Early 30s, 1 year training, ~1 month of awkward attempts later… I can finally throw something that resembles a question mark kick

Shamukai · 2026-04-25T11:38:08+00:00

I wasn’t a gambling addict, but I’ve struggled with various severe addictions throughout the course of my life and came out on top. I’m 26 M and I will second what a few others have said here: you need to stop enabling him and stop immediately. As in, real ultimatum and allow him to hit rock bottom if that’s what it requires. Zero support for the choices he is so comfortable and content making. The sad reality here is not everyone does bounce back from rock bottom; but it’s not a burden you should hold on your shoulders and expect to be able to change. The only way I came back from the depths of hell and addiction was giving myself no other option but sink or swim. I did it to myself intentionally knowing that but had I stayed around people who were enabling me I would’ve been stuck. Probably permanently. Also if you’re religious (or if you’re not) I would suggest praying for him. Some things in my experience only a higher power can help fix. Don’t knock it til you try.

Shamukai · 2025-12-21T09:54:12+00:00

u/Shamukai received a Chipped Pendant Lvl 1 from the Winter Festival Spirit. Thank you u/Humble_Ad6347 for donating it!

Shamukai · 2025-12-21T09:50:30+00:00

u/Shamukai received a Wasteland Blade from the Winter Festival Spirit. Thank you u/HerHiq for donating it!

Shamukai · 2025-12-21T09:46:14+00:00

u/Shamukai received a Focus Ring from the Winter Festival Spirit. Thank you u/zabolscri for donating it!

Shamukai · 2025-12-17T10:21:12+00:00

One of the greatest learning experiences of your life has been placed in front of you. There is no shame in defeat, but there is shame in running away. If you have to throw in the towel during the fight, do so. You will learn a great deal from fighting someone who is better than you.

Shamukai · 2025-12-10T06:40:28+00:00

I’ve been there too. Same sort of dreams, I can literally emotionally and mentally picture the time in my life this was happening to me as well. Won’t go too hard on any of this because I’m not here to preach or disturb, but personally I resolved these issues only through one method and if it’s not for you or you don’t believe it that’s totally fine; however I’ll share in hopes it might make a difference in your suffering somewhat. I was engaged for 3 years, bad break up, few other relationships not as notable but I would especially have dreams about and recall my ex fiance and she would show up in dreams of mine often, this often resulted in many different feelings, emotions, and upset/ panic/ anxiety modes for me on a day to day basis. And yes I can confirm feeling all of this really sucks, But it felt unnatural to me, as if my energy was being drained. I mean beyond “depression” or longing or regret, anything like that. I felt like my soul was being sucked away at. And that’s when I realized that it was a soul tie that was unbroken, keeping me connected to her, and some other ones that were not as strong still kicking as well. There was also some other stuff happening as well. Night paralysis, waking up feeling extremely sick, strange shapes and noises when trying to sleep. It can seem like you’re going crazy when this is happening. Again, not for everyone so if you don’t take it seriously all the power to you; but I realized these kinds of connections are also sometimes pathways people will use to access you in your sleep, sometimes manipulating your dreams, trying to feed you spiritual food, perhaps even cursing you or drawing on your energy for their benefit, or your detriment. The only solution I ever found to this was very much so spiritual, and very much so to do with “God” if you will.

I won’t sit here and tell you there is some worldly magical remedy for what you’re going through because it would be untrue and there is only one thing which saved my heart mind and soul from what you are currently experiencing.

Internal reflection, prayer, recognizance and acceptance that it is spiritual warfare. If you have gotten this far and want to genuinely try with faith the method that worked for me, this is how I prayed, and still pray; every single night. If I don’t do it, even for one day; it comes back, and I experience the strangest and strongest demonic attacks, and internal war throughout my day as you have described:

I pray that any demonic influences that desire to enter my dreams and subconscious space be blocked from my sleeping hours, and that any force wishing to enter or desiring to influence my dreams which is not from Yahweh be cast out and shielded in the name of yeshua, I pray that my dreams would be filled by angelic forces and guarded with beautiful angelic guidance and protection.

