Most teachers of the martial arts do not enter teaching with the expectation that they will be working with consistently well-behaved, enthusiastic, successful students who enjoy standing quietly in rows listening to teachers lecture at them.
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Nor do most teachers anticipate that all their students will dutifully use their highest cognitive processes to memorize, prioritize, analyze, and reflect on everything they hear and practice.
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For the most part, teachers and students have at least one thing in common: their brains are inspired and stimulated by challenge.
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Students who are part of a community of learners tend to rise to higher levels of learning and enjoy the time they have at the dojo, especially when they work cooperatively on in-depth skills and practices. In these supportive dojo communities, students acknowledge and appreciate one another’s skills and talents.
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So if you’re struggling with attending the dojo remember that regular attendance is a MUST. Each student is important to the progress of the WHOLE class, not just your own. Interest and enthusiasm is retained in students when there is progress and development with each student, but irregular attendance slows both.
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Everyone reaches a point in life when they want something very badly, but then get discouraged and ready to quit.
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Don’t give up just because you’re tired and yearning for something easier to do. Don’t betray yourself, or your fellow students and friends. Feel your desire, plan and work toward your goal, show persistence, don’t recognize failure, keep fighting, persist, don’t give up. Your dojo friends and colleagues with thank you for it.
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Remember that it’s not what you take from the martial arts, it’s what you have to give to the martial arts. ??
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“The journey has to be based on passion. Put yourself in something you love to do. If you love what you do you’re able to dedicate yourself, overcome obstacles.” – Rickson Gracie
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? Photo Credit: Rickson Gracie
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