Tag Archives: Training

New Students

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This week we have welcomed two new students to our dojo: Zoltan and his son Norbet. And, in proper Kyokushin spirit, by the end of the night we had all beat the hell out of each other!

Now, let me pause a moment and tell you a bit about Zoltan. He is big. Maybe 6’4” and weighs 270lb and, I came to learn later, reached blue belt in Kyokushin back in his home country of Hungary. So right after our warm up, when my instructor paired me up with him for sparring, I began to formulate my brilliant strategy of bobbing, weaving, and juking out of the way of his strikes all while delivering my own devastating counter attacks. Then we’re told that we are to only spar within the space of one puzzle mat effectively killing my perfect strategy. “Best laid plans of mice and men”, right?

Ok, so I have to brawl with a man almost literally twice my weight inside the dimensions of a phone booth. That’s cool, I  can deal with it. And so it began. Right off the bat I noticed that Zoltan had a habit of throwing long left-jabs (which hit about as hard as my right-cross) and leaning in at the waist to make up for his enormous height. I took advantage of this by throwing in a uchi mawashi geri (crescent kick) and stopping just before impact to the side of his skull. He stopped leaning forward, though, at least for a while. After that, it was basically a slug-fest: block, slam, block, slam, block, slam, slam, slam.

Toward the end of class we all sparred again. When I was paired up with Zolton again we were at least able to make use of the dojo space and could employ a bit of footwork. Here I learned that while he is pudgy and hasn’t trained on a few years, when you’re as tall as he is you don’t need to be that flexible to kick a man like me (5’9”) in the head. Fortunately I judged our distance correctly and his foot only met air, or that would have been the end of my sparring for the night!

Later I fought his son, Norbet. Norbet is a young kid of maybe 12(?). He’s quick, eager, and shows great potential. Though, given our size and experience difference, he is easily intimidated and dominated in sparring – even my opening kiai seemed to shake him. I decided, on the outset, to focus my attacks on his head since he had the habit of keeping his hands around his stomach and chest (to block in coming punches). Like his father, though, I didn’t connect with my kicks when I aimed for his head – no sense in KO-ing a young newbie his first time in the ring.

What I liked about fighting Norbet was his unorthodoxy. He threw the craziest stuff at me including and elbow ram I recognized from Mortal Kombat. I had to warn him, though, to stop putting his tongue between his teeth lest someone kick him and make him bite it off. He also had a habit of leaving his fist out after a good strike, a la Bruce Lee, which is a great way to get thrown. Still, the sheer joy on his face during kumite and his eagerness as he asked our senpai, “Are we going to spar again?” was invigorating and refreshing.

 

New students are always a mystery. Sometimes they work out and sometimes they don’t. I feel good about these two additions, though. Both Norbet and his father Zoltan appear to be very friendly people; quick to smile and earnest in their training. I think they’re going to fit in very well here.

 

 

Osu!

Empty Your Cup – Wise or Wasteful?

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Picture by Kanko

One of Journeyman’s recent articles speaks about the process that those in the martial arts must go through when attempting to learn new things. And this got me to thinking about one of the basic tenants of martial arts: when learning, we are told to “empty your cup”. It is simple, beautiful, and like many simple truths this zen precept not only applies to martial arts but to nearly everything you try to learn from birth until death.

In his amazing book, “Zen in the Martial Arts“, Joe Hyam relates the anecdote of when he first met Bruce Lee. It was, as he describes, an interview of sorts. And after a brief demonstration of Hyam’s skills Lee warned Hyam that he would have to forget everything he knew before before he would be ready to learn anything. He told Hyam to “empty your cup” and he illustrated its importance by telling a story of a Zen sage and the scholar.

In the story, the sage was visited by the scholar who did far too much talking and not nearly enough listening – even though he sought out the sage for his wisdom. Upon seeing this the sage suggested that he and his guest enjoy some tea. And being a wise old coot the sage he poured the scholar’s cup until it overflowed. When the scholar called this fact to attention the sage said that the scholar was much like the cup, already full, and thus cannot receive anything further. Clever little bugger.

The logic is that you simply cannot learn something if you already believe that you know everything. People who feel this way have a “full cup” and cannot readily learn or be taught. Therefore, to learn something new or different, you must “empty your cup”, right? I mean, even Yoda said, “You must un-learn what you have learned”. Now, far be it for me to argue with the greatest Jedi who ever lived, but I just haven’t been completely keen with the idea of forgetting everything in order to learn something.

