Keeping It Real

From Sah Bohm Nim La Rée:

   As Martial Artists, we learn that we must know our enemies. Not only must we discover as much as we can about our enemy but also the weapons he has/uses. As the Holiday Season approaches, we must be aware of the enemy that soon draws near.
     This enemy has many disguises. Sometimes he comes as Bad Weather: a great excuse for not attending classes. At other times, he shows himself as Gift Buying or Decoration Demands. Regardless of how he shows up at your front door (in your own mind), you must be prepared with your defense.
     Just as we do not wait to learn a self-defense move until the bad guy attacks, so too, we should not wait until this Holiday Bandit assaults before we learn how to defend ourselves against him, less he steals our joy and enthusiasm for our progress in the Martial Arts. You must prepare now, deciding what you will do when the time arrives.
     What, then, will you do? Let's practice:
     ATTACK-It's rainy, cold and bitter outside, you've been freezing all day long and it's almost time for class. DEFENSE-say to yourself, "Yes, I'd really like to stay home and drink some hot apple cinder. But I'm a Martial Artist. I can warm up in and after class. I train on Wednesdays. Today is Wednesday. I'm going to class no matter what. That's what I do: I'm a Martial Artist."
     ATTACK-Mary calls and asks you to go to the Mall to pick up some presents for your family and friends, but it's Friday, there's a sparring class and you really need to attend a sparring class. DEFENSE-say to yourself, "Yes, I really would like to go to the Mall and spend some time with Mary. But I'm a Martial Artist. I can shop before (or after) class. I train on Fridays. Today is Friday. I'm going to class no matter what. That's what I do; I'm a Martial Artist.
     ATTACK-{INSERT STUMBLING BLOCK/CHALLENGE} to your training and reaching your goals. DEFENSE-"Yes, I really would like to {INSERT CHALLENGE}. But I'm a Martial Artist. I train on {INSERT DAY}. Today is {INSERT DAY}. I'm going to class no matter what. That's what I do; I'm a Martial Artist."
     When all is said and done, the hour and a half will have passed and you can not regain that time. What will you have accomplished? Each and every time you attend class you are a better, more proficient and healthier Martial Artist. Each and every time you miss class-you don't just maintain, but-your level decreases.
     This first missed class leads to a missed week; which leads to a missed month; which leads to returning next month, or next season, or next year or when the kids graduate from college. Remember, everyone who ever quit began by missing one class.
     Know your enemy. Know yourself. Know what each of you are capable of. I will be here to help you defeat all your enemies; all season long.

Conquer The Most Difficult Part of Training
Which of the seven are you?
Ten Ways to Make Your Instructor Frown

Conquer The Most Difficult Part of Training

Ask a Martial Artist of any style what the most difficult part of his training is and, at first, you might get several different answers. That is, until they continue talking.

At first, they might relay their attempts of gaining flexibility and the time it takes holding uncomfortable stretches to reach their goals. Some might share their “war stories” of sparring and/or competition. They could mention the patience it takes to set a long term goal and then work toward it with dedication and perseverance. Still others will tell of the strength building drills required in class or the cardiovascular drills that make them suck wind.

Inevitably, however, they all begin to agree that the one, truly most difficult aspect of their training is -- showing up for class. Most concede that once at the Martial Arts school, energy comes and their training is worthwhile. Consistent training creates success which inspires more. But it’s that hour or two BEFORE class that they find most challenging.

We’ve all been there. You come home from work, eat supper, and sit down for “just a moment” before you get ready for class. But now your belly’s full, the aches and pains of the day revisit themselves on you and “your chair” (we all have one) looks mighty comfortable to you. An overwhelming sense of tiredness overcomes you. Then you recall that TV show, which you really wanted to see, will be on in about an hour.

