Ego, according to dictionary.com, is “conceit; self-importance; self-esteem or self-image.” Pride, according to dictionary.com, is “a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.” Another definition of pride, according to dictionary.com, is “a becoming or dignified sense of what is due to oneself or one's position or character; self-respect; self-esteem.” Therefore, Egotism and pride are synonyms.
How can ego/pride hurt you in your practicing, studying, or using martial arts.
In practicing martial arts, your pride and ego get in the way when (1) you are more focused on going faster than your partner or the student next to you than doing it right; (2) you are more focused about “winning” the drill, sparring match, self-defense exchange than learning and doing it right; or (3) you quit practicing altogether because it is taking you longer to learn and become skillful than those around you.
In studying martial arts, your pride and ego get in the way when you (1) are not open to feedback and corrections and make excuses for why you are doing what you are doing losing out on the information the instructor or coach is trying to impact; (2) do not believe you can learn from anyone in the Club regardless of their rank; or (3) are not open to new ideas, again losing out on information trying to be imparted to you.
As stated in my previous blog, if your ego/pride is in the way when you need to use your skill, you may either underestimate your opponent or do more damage than is necessary because you feel slighted (when you may have been able to just walk away had your ego/pride been in check). Neither of these situations will result in a positive outcome. It can land you in jail, result in someone else losing their life or causing severe damage, or costing you your own life or resulting in severe damage to yourself.
Ego/pride does not have a place in the martial arts, they just get in the way. For each class, each drill, each time you practice, as you bow into the dojang check your ego/pride at the door. When you bow to your opponent, remember to place your ego and pride to the side to get the most out of your martial arts study and practice.
Regards,
Kelly
“The martial arts are ultimately self-knowledge. A punch or a kick is not to knock the hell out of the guy in front, but to knock the hell out of your ego, your fear, or your hang-ups.” ~ Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do
References
1. http://www.dictionary.com
Monday, January 2, 2012
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