 

“Wait, you’re going to try to bump thousands of years of wisdom?”
Yes, and no. There are times when looking at the world through an infant’s eyes can be a beautiful, enlightening, or humbling experience. And I think we would all do with a great deal more humility (myself especially). But there are other times when you need two scoops of adult cynicism in order not to waste your time, get swindled, or suckered into something dangerous.

 

“But Brett, you’re no master of Zen. You’re just some jack-hole with a blog. Why should I listen to you?“
Fair point. And the short answer is: you shouldn’t. Only you can walk in your shoes, so only you know what is true for you. I can only tell you what I have found to be true for me. But since you’re still reading I am going to assume you are interested in my thoughts so let me at least elaborate by explaining my interpretation of the “empty your cup” philosophy.

Remember the zen story of the sage and the scholar? In the story, the scholar was so preoccupied with proving his own knowledge that the sage would be wasting his time to try to impart any of his own. In the dojo, new students (and often not-so-new students) are told this story as a reminder that one must let go in order to learn.

Like all stories, though, this one is open to interpretation. And to me, this fable illustrates more about hubris and ego than keeping an open mind. The scholar was intimidated by the sage and felt that the only way he could increase his standing was to impress the sage with his own knowledge. Had the scholar not been so insecure then he could have just as easily received the sage’s wisdom while not needing to abandon his own knowledge first.

Because whether it is zen, martial arts, or daily life, I have always seen learning as a layering process. One that is best served by not abandoning all of one’s previously held truths.

 

“Ok, smart-guy. You think you’ve got all the answers. So what do you do?”
I dunno about that, but I remind myself that given the relatively short duration of the human lifespan, our brains are not limited to the amount of information they can store. You and I both can continue to learn until the day we die, provided that we are of the right disposition. So, I keep my mind open to new truths, but I don’t necessarily need to forget the old ones. This inclination, in fact, has helped me embrace new truths more fully because they have undergone the scrutiny that my years has provided me.

So in short, when my cup is full I drink it – then ask for more.

 

 

Osu!

Online Dojo

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Did you know that the internet is awesome? You can do nearly anything online when it comes to commerce.

Want to order shoes? Amazon.
Desperate for a pizza but can’t be bothered to dial a phone? Hello Papa John’s.

But that is how online products are supposed to be. Easy to find, rate, and purchase. It isn’t like there are online dojo all over the web. I mean, something like the sacred fighting arts is not something that can be bartered via the web, right? (Runs a quick Google search for “online dojo”)

Oh my sweet Jesus….

Well hang on, hang on I don’t want to prejudge. Maybe the majority of these are for “additional training” for regular dojo students – like how sports teams will watch their own plays after a game. (Goes through search results). *Weeps*

 

Learning is sometimes a painful thing. Today I browsed several listings of virtual dojo, all of which offered to make me an elite class warrior if I simply enroll, watch their videos and progress through their belt advancement system. Some of them even offer to waive the belt advancement fee if I choose their premium level of membership. As a side note I started to wonder if the “student” gets an actual belt or whether it is merely access to another series of videos. And how exactly the student is evaluated anyway – since they aren’t in a real dojo to be judged?

But I don’t mean to suggest that distance learning is not valuable. Nor that physical skills cannot be in part transferred through visual medium. After all, there are tons of basketball and baseball training video which can help with everything from free throws to fast balls. But I have yet to come across a sports training website that has promised to turn me into a Major Leaguer simply by purchasing an online membership.

Sadly, the same cannot be said for the online dojo and it only takes a moment to see innumerable websites that swear they can transform me into a Samurai, Ninja, or Shaolin warrior. This sticky wicket is made even stickier(?) because there is zero quality control. In the world of martial arts there really is no supreme body of oversight; so I’ve got no idea if the person on the video is the real deal or just another conman. Sure, I could look up who the “master’s” affiliated body is IF he is a part of one and IF he lists it on his site. But even if he does and I look into it, I would generally only be able to find that he is/was a member. I would be very hard pressed to discover how qualified he is.

The worst part, though, is the deceit. Only a precious few of those that I found through Google even mention actual dojo training and this, to me, is where the whole thing falls apart. Videos are supplemental to actual training. They can help hone an edge that is hard won through toil and sweat and people who are serious about raising their game cannot go wrong with adding them to their regimen. But supplemental training will NEVER replace actual dojo training and anyone who even implies different is lying simply lying.

