never tried, an upcoming tournament, a word of encouragement, or helping a younger student grow. Can you trust the process even without immediate results?
Belts and achievements will come with time but real strength grows in silence, in effort, and in every fall you rise from. Do you understand that the fire is never gone, only resting?
You can pause your training, even leave martial arts for a time… and still return. If it truly belongs to you, the fire will reignite.– Are you willing to wait, grow, and burn again when the time is right?
Your fire can inspire others friends, siblings, even strangers. Imagine that a founder long ago lit a flame that still burns through you. You are part of that living fire now.
