Thursday, June 19, 2008

Chief Instructor's Blog June 19, 2008

Post-Test – What’s Next?

You have just reached a new rank, now what?

First off, let me congratulate all of you again on your achievements to date. Practicing a martial art, in general, pushes one to achieve physical fitness in every aspect – speed, accuracy, flexibility, balance, strength. Our style in particular will also stress your endurance and push you to your physical limits. This improves your overall health and well-being. In addition, learning a martial art improves your mental strength through discipline and focus and building one’s confidence.

The growth of a martial artist is a journey to improve oneself physically, mentally, and spiritually by always keeping an open mind and always striving to improve. Even at Black Belt, it is only the beginning of a new leg of the journey.

Some of the things to keep in mind, as you move forward, the basics techniques will evolve over time as you progress. You may tell an instructor – that is not how I was taught that, and that is correct. Techniques will be varied and adjusted over time, part of that is the complexity of the technique is such that at the beginner level we teach it to grasp it easier and start the journey. Other times, it is time to adjust the technique to demonstrate the techniques with force and then, with energy.

If an instructor tells you you need to start to adjust your techniques, it is an acknowledgment of your accomplishments to date, and that is a good thing.

This progression of both learning and adjusting the techniques is a natural progression of a martial artist. The exciting part is the art form is always unfolding and you are learning. If you are looking for quick and easy way to learn and grow, there is not one. Martial arts is a way of life and takes time and devotion to improve in all areas that makes one a martial artist and not one that just practices a martial art.

Congratulations again and keep practicing. As Mr. Kim used to say “More work.”

Coaching Next Session
For next session, I am temporarily suspending the coaching format that has been in place for the last several years on Thursday nights during the Intermediates class. We will definitely have group and one-one one coaching sessions, but you will not necessarily have the same coach, it will not necessarily be every week, and you will not always be in the same group. This will also give the Black Belts who have been coaching an opportunity to focus more on their own work and balance it out some.

Regards,
Kelly

"Knowledge does not grow like a tree where you dig a hole, plant your feet, cover them with dirt, and pour water on them daily. Knowledge grows with time, work, and dedicated effort. It cannot come by any other means." -- Ed Parker, founder of American Kenpo