Karate is a commitment – a hard, slow road and a journey full of fear, pain, failure and sacrifice.
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It’s a pretty thankless task as the only one to beat is yourself, and nobody likes the stark honesty of self-evaluation. It hurts and getting hit hurts, metaphorically and physically. That’s the truth of it.
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So despite what many would have you believe, karate really isn’t for everyone, and to those who give up the path, who are not committed to hard training, can only be a good thing for the rest of us.
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I used to think everyone could be a black belt. The ‘way’ was simple; all you had to do was train every day for 4 – 5 yrs, attend 2 or 3 lessons a week, pay attention to instruction, and you will make the grade.
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But over the years I realized that was not true. Many just won’t make it.
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Some are just scared of the responsibility of being different, or scared of their spouses and family. Some are just so weak willed they don’t have it in them.
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Most people blame the Instructor, their family, or work commitments, or the relationship with other students, or injury or illness. But overcoming these problems is what makes a black belt.
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Some give up when they get a black belt. Not realizing that this is also a test. Black belt, “Shodan” means first level, it only means that you’ve found the ladder to climb, ‘snatching defeat from the jaws of victory’ describes them well.
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A black belt is an investment in a person. It’s only a belt and a piece of paper, but wearing it….. that’s another thing.
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Anything great requires hard work and sacrifice. It’s tough, difficult, challenging. It’s should stretch you and make you dig deep on the inside.
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Many practitioners don’t realize they failed at that point. Taking responsibility for themselves, their own training, their own standards, their own progress. Never blaming others for a setback, Being strong enough to help others.
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Not everyone can be a black belt, for it requires a blend of dedication, self-discipline, and a spirit that refuses to be defeated. It is in the relentless pursuit of excellence that the few rise above the many.
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Inspired by and with thanks to Steve Rowe 9th dan Shikon International
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