 

 

Osu!

When Should a Student Start Sparring?

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Spend enough time with different martial arts instructors and you’ll end up having some interesting conversations. One I had recently was on the topic of when a student should begin to spar. This might, at first blush, seem like a strange question (it did for me, anyway). But let’s stop to consider the rationale behind the opinions.

(Note: For simplicity we’ll focus on the two general camps that either students should spar from nearly day one, or that students should be forbidden from contact sparring until they are a little higher ranked – such as 5th kyu).

First we’ll tackle the idea that a student should start sparring almost right away. What are some of the primary benefits?

  1. Student gains fighting experience at an early stage.
  2. Many younger students don’t have the patience to wait until they’ve advanced a few belts before they try out their skills.
  3. Impractical habits of kihon (basics) will not become ingrained – such as throwing punches from the hip during kumite (sparring) or taking deep stances in a real fight.

 

So, then, what are the benefits of preventing a student from sparring too early?

  1. There is a truism that states “A white belt is more dangerous than a black belt”. This means that the measures of control that come from well practiced techniques do not develop until later on. This was a lesson made very clear to me.
  2. Proper application of technique generally only comes after much repetition. This way you wont see two white belts flailing and wailing on each other.
  3. There is more to the martial arts than fighting and this is a good way to weed out those who are only looking to fight and aren’t interested in “The Way”.

 

In the end, I think that delaying the point at which a student begins to fight is a disservice. The mechanics of fighting are physical skills and it is these mechanics that are hindered when early sparring is forbidden. Further, for those of us who train in part because we desire the skills to keep us from harm are being placed at risk because they only have a theoretical grasp of a fight with no practical experience.

 

Drop a comment and add to this dialogue; especially those of you who are of opposite opinion. Am I missing some key factor? Can’t see the forest for the trees?

 

 

Osu!

Always be Prepared

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I like quotes; and the right ones bring me a shot of inspiration. And a few weeks ago I came across the website of a talented illustrator, one Gavin Auan Than, who incorporates famous quotes into his art to tell stories. Have a look at this:

 

On his website, “Zen Pencils” you can also purchase a print of many of his more popular works. It’s important to support the arts, so if you like what you find make sure you snag one so that your friends will see that you are both cool and cultured.

 

(Full Disclosure: I get absolutely NO COMPENSATION from any sale.)

 

 

Osu!

 

What Self Defense Styles can Learn from Traditional Martial Arts

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Semper Fi!

This article will be an expansion of some of my thoughts in “Is Karate Good for Self Defense?“. In it I will point out some of the ways that the style-divide has specialized Self Defense styles too much and how they can improve by adopting some training methodologies from Traditional Martial Arts.

First, though, let’s get clear on the terms we’ll be using. So what defines a “Traditional Martial Art” and a “Self Defense” style from one another? Speaking broadly, a traditional martial art has certain common characteristics such as distinct uniforms, bowing, kata, rituals/customs, classical weaponry and stricter hierarchy. In terms of it’s training you will often see “low” or “stylized” stances while performing drills and basics. Traditional systems also tend to lean toward a longer learning curve, as many of these styles had historical and practical reasons not to show everything right up front.

Self Defense (an industry umbrella term which is not style-specific) is often found claiming itself as more “down to earth” fighting. In schools that teach these systems you will often find more relaxed hierarchy, a complete absence of kata, many emphasize “soft skills” such as conflict deescalation and awareness, modern weaponry, and drilling of a smaller set of techniques from a “natural” fighting stance. Sparring focus varies here as well and often focuses around specific, “every day”, scenarios.

 

Now that we have these terms categorically defined let’s get to the heart of this article: how Self Defense styles can improve their training by going back to their roots.

(And before you read on, know that I am not talking about YOUR style, of course. I know that yours already does all of these things and more. I’m talking about that other style. Yes, that one. The one you’re thinking of right now. So there’s no need to write me any hate mail. Comments are welcome, though! ^_^)

 

1. Fitness – Now this isn’t something that Traditional Martial Arts has a monopoly over (and there are exceptions abound on both sides). However, a recognizable pattern can be observed when comparing the waistlines of exponents of Traditional Martial Arts verses those of Self Defense practitioners. Because many, if not most, Traditional Martial Arts have a strong focus on aerobic drills it has the pleasant side effect of trimmer bodies. Inversely, due to its emphasis on technical skills and reduction or elimination of more aerobic drills many Self Defense guys must adjunct their martial arts training with a separate fitness program.