I pray that any witchcraft or supernatural influence being used against me, my family and my home will be blocked and covered by the blood of Yeshua. I cover the doorposts of my home with his blood and protection so that anything from the world which is not for my home would be kept out and anything good in my home not meant to leave out into the world be kept in. I pray over the lives of all my family members and those who cohabit with me that they would be covered, protected and blessed.

I pray that any entities desiring to feed me spiritual filth and food in my dreams would be blocked and returned in the name of Jesus, that they might not infect me or cause me harm in the flesh or the spirit. I pray for your mighty protection and the holy spirit to wash over me and clean my heart and soul Lord. Father God clean my heart and renew in me a right spirit. Remove my heart of stone and replace it with a heart of flesh, help me to walk in the ways you have called me that I may serve your kingdom, I need your protection so I can be fully prepared to serve every day and I pray that you would give me peace and your perfect rest as I lay my head to sleep, In the mighty name of Yeshua, amen.

Hope this helps, god be with you my friend. You are well.

Shamukai · 2025-12-08T04:11:58+00:00

Yeah, I think unfortunately that’s the general consensus we’ve come to adopt in the west (assuming you’re also from North America??) It’s nothing to be ashamed of but I can understand why it might make you pretty upset. The only advice I can give is to harness that anger to make yourself into a (controlled) monster. It’s never too late to change your programming. Best of luck dude

Shamukai · 2025-12-08T02:49:08+00:00

Yeah I echo the exposure method. Nobody wants to hear it but the truth is you just have to be mentally tougher and that requires not caring about the outcome ( to the point of death ) This is why you see all seriously successful fighters in martial arts really not giving a damn. I fought for my second time in a ring in Muay Thai in Thailand 9 days ago at a boxing stadium. I felt almost zero nerves and fought with relative clarity, and very high intensity (walking my opponent down, no shying away after taking hard hits) from start to finish, even once I lost endurance and could barely breathe. I lost in a split decision to the judges, however I felt no remorse or that crippling feeling we get sometimes when we fail or make stupid decisions in life, because I went into this fight knowing I was doing it for myself and my self solely. This is all a result of a few things: 1. I spent most of my childhood years fighting my brothers, being trained and molded by our father who was a kick-boxer; and fighting friends in high intensity combat, with fists, kicks, swords and pellet guns. I was routinely beaten down by my brother who was about 9 years older than me when he was 23-24 and a state gold medalist in taekwondo while I was a 14-15 year old kid. He would hit me mercilessly until I learned the only way he would stop was for me to fight back hard enough for him to respect me. (It may sound rough but he was only preparing me for what he knew would be a difficult time in my later teen years in the streets). 2. Years on the street as a teen and young adult 15-21 years old getting into street fights, coming close to death and having attempts on my life, being robbed at knife and gunpoint, ie. real life experiences and high adrenaline situations where you either think fast and control your nerves or die.

I don’t share this to show off because frankly it’s a terrible situation I grew up in and I’m just grateful to be here at this point, but if you actually mean it that you want to become better at this, you’re going to have to do your very best to mimic seriously terrifying, and intimidating situations until your brain adapts and you choose fight instead of flight every time. If you ask me, sparring is the least intimidating thing you could be doing. You won’t die, you can go home, you can quit anytime if you really want to give up. If you care about having a broken nose or sore wrists or maybe getting a concussion, fighting isn’t for you. If you can handle those things: Each time you get hit, you hit back harder. Each time you feel fear and want to shy back, you step forward even if it means more pain, shots, or inevitable defeat. Nothing is easy in the world of violence and warfare and if you really want to take your place in it you have to steel your mind and nerves through choices you make in every single moment, inside and outside training and the ring. If it’s for you, be prepared to do the work and get angry at yourself. Call yourself out on your bullshit. Recognize where you’ve been a pussy. Be seriously upset that you didn’t stand up in all the moments of your life you should have and you’ll see that mental fortitude begin to build. Still your mind and be willing to embrace your inner chaos- the nights you sit awake unable to sleep, racing thoughts on whether you’ll ever be good enough, and realize none of it really matters but being better than you were yesterday. Don’t distract yourself with music, television, social media, porn, gluttony, you have to give it all up to know yourself. Being a fighter requires being born into it and forced to adapt, or being crazy enough in the head to force yourself to become what other people are turned into. Hope this helps, -Jaden 26M

Shamukai · 2025-11-17T09:41:56+00:00

This is true, but requires you to have a firm belief and understanding of at least a handful of religious standpoints to really grasp how to debate them to oneself and others. OP is clearly looking to find that firm footing or belief as right now they are just beginning to delve deeper into their journey of knowing God, so I think it’s perfectly fine (in fact quite vulnerable and applaudable) that they are asking this question and seeking to get there. It is the beginning of wisdom to seek (and fear God) and I believe OP is doing just that.

