tmd
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Think Fast Hit hard
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Post by tmd on Apr 16, 2013 5:26:55 GMT -5
On Thursday I had a great session but I'd be the first to admit when I first arrived at the dojo I was all for blending into the back ground and taking it easy. But it seemed like everyone was on a bit of a mission, including my 12 year old so I felt a certain obligation to train like a 2nd Dan should - fitter, faster, technically better and stronger than anyone else in the room (at least half of there were just in my mind  ) but above all of that committed to the training. It was a great class for everyone but it did leave me wondering if I lifted my game because of the bars on my belt. I always feel like as a black belt you are there to not only guide but lead the kyu grades in both commitment and attitude but I'd not felt it that strong for awhile - probably not since I was first a black belt. I see it as a positive, to keep me honest and not slack off - don't get me wrong if my minds not on it I still screw up royalty and if I'm injured I pick and choose what I do, but I hope even this is a good example to those who think we are supposed to just power through and just do whatever Sensei says no matter what. Is it just the way I am or do the Gold bars add a certain level of personal presure to you? |
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GJEC
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LOUGHBOROUGH ENSHIN
Posts: 3,218
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Post by GJEC on Apr 16, 2013 5:47:48 GMT -5
I think they should do ...
There's a subtle switch from leading up to BB where it's OK to be a bit 'tunnel vision' to the training afterwards, where I'd hope helping / inspiring others is a large part.
But we all get surprised sometimes. Promoted someone recently and he left straight after.
:-(
Gary
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Post by senshido on Apr 16, 2013 7:01:23 GMT -5
@ tmd, yes I think you are correct, the bars add weight to the pressure, you feel (I certainly do) the need to be that bit better than the rest.
@gary, thats a bit of a kick in the balls!... unfortunately some people see the black belt as the goal
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tmd
Member
Think Fast Hit hard
Posts: 242
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Post by tmd on Apr 16, 2013 7:29:28 GMT -5
Cheers guys thought as much I'm normal after all we'll normal in this company  Gary that sucks, have seen it a couple of times and never really got it. At what point in the journey did they think right this is dull, I hate it, I'm bored, I'd rather be doing something else.... but I'll just keep turning up for X more months/ years till I get differentnt colour piece of cloth...... .... All that said my older lad dropped out within a year of doing his BB grading, reasons were: No more of a challenge for him, enjoyed generally doing karate but didn't want to compete at anything; All he had done sports wise for 6 years; School work load as it as he entered 6th form; None of his mates did it; They all did other stuff (mostly computer stuff) which they encouraged him to join in so finally; ExteJustdrealizedons. Just realised this does segway neatly into my main point. I have been trying recently to get him back training and think I just twigged why he is resiting, he's tried a couple of times but now I'm wondering - Is it the weight of that BLOODY GOLD BAR!?!? He is currently out of shape so he struggles to keep up with the class, he pushes through it but then suffers for days after, no issue technically but he's about 20kG heavier than when he passed his grading, and his stamina is shot. His size and weight would be fine as a red belt newbie hiding away at the back but not as a, stuck in the front row Black Belt - It's probably especially true for him as he's 6" taller than the rest of the front line! I'm sure people also see this big Kyokushin BB and probably go a bit harder on him than they would the equivalent 18 year old Red Belt. What I am thinking of doing is getting him back to the Sunday sessions - these are knockdown focused but a GI is not compulsory - neither is sparing so he can come along, do what he can - rest when he needs to and get his fitness back, here's hoping, he was a good little karateka in his day, both technical and knowlegable. |
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Post by MMX on Apr 16, 2013 10:55:08 GMT -5
Yeah I would agree TMD. It is no longer an option to slack off in the dojo once you go to Shodan. I find I try to set an example. Even when I am tired.
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tmd
Member
Think Fast Hit hard
Posts: 242
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Post by tmd on Apr 17, 2013 7:11:37 GMT -5
Yeah I would agree TMD. It is no longer an option to slack off in the dojo once you go to Shodan. I find I try to set an example. Even when I am tired. Which I guess does make it harder to return if you have to or wish to take a break? So maybe the 'at least get to Shodan before you quit' idea is flawed? |
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Post by MMX on Apr 17, 2013 10:42:20 GMT -5
Well for some people they see that "Black Belt" as the end goal. Really it is just a small step in a long learning curve.
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evergrey
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Get over yourself, mate.