2. Flexibility – I don’t necessarily mean being able to perform full splits. But being able to move your body through full range of motion has many benefits, not only in a fight, but for your overall health as well. One need only look at the positive physiological effects brought on by yoga to see that increasing and maintaining one’s flexibility can have many beneficial effects; including longer life! And living longer IS what defending yourself is all about.

3. Deep Stances – Deep stances while going through drills is an excellent way to improve your muscles through isometric stress. This method however, is all but extinct in SD schools – seen as, at best, as an inefficient way to train.

4. ‘Training as a way of Life’  – Self Defense courses teach many good techniques that can devastate an attacker. Many do this over a short term period of usually a few weeks or less (sometimes just a few hours). The most probable reason why is because their target market is often busy adults who do not possess the inclination to rearrange their schedule to accommodate long term training.

The problem with these short term courses is that by its very nature the training doesn’t continue, and when skills go unused they languish and die. The importance of this cannot be overstated as the life threatening situation a person may face could be a decade away. What good are the five “thug-stoppers” they picked up in a 7-day course if they cannot remember how to use them effectively?

5. Humility -

  • DVD Programs: “Fear no one”, “Strike terror in common thugs”, “Strangle a bear with your c*ck”, etc. Advertising statements like these attempt to instill the notion that all one needs to do is buy the purported training program and instantly become 10 Bruce Lee’s all rolled into one. This notion, in a foolish or inexperienced mind, can cause someone to take certain chances they might not otherwise; which can be more dangerous than not having any training at all.
  • Schools: Many of them get caught up in their own marketing and branding and begin to look down on other arts. This is folly not only because it ignores that their own arts were not born in a vacuum in their current form as result of divine inspiration, but also instill illusions of superiority in many of their practitioners. And who wants to hang out with someone like that?

6. Application – This may sound counter-intuitive, but one factor that I have seen among some schools that bill themselves as ‘strictly self defense’ is that they will teach techniques and then drill the hell out of them. This is a good thing and extremely valuable in establishing muscle memory and smooth execution. However, some of them will not go beyond and use these techniques in even the most controlled sparring or non-compliant flow drills. The end result is theoretical self defense and that simply isn’t good enough.

 

The good news is that several of these issues (particularly fitness, flexibility, and application) are being addressed in the current evolution of many Self Defense course’s curriculum. This, I believe, is due strongly in part because of the public’s changing expectations coinciding with the growth of MMA. Personally, I find it ironic – and highly encouraging – to see that a sport oriented fighting system has helped to draw closer together these until recently entrenched dogmas.

 

So, what would you add to this and why?(And don’t worry, you SD guys will have your turn next week.)

 

 

Osu!

I’m Incompetent!

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I am very excited to say that I have reached a momentous stage in my development as a martial artist: I can now officially say that I know that I suck!

 

You see, when it comes to acquiring skills there are Four-Stages of Competence:

  1. Unconscious Incompetence: In this stage the individual does not understand how to perform a certain skill nor does he understand how it is that he is performing poorly. Often times he will dismiss the usefulness of the skill as well (this is a biggie in the martial arts world). In other words, he sucks and he can’t figure out why he sucks or how to stop sucking.
  2. Conscious Incompetence: Here the individual still sucks but can readily admit this and he sees how it is he is performing poorly, even if he cannot yet correct it. In this stage, individuals who are not afraid to make mistakes progress onward much more quickly.
  3. Conscious Competence: At this stage of progress the individual can stop sucking as long as he is concentrating strongly on performing his skills. I imagine I will be Shodan (first degree black belt) when I reach this stage in overall skills.
  4. Unconscious Competence: It is here that the individual can perform his skills fluidly and naturally. They are second nature, even. In the world of martial arts it could be argued that at this stage one has just entered the first stage of “Mastery”.

Some psychologists argue that there is a fifth stage and while they differ as of yet to what that stage entails, one position is that the fifth stage is Complacency. This stage requires no explanation and is a dangerous place for any martial artists’ career.

 

So how did I reach this revelation? Last week in class we were performing a multi-block drill set when I kept feeling like I was doing something wrong. It was a literal feeling – as if I were a sliding door trying to close when off track. You know what that’s like – it will close, but it requires force when the motion should be effortless and smooth.