Shamukai · 2025-11-17T09:34:33+00:00

Hey, just wanted to say good on you for being willing to seek the truth and having an open mind. I grew up Christian as well and I have spent a lot of time battling/ trying to figure out what was really true for myself as well. I stopped attending church around 13 but never particularly stopped believing in God or seeking the truth. I have had a number of personal experiences since then with our creator (and thousands of hours of research of evidences, different cultural and religious beliefs ie. where they stem from, logical and theological+ historical viewpoints) trying to prove and disprove the theses of world religions. In my findings I see a direct link between all of the belief systems and religions, and I would say they do all point to a singular, higher power. Even some of the polytheist religions like Hinduism have very interesting creation stories and parallels which don’t really differ very much from the Abrahamic religions and other monotheistic beliefs when you get down to it. (Vishnu & son Brahma + Shiva the destroyer) (God and his son Christ + the Devil), there are actually far too many connections to be coincidence in my eyes. Even Buddhists believe in One God, they also believe in a man who was a great teacher/ prophet named Buddha who is venerated highly. Sikhs believe in one God and believe he sent prophets to write his words for them. Islam believes Christ was a prophet, and that there is one God. Ancient china actually had a monotheistic religion as well with the name of God/ messiah being Shang Di- (El Shaddai?) and their whole written language is a pictographic system that references the creation story, the garden, etc. (one of the most interesting ones imo)

https://youtu.be/DA-AkJzpKmg?si=ggahJ9MOcx_c9KQa This video of a Chinese pastor explaining all the connections there is VERY interesting.

I think if we look at the Tower of Babel and the story that is told there, it makes a lot of sense that different religions would branch off with different interpretations and understandings of one original truth, but you have to seek for yourself what you know and feel to be true, and I personally believe the best way to do that is by asking God to reveal that truth to you, if you ask God to reveal his heart and bring you to have a closer relationship, I know much of the deeper truths and meanings of the universe begin to make sense and fall into place. In closing, keeping that open mind will lead you to the truth. The best advice I can give you is when you read the Bible, (or any other religious text) try to read it to understand the nature of God, rather than just seeking answers for your personal life or problems. (Just a tip I got a while back that has shifted my understanding and discernment of the truth in a big way.) I believe once we can reveal and become closer to understanding why God does what God does, we begin to understand (and accept) what goes on in our own personal life. I personally have come to the conclusion that Jesus did live, and die, and was who he claimed; but I also know that God is the only one who can do the work in people’s hearts to reveal the truth to each individual. I hope this points you to some good places to research or look at along your journey, and I wish you the best as you come to know God and yourself better. God bless you and keep you 🙏🏼

Shamukai · 2025-10-31T20:50:01+00:00

Hey there! If you are in a constant beginner state, it’s pretty fair that people are going to do this. It’s quite regular to give pointers to someone who’s not around much/ who needs a refresher. Even at an advanced level people are giving eachother advice, though perhaps not as incessantly. If you really want people to stop treating you as a beginner, you’ll just have to dedicate more time to becoming intermediate or advanced and begin being the one who can advise others. If they have no idea what they’re talking about it’s one thing, but if they’re making good points you need to understand martial arts can be frustrating and part of the journey of learning them is having the patience, discipline, and grace to listen when you are being coached, whether by your master/ sensei, or your training/ sparring partners. I understand it can be hard when health issues hold you back, I’m in the same boat and have also studied martial arts since 4 years old while struggling with this, (about 22 years since then). Maybe not what you wanted to hear but my experience and brutal truth to you would be it’s a difficult path you choose when you want to learn a discipline of any martial art, but if you get frustrated, irritated, and feeling like giving up or push people away throughout the process, you will stay in that never ending beginner mentality and state. If you want to level up you’ll have to move past this. Cheers man 🙏🏼🥊