At this point you start tying to convince yourself that staying home “just this once” is O.K. “What’s missing one day going to hurt?” “I really need to conserve my strength because I’ve got a big day ahead of me tomorrow.” “I’ll go to an extra class next week.” “I really haven’t been feeling well anyway, and I surly don’t want to get any of the other studentsn sick.” “Why am I training anyway?.”

And thus begins the battle often times lost by the Martial Artist who that day, that moment begins to lose the war; the long, hard fought war to attain victory as a Black Belt (or fourth-degree or whatever the goal).

So how do you overcome this seemingly insurmountable obstacle?

First, preempt the situation from occurring. Plan on only “light” meals on the evenings you train. Don’t allow your mind to even occupy the thought of not going to class. When the concept peeks its disparaging head up, slap it down quickly. “I’m going to class. That’s what I do. I’m a Martial Artist.” Do not allow the idea of not going to class to be an option. Gather your indomitable spirit talked about in class. Make your mind strong.

Make an “agreement” with yourself that if you get to the school and change into your uniform and still are too tired to train - then you can go home with a clean conscience. Inevitably, you will find that once you’re there, in uniform, the training you encounter is not nearly as tiring and draining as the battle you put yourself through to get class. In fact, its rejuvenating. It’s inspiring. And the pride you feel for having attended stays with you for days, weeks, a life time.

In any war you hope to win, you must know you enemy. You must know his location so you will be aware from which direction he can strike. You must also know what weapons he has so you can choose your best defense.

So too, in the training of Martial Arts. Age is not your fiercest enemy. Neither is strength, flexibility, breath, endurance, nor time. It is lethargy. It is laziness. And it is an enemy we all must fight against-especially during these hot, hazy, summer months.

From where does this enemy strike for you? For each person, it’s different. Does it strike when you first get home from work? Maybe it strikes in the morning as you anticipate the day? Be prepared for it. Strike first. Say to yourself, “I get to go to class.” Not “ I’ve got to go to class.”

Say, “I’m going to do well, especially with that side kick”, not “I hope I don’t keep stinking at that side kick and then embarrass myself when I throw it poorly.” Set yourself up for success. Create for yourself a self-fulfilling prophecy of success and victory.

Whatever you do, realize that this enemy which discourages us from training is not just yours. Most of us must fight against laziness. In fact, all of us do, to one extent or another at one time or another. Yet, just like going to work or school, which we do NOT do because we feel like going every single time, but rather because of our desire to receive the benefits of having gone; i.e.; a paycheck or degree. So too, keep your eyes on the prize. Think of the long term benefits and goals of your training.

Do not allow the complacency of the moment to deprive you of receiving the exhilaration of victory. If you can overcome the most difficult part of training - being there - it only gets easier from there. Good luck and peace be with you.

Which of the seven are you?

One day seven young men approached the Greatest Master and asked him to accept them as his students. “I am an old man who values time,” replied the Greatest Master. “ I will not accept all of you, for not all of you truly want my teachings.” Yet they pleaded “No, Great Master, we do indeed, with intense earnestness, want to be your students.” They begged him, crying and bowing low to the ground, saying “Please teach us,” and “We want to learn.”

The Greatest Master, upon hearing their pleas, spoke “Let all of you, each morning at sunrise, come to my do jang. You will be given a task. From this I will know the true desires of your soul and who has the potential to attain enlightenment as a Black Belt.”

For one week each student came. After one month, only four were rising so early to do their task, for from the beginning many had began to doubt the credibility of the Master. “The tasks are foolish,” said one potential student to another. “ ‘Fetch two pails of water and then go home. Walk thrice clockwise around the do jang, then twice counterclockwise, then go home.’ How can this demonstrate to him our ability to train well in the Martial Arts?”

On the twenty-first morning of the fourth month, with only one student arriving, the Greatest Master emerged from the shadows of the zendo. “Today we will continue our training by learning the proper stances; follow me.”