Now, in this limited case I was able to correct myself by reestablishing my stance and focusing my mind on the task at hand. And while this sounds like the third stage, I wouldn’t say that I have fully reached it yet because there are so many other areas in which I can’t yet feel why I am performing incorrectly.

 

How about you? When did you start to realize where your mistakes are?

 

 

Osu!

 

“You’re not a ‘REAL’ Martial Artist”

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This kid's parents are awesome!

I once heard someone say that, “You’re not a ‘real’ martial artist until training imbues all aspects of your life”. Now, I dunno about you but coming from whom I heard it that sounded like, at best, the stuff of BAD anime and, at worst, the kind of ego-driven drivel that is so rampant in the fighting arts – the kind of tripe that makes outsiders to the arts gape in awe and insiders roll their eyes in disgust.

However, I will concede that I can find a kernel of truth to this. I explored this idea during my week long Beach Training and have further expounded upon it in the succeeding weeks. And I have concluded that there is value in finding ways to train while performing menial day-to-day tasks. Let me say, first, that this is a banal Truth. But what I often seek is to experience Truth rather than just believing it when it is told.

And so, I have assembled my 11 favorite ways I’ve been able to sneak in training while at home or work. Now, for you hardcore-shugyo-purists, you may have to expand your definition of ‘training’, but read on anyway.

These have been listed and denoted with what I like to call a ‘Freak Factor’. This will tell you how strange you may look to random passersby. They range from 0 (‘Nothing out of the ordinary’) to 10 (‘Call the asylum. I think someone escaped’).

 

1. Take kiba dachi while brushing teeth – Freak Facor: N/A (Your family already knows you’re a lunatic).

This is one of my favorites. I have an electric toothbrush that runs for 2 minutes and let me tell you, it is a loooong 2 minutes when your legs are burning.

 

2. Take stairs everywhere (take two at once if you’re tall enough) – Freak Factor: N/A (No one will see you because no one takes the stairs).

Taking the stairs is a great way to work your quads. I work on the 2nd floor and I NEVER use the elevator if I can help it.

 

3. If you wear a cordless headset, stand up and walk around as you talk – Freak Factor: 1

This is a real covert one and won’t raise any eyebrows among your colleagues. I don’t really want to call this “training”. But when you’re at work and tied to a phone, I think just about anything you can do to get moving should count for something.

 

4. When you’re on hold, perform isometrics of core muscles – Freak Factor: 1

This one is very easy since the only outward sign that you’re doing anything would be that you’re face should turn a little red.

 

5. Open doors with various shuto (knife hand) strikes – especially push-to-open doors – Freak Factor: 3

I like this exercise because it allows me to practice with my targeting and make sure I am striking with the correct part of my hand. And as a bonus, it is almost unnoticeable to those around you.

 

6. One-leg calf lifts while I wait for the copier/fax machine – Freak Factor: 4

I’ll usually do 10-20 of these depending on how much time I’ve got. And you can combine this with Number 3, too.

 

7. Chair dips off the edge of desk – Freak Factor: 6

Oddly enough, the people around me don’t seem to react as strongly to this as they do some of my other exercises. Or maybe they’re just getting used to my strange behavior.

 

8. Stand in Nekoashi Dachi (Cat Stance) while typing at your computer – Freak Factor: 7

For this one, I’ve got to put a small box on my desk so that I can reach my keyboard and mouse. But it is a great workout for the legs.

 

9. Perform push ups while leaning against edge of desk – Freak Factor – 8

Again, this one has gotten me some weird glances from coworkers.

 

10. Place your foot on your desk and perform hamstring and groin stretches – Freak Factor: 10

It sort of makes me look like a ballerina (especially since I take my shoes off to do it). And has gotten me more than a few “What the hell?” looks from my coworkers. But flexibility is something I struggle to achieve; so I will practice anywhere I can.

 

11. Visualize yourself going through Kata or drills while you’re in a dull meeting – Freak Factor: 0

I love this one…Totally stealth training. I have been in hour long meetings and gotten through all my Kata and much of my Kihon drills too. I highly suggest you try it.

 

True that I get some odd looks every now and again (especially because they don’t know that I am a karateka) – and I recognize that not everyone works in an office environment where doing these is possible or are willing to look as publicly foolish as I am. But I’ve always felt that if you can make a stranger think, “What the…?”, then you must be on to something good.

 

 

Osu!

