“Sometimes we’re tested not to show our weaknesses, but to discover our strengths.”
Adam Carter 7th dan Ryukyu Karate Jutsu – Shuri Karate Dojo
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There are times when we have to test ourselves and push ourselves to the limit. It is how we grow, and it is how we gain life experiences. You never know your real strength until you push your boundaries.
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Growth in karate comes through repetitive daily practice of the basics and studying karate at every opportunity. Today, society finds repetition boring and stifling. The discipline of repetition is at the heart of karate. Through repetition, we can quiet the inner dialogue between the ego and the over-thinking mind.
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Remember there are no shortcuts to anything of lasting value.
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In order to improve, you have to look for errors. This is what we call ‘active learning’. The more you improve, the more you have to pay attention to what needs fixing. In fact, most of your practice should be about exposing errors and weaknesses so that you can correct them. This doesn’t mean just working weaknesses though. You’ll also want to hone in on fine tuning your strengths.
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Great students, and great instructors, don’t wait for a someone to tell them to fix something. They don’t arrive at the dojo and stand around with a belief that just showing up and working-out, is enough to make them improve.
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Pay attention to what you’re doing. Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. Be diligent about assigning yourself tasks, always looking for something to adjust, improve, or to learn.
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Always remain humble enough to know there is always room for improvement. Because no matter what level you are, there IS always room for improvement. 
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With thanks to Ando Mierzwa.
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