Posts: 854
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Post by evergrey on Apr 17, 2013 17:42:50 GMT -5
OSU,
Of course I cannot speak from personal experience, but Mike always feels the pressure, I think. It's hard for him because he's getting close to being 50, and he's only been back in the game 3 years after decades off. He feels strongly that he must always set the example, especially given that he is also an instructor.
It was really hard on him at first, coming back, because his body was completely different from when he had been training before. He's really finding his pace how, but with some chronic injuries of his own it can be hard.
Now's the time when he's learning to fight smarter and sneakier. ;}
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Post by Ros on Apr 18, 2013 5:07:51 GMT -5
I think everyone needs to be careful about how much pressure they put on themselves whatever grade they are; it's a fine line between the amount of pressure needed to get the best out of youself and the amount it takes to destroy your ability. I bet everyone here has experienced frustration, anger and negativity because they aren't performing as well as they think they 'should' be and the harder you try to put it right, the worse you perform (ha, I feel this a lot). Is this part of a normal highs and lows experience? What if you can't quite get yourself back up to a normal/high experience? How much would it take to make someone lose their motivation and quit altogether? I imagine some people might put it down to not being mentally robust enough but it might be one of the reasons why people quit early on? What's the solution? Is there even a solution or are some people just more susceptible to de-motivation than others? Should we even be bothering with them? Lots of questions thrown in from me, don't know if I have any answers but I think they might be interesting to think about! |
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tmd
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Think Fast Hit hard
Posts: 242
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Post by tmd on Apr 18, 2013 5:30:02 GMT -5
I loose my motivation quickly when I'm injured/ away form the dojo for extended periods of time. Part of this has to do with the almost instantaneous way I put on 10lbs within a week of stopping and it's all round my waist!!!! will it level out over time, if I took a couple of months off would my body find a happy medium I don't know so I head back and push on, not sure how much longer that will last. How to just train 2/3 times a week for the enjoyment of it, win or loose - good or bad performance that to me is the key question I'm struggling with..... as well as all the one's posed now by ROS LOL |
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Post by meguro on Apr 18, 2013 7:11:32 GMT -5
That little strip of cloth carries more freight than necessary. Nowadays I prefer casual training environments, T shirt and shorts, a circle of students rather than a line-up. It goes with my jaded, been there, done that outlook I find hard to shake as I get older. Would it be a bad thing if we wore our rank only on special occasions (competition, and promotion)?
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GJEC
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LOUGHBOROUGH ENSHIN
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Post by GJEC on Apr 18, 2013 8:54:58 GMT -5
Some of the most productive sessions I ever had were just gi bottoms and T shirts. Gary |
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Post by MMX on Apr 18, 2013 10:57:58 GMT -5
Some of the most productive sessions I ever had were just gi bottoms and T shirts. Gary Yes some good times. |
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tmd
Member
Think Fast Hit hard
Posts: 242
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Post by tmd on Apr 18, 2013 12:55:27 GMT -5
useds to really like that about Dave Pickthalls open training sessions - gi bottoms and a t shirt, no stress about rank or organisation - just hard training.
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Post by powerof0ne on Apr 19, 2013 14:28:34 GMT -5
That little strip of cloth carries more freight than necessary. Nowadays I prefer casual training environments, T shirt and shorts, a circle of students rather than a line-up. It goes with my jaded, been there, done that outlook I find hard to shake as I get older. Would it be a bad thing if we wore our rank only on special occasions (competition, and promotion)? I used to prefer a more casual scenario like you describe but I no longer unless it's with people that I have known for quite some time. The reason why is because I find familiarity can unfortunately bring contempt in a martial art school (not with everybody!). However, I prefer a happy medium, which is very hard to have  . There are times when adult students refer to the instructor by their rank outside the dojo, in a way that the instructor is a "grand pooba." I find the latter sickening, especially by an instructor that not only prefers this, but insists upon it. The gold dan bars on a person's belt should mean they have at least, been there, done that, or can still perform to that level. The only time I prefer an all casual training atmosphere is when I come upon those with rank they do not deserve...however who's to say I can judge those that do or don't deserve a rank? It's a tricky line between expectations and reality. Osu! |
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) but above all of that committed to the training. 
. There are times when adult students refer to the instructor by their rank outside the dojo, in a way that the instructor is a "grand pooba." I find the latter sickening, especially by an instructor that not only prefers this, but insists upon it.