Why I love Dangerous Women

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By Ron Balicki (OTRS submission by Diana Lee Inosanto)

Beatrix Kiddo, Sarah Connor, Yu Shu Lien, Tifa Lockhart, Annja Creed… The list of ass-kicking femme fatales goes on and on, and that’s even before diving into the Bond movies and anime. What is it about female fighters that is so attractive to scores of men? Are they just some fantasy fulfilling “Mary Sue”? Is it that they represent new standards of beauty? Something Freudian? No, I think the reason that both men and women love tough women is that they possess desirable, and yet under represented, characteristics of womanhood in popular media.

 

Confidence.

Confidence is sexy. And there is very little that confidence cannot make sexy. From the way a woman walks and talks, to the way she handles day to day problems, emergencies, and confrontations, every facet of a woman’s behavior is enhanced and made more attractive when she exudes confidence. Watch this clip for a great example:

Her name is Rina Takeda and she is a rising star in the asian action film world. Watch her spar again. Years of martial arts training has granted her the confidence to move and react calmly, even when shes facing an older, stronger, more experienced, and possibly better skilled opponent.

 

Independence.

Independence is another attractive quality in women (same applies to you fellas, too!). The kind of training that martial artists endure is, by it’s very nature, a lonely one. We practice Kata alone, meditate alone, we drill alone. And when we fight, coach or not, we fight alone. The martial arts are not team sports – we can rely on ourselves and only ourselves for victory and there are no second stringers to pinch-hit for us if we get tired or injured. We win or we die, metaphorically speaking.

My point is this: after a woman spends thousands of hours honing her skills in mental or physical solitude, solitude becomes part of who she is. When this happens, independence becomes her companion; and independence is never “a fifth wheel” in any relationship.

 

Vitality.

One needn’t spend decades on the mat to gain the appearance of inner vitality, but I know of no surer way. When you look at a woman who has persevered through years of hard training (spiritual, mental, or physical) you can see a fire in her eyes that is lacking in so many people – men and women alike. It’s this fire that acts like a siren song to those who can see it.

"Kill Bill Vol 2." Property of Miramax Films. Buy this movie!

 

True that this picture is of a fictional character played by Uma Thurman in Quentin Tarantino’s epic duology, “Kill Bill”, but you can see exactly what I’m talking about here.

 

And “Teh Hawtness”

Beyond metaphysical perception of beauty there is, of course good old fashion physical attractiveness. While there are innumerable methods of physical activity to maintain a healthy physique, martial arts training is unique in that it is one that requires no special equipment, clothing, or partners, and provides a full body work out.

 

In the end, for me, the reason I love dangerous women is, well…I think Spike said it best:

 

 

 

Osu!

 

“Hell Week”

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Obviously not what I did; but an accurate picture of how I felt.

Last Monday Sensei decided he hated us and had us go through a brutal work out: 1,000 punches & 1,000 kicks. It was broken down into 100 reps of 10 types of punches and 10 types of kicks; and 10 push ups in between each set of punches. (I should clarify – this post is about one class, not an entire week, like would-be SEALs go through).

Contrary to what I had expected, the upper body portion of the work out was far easier than the lower body portion. I had always considered my legs to be my best fighting quality (despite how inflexible they currently are). But at some point after my 500th kick my satorius and Rectus femoris began to quit on me and I couldn’t lift my leg for a proper hiza geri (knee strike) or mae geri (front kick).

Worse yet, as the training wore on nausea had gotten its hooks in me and I had to choose to either train until I throw up, or take five. To my utter disappointment, I was forced to choose the latter. After a few moments I rejoined my class and continued for as long as my muscles would permit, only to grow too winded to proceed further. I sat out for the rest of the class and waited for my stomach to stop swirling and my leg muscles to stop twitching.

 

When I was new to the dojo I had many more days like this (I suppose it bears mentioning that I am in Florida, where it gets exceptionally hot, and we don’t use any air conditioner when we train). Back then I would become not only disappointed with myself but critical and angry. It was plain to see how upset I was at my weakness – my wife always knew when I had a ‘bad class’.

What a difference a few years makes. Now, even though I consider my performance a failure I didn’t let it become a ‘bad class’ for me. Instead I decided, as I felt I was reaching my limit:

1. I will keep training until my muscles (or stomach) make me quit.

2. I will remember this and use it to push my training harder next time.

3. By the time we test again, in a few months, if I cannot perform 1,000 punches and 1,000 kicks then I will forgo the test.

 

I have set forth a challenge for my training. Next time, I won’t fail.

 

 

Osu!