“Master, may I inquire of you?”
“Ask.”
“Have I then been accepted as your student?”
“You have.”
“And then why do you say ‘continue our training,’ when I have yet to begin?”
“Greatness does not come early. It must be pursued during a great time of effort. The most difficult task in training is arriving for instruction. The discipline of attendance is the foundation of success. All other thing will follow naturally. You have passed your first test. You are now my student. Let us continue our training; follow me.”

Question: Why do Chinese people speak such fluent Chinese? Answer; They practice every day. Natural ability and/or youth will only carry you so far. Only those who consistently, diligently and earnestly train will advance. During this time of summer with its accompanied vacations, family get-togethers and camps, remember to continue your training. For only through focused effort will you attain your goals.

Ten Ways to Make Your Instructor Frown

1.) Wear a soiled/stained/wrinkled uniform to class. This is not in reference to the normal soiling or perspiration which occurs during training. Clean, presentable uniforms are an outward indication of our aspirations of self-respect, respect for others (ever been partnered with someone who hadn’t washed his uniform?), cleanliness and purity. Always wear a clean, presentable uniform.

2.) Drop off children too early and/or pick them up late for class. This is presumptuous, dangerous and rude. Do not drop children off earlier than 15 minutes before class begins nor pick them up later than 15 after their class finishes. You pay for Martial Arts instruction; not baby-sitting. It is unfair to leave your instructors responsible for children left too long after or dropped off too early for class.

3.) Occupy the time of your instructor between classes. Unless your instructor invites you to chat, any questions or concerns you might have should be addressed during class time. Odds are there are others in the class with the same question, and will benefit from hearing the response. Being human, your instructors need this time to prepare for the next class, meditate, return phone calls and, yes, maybe even use the lavatory.

4.) Consistently arrive late for class. There are times when, due to circumstances beyond our control, we must be late for class. However, this is very different from often being (even moments) late. Showing up late for class is disruptive and shows a lack of respect for the instructor, the instruction given and your fellow students. Be considerate and be on time.

5.) Discuss negative comments or disagreements with other students/parents without discussing them with the head instructor. Your instructor can not fix what he doesn’t know is wrong. If you have a problem or concern, give your instructor the courtesy of either explaining or rectifying it. Don’t cause contentions and divisions among your “brothers.”

6.) Don’t ask for extra help if you need it. Your instructor wants you to succeed. If you are having difficulty learning a new form, or catching on to some fast footwork or arm-lock, ask a senior student or your instructor for special assistance. You may even want to schedule a private lesson.

7.) Make a mess of the dressing rooms, lavatories, training hall or other areas for others to clean. Despite our interest in cleanliness, janitorial services can be quite expensive. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student body, with the example set by the senior students, to ensure our Kwan is clean. Do your best to make the task less taxing by picking up after yourself and your children.

8.) Pay your tuition late. Although many schools pay billing services to collect tuition, we receive payments in-house to keep your tuition costs as low as possible. Although you may feel that your instructor has great Martial Arts spirit, is a nice person and will understand if you are late, your school’s landlord, CL & P and SNET care little about your instructor’s character. They want their money, and they want it on time. Your instructor may or may not say something to you when you are late, but she is keenly aware of who has not given tuition. If you have a valid problem that prevents you from submitting payment on time, set an appointment and talk with SahBohmNim. Instructors can be very accommodating, as long as you are honest and up front.

9.) Show up or call during class, and expect SahBohmNim or the instructor to stop teaching to give you attention in the ProShop, to pay your tuition or discuss something. During each class, those students in attendance have priority attention.

10.) Refuse to do your best in class. Everyone has a bad day from time to time. We’ve all had trying days when we are exhausted and lucky just to have made it to class. Yet while in class, a person who is lethargic and not giving their best effort can have a negative effect on the other students. Such dark clouds are difficult to disperse. So, do your best to be positive and encouraging. This will help not only your fellow practitioners, but also yourself. Emotions are catchy.

Refrain from these ten ways and when you look at your instructors, they should always be there smiling.

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