Some big changes in the dojo lately: New students, new flooring (OUCH! — $$$), a revised curriculum, and — hot button — a new ranking system.
In the process of "professionalizing" the dojo, I've expanded our ranking system to include one additional kyu rank at the intermediate stage. The Green Belt stage has traditionally been a marathon stage, where a lot of material is taught, and a lot of time elapses between belt tests. It's a gut-check. But I decided to add a new belt rank to break down the intermediate Green Belt stage into more digestible chunks so that the material will be more thoroughly practiced, mastered, and retained.
At the same time, I'm trying something new: I've modified the belt colors we use in the dojo over the last four years. I've done this for a number of reasons, but especially to give clearer indications of student progress as the dojo grows. I believe that making the change in the belt colors is the right thing to do for where the dojo is headed in terms of organization and professionalism, and I believe the change will help with student retention. The amount of time, effort, and technical knowledge that's required to earn a Black Belt in our dojo remains the same, but even so, the change in belt colors brought out a fair amount of confusion and resistance in my students.
Aha! ATTACHMENT has reared its ugly head — what an opportunity for GROWTH! In the middle of all of this, I asked myself, how attached am I to MY belt color? How can I reinforce in my students that all of our training is not about the BELT at all? Our training is about LIFE, the curve balls that life will throw you, and what we do with them. It's about trying new things. It's about gaining the confidence to run screaming away from the "comfortable" and the "familiar." Live to dare and to take risks — and to accept (with grace, gratitude, and humility) both the "awards" and "lumps" that come from risking.
Communicating this — LIVING THIS — is where my "karate" training lies. In part, anyway. I'm still learning I guess.
Striving to be free of what I wear around my waist, my "black" belt test is today.
And tomorrow.
I did one other thing, too — I'm still not sure if it was foolish or inspired. But at the end of class I asked my students what MY weaknesses were. Man, if you really want to grow, you should try this some time!
I'm still reeling from the punches.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Not too shabby for an old(er) guy!
Quick journal entry today — just got back from competing at an international karate tournament in Niagara Falls, Canada. Overall, I'm very happy with my performance in a tough division, especially since I haven't really competed — or trained for competition — since 1996 or so. Of course, there's still lots of room for improvement!!!
In the "nidan and up" empty-hand forms division, I tied for third place, but then lost the tiebreaker. I also placed second in the "nidan and up" weapons forms division. I'm still too young for the "senior" division, but many of my competitors were more than 10 years my junior. (Hey, am I already making excuses for my performance?)
A BIG thanks to Coach Tom for inspiring all the kata practice. Three times a day every day makes a big difference, and I was glad just to keep pace with the more serious competitors. (Did I mention they were younger, too? — ha ha !)
Some big lessons to take home with me, too: Being "in shape" and being "in sparring condition" are two very different things. I was soundly defeated in the sparring division by some highly-skilled folks. A great learning experience overall. More polishing and training ahead for me... I had 4 of my students with me, and it was their first tournament — a big one! They all did very well, too.
Attended a short seminar with Master Hidy Ochiai over the weekend. Wow. He's 68 years young and still AMAZING! An inspiring martial artist, and I was in awe just to be on the training floor with him. I'll remember this one for some time to come! And yes, Master Ochiai totally destroys my "age as an excuse" cop out... I guess I just need to train harder and smarter, and continue to improve, inch by inch! There are no shortcuts!
In the "nidan and up" empty-hand forms division, I tied for third place, but then lost the tiebreaker. I also placed second in the "nidan and up" weapons forms division. I'm still too young for the "senior" division, but many of my competitors were more than 10 years my junior. (Hey, am I already making excuses for my performance?)
A BIG thanks to Coach Tom for inspiring all the kata practice. Three times a day every day makes a big difference, and I was glad just to keep pace with the more serious competitors. (Did I mention they were younger, too? — ha ha !)
Some big lessons to take home with me, too: Being "in shape" and being "in sparring condition" are two very different things. I was soundly defeated in the sparring division by some highly-skilled folks. A great learning experience overall. More polishing and training ahead for me... I had 4 of my students with me, and it was their first tournament — a big one! They all did very well, too.
Attended a short seminar with Master Hidy Ochiai over the weekend. Wow. He's 68 years young and still AMAZING! An inspiring martial artist, and I was in awe just to be on the training floor with him. I'll remember this one for some time to come! And yes, Master Ochiai totally destroys my "age as an excuse" cop out... I guess I just need to train harder and smarter, and continue to improve, inch by inch! There are no shortcuts!
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Making improvements -- everywhere!
Coach Tom has been challenging us to improve the quality of the people we hang out with. This week, I was fortunate enough to spend some time with Andy Mandell, a.k.a., "Mr. Diabetes." What a remarkable man! A diabetic, Andy is on the final legs of his perimeter walk of the United States. The focus of Andy's walk (The "Wake Up and Walk") tour is to raise awareness of diabetes, a terrible, but 100% PREVENTABLE disease that affects millions in our country alone. I'm happy to know Andy, and also to call him "teammate", as he has joined UBBT 5. Be sure to check out his website: www.defeatdiabetes.org.
