Stumble It!
As I continue to progress in our martial art system, I often wonder, "what does it take to be at the next level?" Of course, techniques are one of the key components, but as I continue further up the rank I learn how much more other things come into play.
There are key elements to be figured out between the intermediate level and the advanced level. Basic concepts are fundamental but there comes a point where certain things begin to make a difference. It may sound funny but how to land a kick, especially a spinning kick was a key one for me. A key movement, something I had been told before, seen before but didn't really click, until recently.
There are many other things mentally that begin to make a difference as well. I believe that they must be different for each person. I'm sure there are some common elements, but as each individual progresses what they need to learn for themselves will be different from what I had to learn for me.
I'm not sure this is making much sense. It's hard to put into words what I'm trying to say without being very specific and I don't want to tell specifics because I believe they are individual. I don't want someone to think, "Oh, I can do that, I'm ready to be an advanced belt." Your journey will be yours and only yours as is mine.
One thing I will share is the understanding of the responsibility of being an advanced belt. Are you ready to teach? To be responsible for an entire class large or small? Are you sure that you have your techniques good enough to pass them on? Are you ready for people to watch you and compare themselves to you to see if they are doing something correct? Are you ready for the responsibility of leadership?
These are tough questions that must be answered before you test for our blue belt and the transition from orange to green prepares you for just that. Don't rush through the intermediate level because you physically can. Make sure you are ready mentally as well. The mental aspect of our system is just as important if not more so than the physical aspect.
As quoted in Spiderman, "Remember with great power, comes great responsibility". Leadership is great responsibility.
Keep training and wish me luck on my next test August 21. I'm testing for Blue.
Lisa
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Change
***I'm not in martial arts to change it, I'm in martial arts for it to change me*** TJ Fernandez
When I began martial arts I never considered that it would really change me. I thought, oh I’ll learn how to kick or get out of someone’s grasp. I truly didn’t think it would change me all that much.
Now, as I look back I can see some of the changes in myself and all for the good.
1. I’m learning to lighten up a little. I’ve always been a very serious person. I would never do anything goofy in public! Well, I was pretty goofy in class tonight and I had a good time. Sometimes it is about having fun.
2. I’ve always been a goal setter. For me physical goals are harder than any others. It takes a deeper level of commitment from me to obtain them. I’ve been able to set goals for myself that I never thought were possible.
3. Recognizing the perfectionist in me reminds me that none of us are perfect. As I tell my kids all the time, “We all sin and fall short of the glory of God”. It’s ok if I try something and don’t get it the first, second or even third time. This has been a hard lesson.
4. Learning to laugh at myself without being embarrassed. Truthfully trying to do cartwheels at 44 is a bit embarrassing. But tonight when I finally did a few that felt pretty good, I was so excited. You would have thought I had won the lottery with all the jumping I did. It was fun.
5. Courage – is a funny thing. It takes a lot of courage for me to trust my body into doing some of the things we do. I’ve learned to take a deep breath and go for it. Some things are not near as bad as I make them out to be in my head.
6. Trust – learning to trust others telling you, “you can do this” is very difficult. Sometimes you have to have faith in your instructors. They often see things within you that you don’t. You have to trust them.
I’m sure there are lots of other things that have been changed about me but this is a good start. I hope martial arts is changing you too.
Lisa
When I began martial arts I never considered that it would really change me. I thought, oh I’ll learn how to kick or get out of someone’s grasp. I truly didn’t think it would change me all that much.
Now, as I look back I can see some of the changes in myself and all for the good.
1. I’m learning to lighten up a little. I’ve always been a very serious person. I would never do anything goofy in public! Well, I was pretty goofy in class tonight and I had a good time. Sometimes it is about having fun.
2. I’ve always been a goal setter. For me physical goals are harder than any others. It takes a deeper level of commitment from me to obtain them. I’ve been able to set goals for myself that I never thought were possible.
3. Recognizing the perfectionist in me reminds me that none of us are perfect. As I tell my kids all the time, “We all sin and fall short of the glory of God”. It’s ok if I try something and don’t get it the first, second or even third time. This has been a hard lesson.
4. Learning to laugh at myself without being embarrassed. Truthfully trying to do cartwheels at 44 is a bit embarrassing. But tonight when I finally did a few that felt pretty good, I was so excited. You would have thought I had won the lottery with all the jumping I did. It was fun.
5. Courage – is a funny thing. It takes a lot of courage for me to trust my body into doing some of the things we do. I’ve learned to take a deep breath and go for it. Some things are not near as bad as I make them out to be in my head.
6. Trust – learning to trust others telling you, “you can do this” is very difficult. Sometimes you have to have faith in your instructors. They often see things within you that you don’t. You have to trust them.
I’m sure there are lots of other things that have been changed about me but this is a good start. I hope martial arts is changing you too.
Lisa
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