Realism in Training
How often have you gone to karate class only to see some students just going through the motions? They are only committed to the punch or kick because someone is telling them to do it. Demotivation happens 50-60 %of the time with classes. Students lose the edge when they realize they are doing the same punches and kicks they have learned from day one.
What they are missing is that those same punches and kicks you did from day one may save your life because you were committed to the realistic principles to practice. Every punch, block, or kick matters, and do it like your life depends on them.
Dialing your Mind into the attitude that you must win, complete this strike, and build a memory core and habitual action of reaction is one of the core principles of karate. I can’t tell you how many times I defended myself. I had no idea exactly what I did.
I fear not the student who has done 10,000 things one time. I fear the person that has done one thing 10,000 for they know the intricacies of every movement and why. Karate’s training lies in this principle. The next time you find yourself bored or tired, remind yourself that this is the kick or punch that matters for your life.
Those students who have built realism into their training, you can see it in their eyes. The way they look at you, the way they move, and the focus that transcends the moment. These are usually your blue or brown belts. They have seen the action, been hit, understand why the system is in place, and understand what it will take to move forward. They do not back away from a challenge. How many times during the week do you practice 27 movements? Every week I take a black belt class, I practice 27 movements, even though it is the first kata I learned.
Each kata is another opportunity to practice, and what might happen is how you would need to defend yourself against the odds. Do not take a moment when you are in the dojo, not only does it prepare you for your next belt test, but it prepares you for life.
Hajime.
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