In other news, I'm heading to Canada next week for a vacation and karate tournament. I'm looking forward to the time away with my family (balance!), but also to competing for the first time in YEARS. Win or lose, it'll be a great experience. I've been working on my kata and I'm ready to perform.
Beyond all the training, I've been working on the dojo, with a concerted effort to "professionalize" things with better systems, better processes, better equipment… better EVERYTHING. We've had six new students sign up for lessons, which is GREAT! I'll be introducing a revised curriculum and belt ranking system next month, and replacing the dojo flooring in December. Things are looking good!
In other news, I'm heading to Canada next week for a vacation and karate tournament. I'm looking forward to the time away with my family (balance!), but also to competing for the first time in YEARS. Win or lose, it'll be a great experience. I've been working on my kata and I'm ready to perform.
Beyond all the training, I've been working on the dojo, with a concerted effort to "professionalize" things with better systems, better processes, better equipment… better EVERYTHING. We've had six new students sign up for lessons, which is GREAT! I'll be introducing a revised curriculum and belt ranking system next month, and replacing the dojo flooring in December. Things are looking good!
Friday, September 28, 2007
The Weather's getting colder...
My Stats To Date:
Push ups: 10,300
Crunches: 10,300
Miles: 127.5
Kata Reps: 242
Man, this is tough! The numbers look imressive, but I'm actually falling a bit behind the pace on my crunches and push ups. It's not going to be any fun making those up! I really and truly don't have the time/opportunity to log as many miles as I'd like to, but the kata reps are going very well. (Getting ready for a tournament next month!)
My diet has improved quite a bit during my weekday lunches, but when Joy and I get home after a hard day's work, sit-down meals are a real challenge. With our 14-month-old, there's still laundry, bath time, story time... Who has the time and energy to cook, let alone eat!?!
I'm working on sparring with my intermediate-level students, so they're willing and able to go a few rounds with me every week. Gotta figure out a place to hang a heavy bag...
Push ups: 10,300
Crunches: 10,300
Miles: 127.5
Kata Reps: 242
Man, this is tough! The numbers look imressive, but I'm actually falling a bit behind the pace on my crunches and push ups. It's not going to be any fun making those up! I really and truly don't have the time/opportunity to log as many miles as I'd like to, but the kata reps are going very well. (Getting ready for a tournament next month!)
My diet has improved quite a bit during my weekday lunches, but when Joy and I get home after a hard day's work, sit-down meals are a real challenge. With our 14-month-old, there's still laundry, bath time, story time... Who has the time and energy to cook, let alone eat!?!
I'm working on sparring with my intermediate-level students, so they're willing and able to go a few rounds with me every week. Gotta figure out a place to hang a heavy bag...
They days are getting shorter... With less and less light, it seems harder to keep up the motivation. I've powered through a few rainy mornings to do my calisthenics, and we've had a couple of chilly mornings, too. (Although this week it's been back above 90 degrees.) Winter is on its way. Kata reps in the snow...? Yeech!
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Facing My Personal Nemesis
I hate yoga.
There! I said it. The truth is out!
Now, let me explain what I mean by "the truth:"
Yoga is my bugbear, my demon.. call it what you want — it's really hard for me! Even though I've trained in the martial arts for years and years, I'm physically very tight. My muscular flexibility and joint range of motion are two areas that I've constantly struggled with. And so I've avoided working on it — for years and years!
Downward dog? My mortal enemy!
Now, the truth is that I know how GOOD yoga is for me, mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually... I admire the art, it's practitioners, and all that yoga has to teach me. I subscribe to Yoga Journal. I even host yoga classes at my dojo. But the fact is I find it very challenging to face (and work with, and accept) my own physical limitations when I'm on the mat reaching for my toes and/or twisting my spine.
I've made significant improvements in recent years, but I've got a long way to go to get to where I'd like to be. And somewhere deep, down inside, I know that my physical inflexibility is probably a manifestation of a mental state. This is something I need to work on, a barrier I need to break through!
What better opportunity for growth could I ask for? I've added weekly yoga training to my UBBT.
There! I said it. The truth is out!
Now, let me explain what I mean by "the truth:"
Yoga is my bugbear, my demon.. call it what you want — it's really hard for me! Even though I've trained in the martial arts for years and years, I'm physically very tight. My muscular flexibility and joint range of motion are two areas that I've constantly struggled with. And so I've avoided working on it — for years and years!
Downward dog? My mortal enemy!
Now, the truth is that I know how GOOD yoga is for me, mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually... I admire the art, it's practitioners, and all that yoga has to teach me. I subscribe to Yoga Journal. I even host yoga classes at my dojo. But the fact is I find it very challenging to face (and work with, and accept) my own physical limitations when I'm on the mat reaching for my toes and/or twisting my spine.
