“Self-praise and over-confidence is a sickness that corrupts training.” – Hohan Sōken (1889-1982) Matsumura Seito Shōrin-ryū
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They once began as humble students. Although they didn’t necessarily have “talent”, they have some limited martial arts training and then self-promote themselves to a Dan [black belt] rank. After which, they open a school proclaiming to teach a traditional martial art, continuing a legacy, while narcissistically worshipping their own ego. They post big images of themselves and ask their unsuspecting students to make-up quotes about them on social media.… This can be dangerous for everyone involved.
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Do you just hate it when someone does better than you? Has a higher grade than you? You believe you should have a higher grade than them? Do you always make yourself the center of conversations? When someone starts talking, do you redirect the attention to you, perhaps answer for them? Do you have an unhealthy need for recognition and crave respect? Do you have a belief that you are better than others and you want to assert yourself over them? You see that some things as being beneath you?
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That ego is just too BIG….. Let it go. Your time will come. Remember that you are where you are for a reason. Whether you think you are better than someone else makes no difference. It’s important to respect the expertise of the people around you and listen to what they have to say. Stop comparing yourself with others.
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It’s important to express gratitude for what you already have. Remain quiet, respectful, wait your turn, it will come. A big ego is not healthy. So drop the ego. Remove the self-praise and over-confidence.
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If you are teaching karate from a self-protection point of view, controlling the ego is a key skill (especially for young men), in avoiding violence.
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Being humble is a fantastic catalyst for growth as a human being psychologically and physically. This should be a persistent reminder to us as martial artists that neither style nor rank, should have an effect on our egos. Ego-filled interactions are antiquated. The mugger doesn’t care about your rank or your title.
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So empty your cup. Listen. “Shoshin”, the beginners mind…..You can’t add anything to something that’s already full! …… Be a blank canvas.…Learn and evolve… Leave your ego at the door…. ???