Irvin Yalom, one of the greats of group psychotherapy, identified the core “curative factors” that make groups transformative. To my surprise (or maybe not), each of them maps perfectly onto the messy, magical world of band life. If you’ve ever rehearsed, toured, or tried to write music with other humans, you’ve already lived them — whether you knew it or not.

When I first started teaching guitar, I thought my job was simple: show people how to play songs, scales, and techniques, and they’d naturally become better musicians.... 18 years later, I’ve learned that teaching isn’t really about guitar at all...

... both discovered that the inner battles were just as important as the physical or technical ones. Their stories show how growth comes not just from repetition, but from learning how to face yourself.

I’m not saying martial arts are a replacement for therapy (because it isn’t). But I am definitely saying, from my own experience, that it can be a surprisingly powerful ally to anyone wanting to build a strong mind, in a strong body and a healthy relationship with themselves, their emotions and other people.

The paradox is this: progress comes not from controlling more, but from removing friction inside your own head.