I've made significant improvements in recent years, but I've got a long way to go to get to where I'd like to be. And somewhere deep, down inside, I know that my physical inflexibility is probably a manifestation of a mental state. This is something I need to work on, a barrier I need to break through!
What better opportunity for growth could I ask for? I've added weekly yoga training to my UBBT.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Trying to not compare myself to others
I want to help develop "artists of life" and help people achieve their personal goals, AND I want to grow my martial arts school into a viable business! It can be done!
Since part of my personal UBBT challenge is building and growing my school (can I double our student membership by the spring?), I've been working very hard at improving enrollment for my next adult karate beginner's session, which starts on 9/29 by posting craigslist ads, pushing student referrals, placing listings in the community news sections of local papers, etc. I'm printing up new flyers to distribute, and I'm collaborating with one of the local adult ed organizations.
I spent all of last Sunday with Master Chris Rappold at his business development seminar. Ever seen his dojo? Holy cow, it's beautiful! And more than that, it's full of students. I'm trying not to compare myself with Chris and the others in attendance (mostly multiple-school owners with hundreds of students), but it's hard not to!
Seeing and sitting with other successful dojo operators was a motivating experience... talk about seeking out masters! There's no reason why I can't be as successful as the others at the seminar... the only thing holding me back is ME!
Chris gave all of us some good suggestions, which I'm trying to wrap my head around and implement. I've been training like a wild man, too — going to a tournament in Canada at the end of next month, and competing for the first time in about a decade!
Since part of my personal UBBT challenge is building and growing my school (can I double our student membership by the spring?), I've been working very hard at improving enrollment for my next adult karate beginner's session, which starts on 9/29 by posting craigslist ads, pushing student referrals, placing listings in the community news sections of local papers, etc. I'm printing up new flyers to distribute, and I'm collaborating with one of the local adult ed organizations.
I spent all of last Sunday with Master Chris Rappold at his business development seminar. Ever seen his dojo? Holy cow, it's beautiful! And more than that, it's full of students. I'm trying not to compare myself with Chris and the others in attendance (mostly multiple-school owners with hundreds of students), but it's hard not to!
Seeing and sitting with other successful dojo operators was a motivating experience... talk about seeking out masters! There's no reason why I can't be as successful as the others at the seminar... the only thing holding me back is ME!
Chris gave all of us some good suggestions, which I'm trying to wrap my head around and implement. I've been training like a wild man, too — going to a tournament in Canada at the end of next month, and competing for the first time in about a decade!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
On Acts of Kindness
Okay, I admit it: I haven't "exactly" been tracking my acts of kindness. Now, don't get me wrong, I've been doing them, I just haven't been writing them down every day (like I'm supposed to be doing). But I'm pretty sure I get at least three AOKs in during the course of each day.
There's one AOK that I do every day: Each and every time I go into the park across the street from my house — and I'm usually in there two times a day — I pick up some trash. Sometimes I pick up a lot (like the other day, when I cleaned up a full barrell of garbage that someone knocked over on purpose); sometimes I pick up an empty soday can, or a plastic bag, or some broken glass.
It's a never-ending battle, and sometimes it seems uphill. Every day I pick something up, and every day there's something new that wasn't there the day before. It's frustrating, but I know my efforts are worth something. It reminds me of a passage I read recently in the Tao Te Ching:
In the end, I simply try to leave the park a little bit better than it was when I walked in. My daughter sees me doing this, and I know I'm setting a positive example.
Sometimes I pick up newspapers off one of the park benches, even though I know they served as a blanket for some homeless person who spent the night sleeping there. Even in my cleaning I feel a pinch of compassion.
This week, I picked up a small notebook for writing down my daily AOKs. And in the back, I've started a list of things to be grateful for. "A bed to sleep in every night" made the list today.
There's one AOK that I do every day: Each and every time I go into the park across the street from my house — and I'm usually in there two times a day — I pick up some trash. Sometimes I pick up a lot (like the other day, when I cleaned up a full barrell of garbage that someone knocked over on purpose); sometimes I pick up an empty soday can, or a plastic bag, or some broken glass.
It's a never-ending battle, and sometimes it seems uphill. Every day I pick something up, and every day there's something new that wasn't there the day before. It's frustrating, but I know my efforts are worth something. It reminds me of a passage I read recently in the Tao Te Ching:
What is a good man but a bad man's teacher?
What is a bad man but a good man's job?
If the teacher is not respected
and the student not cared for,
confusion will arise, however clever one is.
This is the great secret.
In the end, I simply try to leave the park a little bit better than it was when I walked in. My daughter sees me doing this, and I know I'm setting a positive example.
Sometimes I pick up newspapers off one of the park benches, even though I know they served as a blanket for some homeless person who spent the night sleeping there. Even in my cleaning I feel a pinch of compassion.
This week, I picked up a small notebook for writing down my daily AOKs. And in the back, I've started a list of things to be grateful for. "A bed to sleep in every night" made the list today.
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