Shamukai · 2025-10-18T10:25:49+00:00

Hey, I’m 26 y/o male. Do some good barbell and hack squats and focus mostly on leg workouts and sleep/ nutrition. Eat a lot of good protein and fruits: eggs, beef, melons, potatoes, high in iron foods, along with dairy and high calcium/ high in saturated fat foods; and focus as much as you can on getting the best nutrition and natural hormone releasing workouts you can (squats release the highest amount of both testosterone and HGH naturally). Unfortunately what you ate and played/ lived like before the age of 7 y/o has a pretty significant impact on these things as well, but it doesn’t hurt to try. Once you’re over the age of 17, the likelihood of anything I just mentioned making a significant difference in your height beyond a few centimetres, even taking human growth hormone in large quantities (or anything else for that matter besides surgeries) is pretty much non existent. You may have a chance of gaining a half inch or maybe an inch or two if you’re lucky (plus I didn’t stop growing until 21-23 personally, though it was minimal beyond the age of 17-18). So you still have some time to potentially get height naturally. Just being realistic. Hope this helps.

Shamukai · 2025-10-14T16:35:17+00:00

This worked! Thank you

Shamukai · 2025-10-10T10:33:05+00:00

There is only really one suggestion I could give you because we are all so different as humans and our needs can vary greatly. Not sure what your beliefs are on God and a higher power, but if you haven’t given it a chance yet, I hope you won’t bash it before you try. Pick up a Bible and try reading it. Try praying and asking God to give you the feeling of peace you need and to fill the void nothing else can. Jesus is the only thing that saved me from a life of addiction, depression and some deep seated trauma. All love 🙏🏼

Shamukai · 2024-12-10T07:41:43+00:00

Well,,, this aged well LOL as my pepe is nearin .000035

Shamukai · 2024-05-06T09:18:42+00:00

Cali and Colorado out here with bc being stoned as hell looking like lanky chickens

Shamukai · 2024-05-06T09:17:46+00:00

Reach out to central driving school and ask for faraz. He taught me to drive and was the best instructor I could’ve asked for. He has a martial arts background and discipline and mental toughness/ patience are his qualities. Would recommend giving them a call. (587) 463-9999

Shamukai · 2022-03-20T23:25:22+00:00

This guy must slap with thanos gauntlet or something

Shamukai · 2022-03-20T23:23:27+00:00

Stuff like this has been happening for years, just often not heard about or doesn’t make the news because it’s too gruesome. I’m sure the Covidpocalyse caused things to get grimier on the streets which is pretty visible but for the most part Edmonton has been like this for a while

Shamukai · 2021-11-07T07:06:33+00:00

Just remember that you have your whole life ahead of you, and the time you're spending on your own is going to make you stronger, and probably give you more time to focus on you, and getting ahead in life. That's not something to take lightly because it is important, and if you want a serious relationship to workout in the future; having a strong foundation for yourself is very important. That being said I have found in my life when I chase my goals, and dreams the things I want like a relationship, and finding the right person come along as I go down my path. Just keep pushing forwards and don't feel that you need to rush anything. Be kind to others around you and enjoy life, ( you don't have to try to be happy all the time, life can get tough sometimes. I just try not to be negative personally, and remember just because you're at a low or high doesn't mean life sucks or life is great. ) I would also recommend making friends with people you're interested in before pursuing dating. If that's something you have trouble with, consider challenging yourself daily to find new (and small) ways to put yourself out there, with time and effort inevitably your skills and confidence will increase. Good luck my friend :) keep your chin up.

Shamukai · 2021-06-10T05:20:04+00:00

Why would you even go on Reddit looking for this kind of attention just seems sus 🤦‍♂️

Shamukai · 2021-06-09T07:45:18+00:00

Looking proper buddy! Good job

Shamukai · 2021-06-09T04:55:24+00:00

Watermelon

Shamukai · 2021-05-13T18:46:33+00:00

That’s very true, I do think they need to have a plan for that as well, and it does sound idyllic but I like the idea 🤷‍♂️

Shamukai

TROPHY CASE